Karen Wawrzaszek

Impact Investments, ESG Investments and Philanthropy Thought Leadership

In her most recent role, Karen Wawrzaszek was a Regional President for BNY Mellon Wealth Management. In this role she consulted with ultra-high net worth families, family offices, and non-profit organizations to address their investment and wealth management needs.

Karen is a recognized impact investment, environmental social & governance (ESG) investing, and philanthropy thought leader. Karen has more than two decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, ultra-high-net worth families, institutions, and non-profit organizations through holistic financial planning and investment programming. She is sought out to speak on podcasts and at conferences, including the UN Global People’s Summit, and contribute to articles. She has previously led the impact initiatives for two privately held family offices and launched the impact-oriented investment platform for a $5b registered investment advisory practice.

Karen is active and passionate about community engagement. In addition to co-founding Pomona Society, a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on economic empowerment for women and families in Washington, DC, Karen serves on the Board and is Chair of the Investment Committee of the Meyer Foundation and a board member of Teach for America. Her prior Board involvement includes the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, the Shakespeare Theatre Company, Black Girl Ventures, and Eastside Domestic Violence of Seattle, Washington.

Karen was named a Washingtonian Top Financial Adviser in 2018 and 2020 and is a graduate and featured member of Leadership Greater Washington’s Signature Program.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Wichita State University. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA).