ABOUT KAREN

Survivor. Trailblazer. Courage Practitioner

“Owning your story is a first step to walking boldly and freely in life and leadership.”

– Karen S. Wells

The Power of Owning My Story

Bold, authentic leadership begins with the courage to own my story. For me, that meant rising from childhood poverty, becoming a first-generation college graduate, competing as an NCAA Division I athlete, and stepping into executive leadership. Each chapter shaped the way I lead today.

When I embraced and shared my story- fully and unapologetically- it unlocked a powerful authenticity that transformed my leadership. By walking boldly in my truth, I created space for others to do the same—empowering them to honor their stories and lead with courage. I’ve learned that embracing my story deepens my connections and paves the way for transformation—not just for me, but for those I have the privilege to lead.

A Leadership Trifecta: Corporate Executive, Entrepreneur, and Nonprofit Leadership

With over 100,000 hours of practice in leadership spanning the corporate world, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership—a trifecta of experiences that have shaped my understanding of what it truly means to lead

At the McDonald’s Corporation, I held the roles of Regional Vice President responsible for $1 billion in revenue, Regional VP of Operations, VP of U.S. Strategy, and VP of Menu Strategy and Innovation, impacting 26 million customers daily at 13,000 locations. Yet, at the height of my corporate success, I made the life-changing decision to step away and prioritize being present for my teenage children—a deeply personal and pivotal leadership moment.

That choice launched a new chapter in entrepreneurship as a franchisee and owner/operator of The Goddard School, igniting my passion for empowering women, children, and families. Later, as CEO of Bridge Communities, I championed efforts to help families experiencing homelessness achieve self-sufficiency.

Today, as Chief Operations Officer of Make-A-Wish America, I’m inspired daily by the transformative power of our mission granting life-changing wishes to critically ill children. My journey—from leading billion-dollar operations to championing purpose-driven organizations—has taught me that the heart of leadership is service to others – it is a calling to leave the world better than we found it.

Courage Practitioner- Perpetually

My mother taught me that courage is not a one-time decision—it’s a relentless, daily pursuit. For her, a single mom with an eighth-grade education raising seven children in rural North Carolina, courage was not a choice; it was survival. She consistently demonstrated that when life demands more than we think we can give, courage becomes the foundation we build upon.

That foundation propelled me to break the cycle of poverty and fracture what I have termed as the “plexiglass ceiling” for women of color in leadership. With faith as my anchor, mentors to guide me, and trailblazers to inspire me, I have learned that courage is not a destination—it’s a perpetual pursuit and practice. Every day we are presented with opportunities to strengthen our courage muscle and refine our craft as courage practitioners.

Courage isn’t just my story—it’s the journey of every leader striving to lead boldly and authentically.

“Courage must be relentlessly pursued and fiercely captured – Perpetually.”