Since joining JT in 2006, Karla has coordinated logistics for many client events.

Karla's project highlights include the Special Olympics Global Law Enforcement Torch Run, the AFL-CIO Democratic Presidential Forum, 1871’s grand opening, UIC’s Urban Forum, Chicago’s Department of Aviation runway grand openings and Advocate Charitable Foundation’s INSPIRE Gala, featuring the late Aretha Franklin. In 2017, Karla helped coordinate event logistics for the North American Climate Summit in Chicago, which included more than 130 national and international mayors, Mayor Emanuel and President Barack Obama.

From 2014-2018, Karla worked in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust to plan and implement all aspects of the Trust’s initiative, On The Table, the largest public initiative ever undertaken by The Chicago Community Trust. Specifically, Karla led the outreach team to help engage participants from every Chicago neighborhood and residential zip code in a discussion about the future of our metropolitan Chicago communities.

Most recently, in April and August of 2018, Karla worked with the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office and World Business Chicago to develop site visits for the Amazon delegation visiting Chicago to identify a location for their second headquarters. Karla helped the leadership team identify unique sites, efficient and varied transportation routes and overall experiences for the delegation during their time in Chicago.

Karla has also acted as stage manager for many clients, including: the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, the grand opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Urban Prep Academy’s Graduation Ceremony, GCM Grosvenor SEM Conference, ADA 25 Chicago and CURE’s annual Chicago benefit.

Internationally, Karla worked as the lead site advance in Khartoum, Sudan for President Carter during The Carter Center’s election monitoring trip. She also helped coordinate site visits, lodging and transportation logistics for a delegation visiting Ethiopia from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Karla also traveled with former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to coordinate all logistics for his delegation’s trade-mission trip to Beijing.

Karla earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Ball State University.