Karen Takacs

Karen Takacs has been Executive Director with Canadian Crossroads International since 2001. During this time, Karen has helped lead the transformation of CCI from an organization focused on cross-cultural exchange to one focused on key development issues. Today CCI supports innovative international partnerships between community-based organizations in Canada and eight countries in West Africa, Southern Africa and South America, working to eradicate poverty, fight HIV/AIDS and achieve women’s equality.  CCI has a strong commitment to engaging Canadians and to working collaboratively with others.

Prior to this, Karen has worked as a senior manager responsible for programming, policy and advocacy with a wide variety of community, health and social service organizations in Canada – local, provincial and national - addressing women's issues, homelessness, housing, poverty and mental health.  Karen has also worked as funder with the federal government and with a publicly funded foundation.  Karen has served on a variety of community boards, planning bodies, and coalitions and currently serves as a member of the Boards of International Forum on Development Service and the Canadian Council for International Cooperation. She is also a member of the Steering Committee for the Make Poverty History Campaign in Canada. Karen holds a Masters in Management for National Voluntary Sector Leaders, from McGill University.