Woman of the Week – Karen Twinem

Each week, we feature a fantastic new woman we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Karen Twinem

My Current Job/Company: Vice President, Communications & Public Policy, National Church Residences

My Birthdate: October 31, 1954

My Work: I’m a communications strategist, weaving together the disciplines of public relations, public policy advocacy, marketing and advertising.

My Passion: Serving God through helping families who are dealing with crises.

My Family: Husband Ken, grown children I still call Sara and Joey (even though no one else does), and excellent cats Eleanor Clift and Clarence Page

My Heroes: Francis de Sales, Brother Lawrence and Lady Gaga’s mother (you had to be there). Also somewhat obviously, true journalists like Eleanor Clift and Clarence Page.

My Escape: Key West in winter, Virginia Beach in summer, and New York City any time at all

My Pet Peeves: People who harm others to make money.

My Indulgence: Condiments. It’s why we have the world’s largest refrigerator and can’t fit anything else in it.

My Roots: I grew up in Westerville, which I couldn’t wait to flee. And now I live in Westerville. Turns out there really are worse places.

My Future: I look forward to retirement because I will get to do important work for people who can’t afford to pay me anything.

My Love(s): My faith, my family and really interesting bookstores.

My Movie: I started with “She’s Having a Baby” and grew into “Steel Magnolias.” I’m probably headed toward “On Golden Pond.”

My Quote on Life: A prayer from Fr. Mychal Judge, the first person killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11: “Let me go where You want me to go. Let me meet who You want me to meet. Let me say what You want me to say. And keep me out of Your way.”

My Accessory: My 5-pound organizer that I can’t let go of, despite also using an iPad and iPhone.

How I Balance it All: Ruthless prioritization and scheduling every waking hour.

My Advice to Young Women: Keep learning. Focus on what’s most important to you. And commit to cultivating a deep relationship with God before the inevitable suffering of life shows up at your house.