Networking & Knowledge

Karen Williams
Executive Director, Lincoln Heights Outreach Incorporated (LHOI)

Karen Williams, ANCP, is a seasoned fundraising and development executive with more than 25 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations and driving transformative philanthropic impact. She currently serves as Executive Director of Lincoln Heights Outreach Incorporated (LHOI), where she leads fundraising efforts, strategic initiatives to strengthen community impact and organizational sustainability.

Karen has successfully led development and advancement teams across the nonprofit sector, partnering with boards and executive leadership to strengthen governance, expand donor engagement, and build sustainable funding strategies.

In 2018, Karen founded SPARK Philanthropy, a Cincinnati-based consulting firm created to help nonprofits identify and implement sustainable, long-term growth strategies. As the founder of the first Black woman-led fundraising consulting firm in Cincinnati, she broke new ground while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession. Throughout her career, she has worked to amplify the talents, perspectives, and leadership of fundraisers of color.

Karen’s career includes leadership roles with organizations such as the National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation, TriHealth Spirit of Women®, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, the Community Foundation, WordPlay, and Monster.com’s Diversity Leadership Programs. She has raised millions of dollars through major gifts, corporate partnerships, and capital campaigns supporting both private and public philanthropic initiatives. A dedicated civic leader, Karen currently serves on the Board of The Healing Center and Campaign Steering Committee member for the comprehensive campaign for Crayons & Beyond. She is a founding member and past trustee of the Princeton High School Education Foundation, where she played an instrumental role in its establishment and growth. Her additional board service includes The D.A.D. Initiative, Ursuline Academy, and WordPlay, reflecting a deep and sustained commitment to nonprofit governance and community impact.

Karen holds a degree in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy and is an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ANCP). A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, she is a proud graduate of Princeton High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Ohio University.

In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was named a Great Leader Under 40, Princeton Distinguished Alumni Honoree, and a Wonderful Woman of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy by Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)®.