Karen Levingston-Franklin, MBA

2023 COMMUNITY HERO

AMentor, A Business Coach, A Forward Thinker, An Innovator, and A Friend. Since April 1990, Karen Levingston-Franklin has served as an ambassador in building and cultivating the next generation of leaders, business owners, and communities. A seasoned leader and professional in the public and private sector providing innovative solutions that promotes fundraising, fund development, donor relations, public relations/ marketing, and the utilization of certified disadvantaged, minority, women, and small businesses. She serves with the City of Houston, Housing, and Community Development Department, and has served private entities and non-profits including McDonald’s Corporation, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, World Youth Foundation, Inc., and World Youth Foundation Enterprises.

Forward-thinking Senior Executive with a proven record of accomplishments in business during a 32-year career. Driven and ambitious professional with a natural talent for leading and motivating people to achieve challenging objectives. Effortlessly builds and maintains profitable relationships and team connections; strong influencing and negotiating skills with the ability to drive alignments across executives and peers at all levels. Demonstrated success in assessing potential barriers and developing strategies focused on recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce. Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy while effectively relating to people at all levels, internally and externally. Skilled in training and mentoring employees, students, and businesses to develop every person to their full potential.

Currently, she serves as an advocate in promoting community outreach and economic opportunities on federal economic and community development projects for primary MWSBE's and Section 3 Business Concerns: Identifies and manage relationships with external partnerships and key diversity organizations on behalf of the department. Coordinates business partner relationships, information sessions, solicitation of low-income persons, facilitating/networking events, and sharing program information. Collaborates with workforce coordinator, community organizations, and key leaders to organize and connect employment and contracting opportunities for workers. Work cross-functionally with Relationship Managers, Program Divisions, and Procurement Teams. Monitors progress of events, prepares reports and facilitates communication between all outreach efforts. Establishes and maintains cooperative alliances with community organizations and participates in or speaks at various meetings or other events to share information regarding federal and local programs and/or initiatives.

Additionally, she’s a champion that is committed and vested in preparing our youth for sustainable livelihoods in today’s economy. Knowing that empowering youth builds resilience, character, integrity, and wisdom, while fostering and enabling opportunities to bring the world to them through projectbased learning. At the same time, it fosters engagement, and helps them to become healthy and productive members of their communities.

Karen Levingston-Franklin, MBA Community Involvement Coordinator Housing and Community

Development Department

2100 Travis Street, 9th Floor Houston, TX 77002

O: (832) 394-6160

F: (832) 395-9670 www.recovery.houstontx.gov