One Woman's Response to Homelessness: Karen Olson (Episode 185)

One Woman's Response to Homelessness: Karen Olson (Episode 185)

Author: Marcylle Combs September 3, 2025 Duration: 36:43

In this conversation, Karen Olson discusses her experiences that led to the founding of Family Promise, an organization dedicated to helping homeless families. Karen emphasizes the importance of community involvement, understanding the root causes of homelessness, and the need for advocacy and public policy changes. She encourages listeners to take action, get involved, and make a difference in their communities.

Karen Olson, the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise has dedicated her life to transforming thepresent and futures of homeless and low-income families. Karen has rallied more than a million volunteers nationwide, fostering an extensive network of support for the vulnerable. Also, because of all the efforts of the volunteers, theorganization has been able to assist over a million people experiencing homelessness.Before her remarkable transition into the realm of social advocacy, Karen demonstrated her leadership prowess as amanager at Warner-Lambert. However, her leap into the world of nonprofits truly underscored her compassionate spirit and steadfast determination.

Karen’s efforts have been duly recognized, and she has received numerous awards. Some of them includePresident George H.W. Bush honoring her with the prestigious Annual Points of Light Award, and the New Jersey Governor’s Pride Award recognizing Karen’s remarkable social-service contributions. The American Institute of PublicService also bestowed upon her the Jefferson Award, acknowledging her tireless public-service efforts.In 2019, Karen experienced a freak accident that left her in a wheelchair. While it has changed her life, Karen continuesto be involved.

Get In Touch With Karen:

⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠FB⁠, ⁠LN⁠, ⁠IG⁠

Karen's book: Meant for More

4 recommendations

1. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

3. The Tools by Barry Michels and Phil Stutz

4. The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

 


Hosted by Marcylle Combs, 50% with Marcylle Combs is built on the belief that women's voices and leadership are essential to every conversation. This podcast moves beyond surface-level interviews to explore the full spectrum of a leader's life. In each episode, Marcylle sits down with a woman who is actively shaping her field and community, delving into the real texture of her journey. You'll hear about the pivotal moments that defined her path, the obstacles that reshaped her direction, and the hard-won insights gathered along the way. These are not just success stories; they are honest accounts of professional and personal evolution, offering tangible advice for anyone looking to lead. By focusing on this depth, the podcast creates a platform where the diverse and inspiring narratives of women from various backgrounds, industries, and sectors take center stage. Tuning into this podcast means gaining access to a repository of experience, a source of solidarity, and a clearer understanding of what it means to build a meaningful career and life. It’s where ambition meets reflection, and where listening feels like joining a candid, necessary dialogue about progress and purpose.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

50% with Marcylle Combs
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