Karen Louis is a nonprofit executive and arts leader with more than 15 years of experience strengthening cultural and education organizations across Los Angeles. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Neighborhood Music School, the city’s oldest community music institution, where she has led a period of significant growth—expanding assets, deepening community partnerships, and increasing access to music education for students in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Throughout her career, Karen has worked at the intersection of arts, education, and community impact, with a focus on building sustainable organizations and expanding equitable access to the arts. Her leadership spans strategic planning, fundraising, governance, and program development, with prior roles at Arts for LA and the LACHSA Foundation.
As a Board Member of LA Dance Chronicle, Karen brings a deep commitment to advancing inclusive arts journalism, supporting artists, and strengthening the cultural ecosystem of Los Angeles.