Karen Gutierrez is a graduate of the University of Southern California and has been working in the cultural arts for 24 years. In addition to her role as the Director of Advertising & Audience Development at the Geffen Playhouse and member of the Geffen Playhouse Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Karen serves as a Board Member for VS. Theatre Company in Los Angeles, an Advisory Board Member for Black Rebirth Collective in Los Angeles, a Branding and Strategy Consultant for LAArtsOnline.com, and a Producing instructor at the CalArts School of Theater. In 2014, Karen was recognized as a Latina in the Arts by the City of Los Angeles, 5th Council District. In 2022, she wrote and performed her first original solo piece with seven female storytellers in Gladiolus Media's premiere event, Iron Skirt Stories.