Speaking & Events
From Harvard and Geneva to keynotes on gender and political representation — a selection of public engagements, keynotes, panels, and moderated events.
Representing Civil Society from Ecuador at CERD
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination · Geneva
Represented civil society from Ecuador before the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), contributing to shadow reporting and advocacy on racial discrimination and the rights of Afro-descendant and indigenous communities. Carried out in her capacity as Spokesperson of the LEGĀTUM Foundation.
LEGĀTUM Foundation →LANI Congress — “From Disparities to Diversities”
Latin American Network Initiative
One of three keynote speakers at the LANI Congress, addressing how to break the glass ceiling for women and indigenous representation in Latin American politics. Drawing on her research and field experience, Karen presented actionable perspectives on intersectional barriers and pathways to more inclusive governance.
Second Conference on Afro-Latin American Studies
Harvard University · Boston
Presented research on race, gender, and class in the 2021 Ecuadorian legislative elections — an intersectional analysis of Afro-Ecuadorian women candidates’ discourses and experiences. Part of her graduate thesis research at the Geneva Graduate Institute.
“Gender Expertise: Opportunities and Challenges”
Geneva Graduate Institute Roundtable
Participant in a roundtable discussion on career pathways and challenges for gender specialists in international organisations, drawing on her experience at the IPU and the IACHR.
Geneva Peace Talks 2021
Palais des Nations · International Day of Peace · Theme: “Recovering Better for an Equitable & Sustainable World”
Moderated the Geneva Peace Talks 2021, co-organised by the United Nations Office at Geneva, Interpeace, and the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform. One of Geneva’s most prominent annual peace dialogues, bringing together policymakers, practitioners, and civil society from around the world. Speakers included the UN Secretary-General and the Director-General of UN Geneva.
Advocacy Mechanisms for Afrodescendants in the OAS
Ashanti Perú · Red Peruana de Jóvenes Afrodescendientes
Guest lecture on participation and advocacy mechanisms for Afrodescendant youth within the Inter-American System of Human Rights, based on her direct experience at the IACHR in Washington, D.C.
Graduation Ceremony Alumnus Speech
Leiden University · International Studies
Invited back as 2019 Most Outstanding Student to deliver the alumnus address at Leiden’s 2020 International Studies graduation ceremony. Reflected on the journey from Ecuador to Leiden and the value of the programme’s cultural diversity and critical thinking. Quoted: “I believe what really matters is the determination, passion and perseverance for long-term goals despite adversity — that is why I travelled over two continents to study.”
Harvard WorldMUN 2019 — Chair at OAS Committee
Harvard World Model United Nations · Madrid
Chaired the OAS committee at Harvard’s flagship international Model UN conference, facilitating debate among delegations from universities worldwide.
Harvard WorldMUN 2017 — Chair at UNHCR Committee
Harvard World Model United Nations · Montréal
Chaired the UNHCR committee at Harvard WorldMUN in Montréal, facilitating substantive debate on refugee and displacement issues at one of the world’s most prestigious Model UN conferences.
Press & Media
MP Noticias · Ecuador
Machalena dictará conferencia en la Universidad de Harvard
Local press coverage of Karen’s invitation to present at Harvard University’s Conference on Afro-Latin American Studies.
Read article →FM Mundo · Radio Interview
Karen Chica y la defensa de los derechos humanos
Radio interview on Karen’s work in human rights defence, her career trajectory, and her commitment to gender equality and Afro-descendant rights.
Listen →MP Noticias · Video Interview
Entrevista sobre MUNJUD y los Modelos de Naciones Unidas
Interview on the importance of Model UN programmes and Karen’s work founding and directing EL ORO MUN in Ecuador’s El Oro province.
Watch →Selected Resources
Publications, case studies, and curated reading lists on impact investment in education, race, gender, and political representation in Latin America — freely accessible.
Co-authored Publication · NORRAG · July 2022
Inyova’s Online Impact Investment Platform
Case study published with NORRAG at the Geneva Graduate Institute · Open access
Understanding Blackness in 21st Century Latin America and the Caribbean
Research document · Open access
Anti-racist Reading List — Latin American Version
Curated reading list · Open access
Black Feminism & Decolonizing Pedagogy Reading List
Curated reading list · Open access
Interested in having Karen speak at your event?
Karen speaks on multilateral governance, gender equality, intersectionality and political representation, and civic education. Available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese.
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