How do you stay focused and lead with impact when the world around you feels uncertain?

Michelle and Julia sit down with Karen Boykin-Towns, President and CEO of Encore Strategies LLC and Vice Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, for a powerful conversation on leadership, purpose, and perseverance.

Karen brings her decades of experience in advocacy, policy, and strategic leadership to discuss critical issues like the backlash against DEI initiatives, the power of grassroots civic engagement, and the enduring importance of organizations like the NAACP in advancing racial equity and justice.

“We’ve been here before, and we’ve overcome. We’ll keep advancing because there’s no other option.” – Karen Boykin-Towns

The DEI Backlash:
Karen breaks down the current landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate America, sharing why some companies are rebranding their efforts but continuing the work internally—and why inclusion remains essential for business success.

The Power of Civic Engagement:
From school boards to city councils, Karen emphasizes the importance of local government and how policies at this level directly impact our communities.

The Legacy and Work of the NAACP:
Karen provides a deep dive into the NAACP’s mission, history, and ongoing efforts to protect civil rights, hold leaders accountable, and empower communities through grassroots advocacy.

Staying Resilient and Informed:
With honesty and optimism, Karen shares how to avoid feeling overwhelmed by chaos, focus on what matters, and keep advancing the work of justice and equality.

Tune in to hear Karen Boykin-Towns share her insights and strategies for navigating today’s challenges. Be inspired to use your voice, get involved, and make a difference. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share Just Getting Better to amplify stories of resilience and progress.

Karen Boykin-Towns is the President and CEO of Encore Strategies LLC, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the NAACP, and a distinguished leader in policy, advocacy, and strategic change management.

In her 22-year career at Pfizer, a Fortune 50 global biopharmaceutical company, Karen held leadership roles in government relations, policy, and human resources. In her last position as vice president of corporate affairs for Pfizer’s $34 billion innovative medicines business, she supported then-global president Albert Bourla, now company chair and CEO, in ensuring breakthrough medicines were available to patients worldwide.

Currently, Karen is president and CEO of Encore Strategies LLC, a strategic public affairs consulting firm providing informed guidance to corporations, not-for-profits, and individuals. She has served a range of clients who are at the forefront of innovation, such as DKMS, an international organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer; Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company; and the city of New York, as it explored progressive initiatives for economic development.

As vice chair of the board of directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, Karen brings to the board her dual perspective as a veteran business leader and a seasoned community advocate. With her strategic voice and future-focused approach, she has been instrumental in modernizing and mobilizing the legacy organization – from diversifying revenue streams to developing compelling content for social media platforms and leveraging relationships for greater impact.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

• 
  
• Instagram: @karenbtowns
  
  
• www.encorestrategiesllc.com
  

RESOURCES:

NAACP: NAACP.org

ACLU: ACLU.org

Action tools like Color of Change and Vote.org

Karen’s Fitness Coach – Nicole Sanders

Sponsored by Palm Bay International, Season 2 is all about celebrating growth—because getting better deserves to be acknowledged with a toast. Whether we’re having a good laugh or diving into deeper conversations, each Just Getting Better episode is filled with candid moments, practical insights, and relatable stories for women who know life only gets richer with time.

Check out this season’s delicious wine picks here.