Karen Matthee

After receiving her master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University, Karen worked for newspapers in California, Texas and Washington, and also at an NPR affiliate in Seattle. She wrote and edited for a number of magazines and co-founded a regional publication for women, which won numerous awards and was a catalyst for more research money going to breast cancer and other diseases that primarily affect women. More recently, Karen transitioned into the non-profit sector, managing communications for an international organization assisting victims of landmine and cluster munitions in Southeast Asia and Afghanistan. She also served as marketing director for a large humane society in Washington State. A passionate animal advocate, Karen traveled to Romania a year and a half ago to participate in the rescue of pets made homeless by the war in Ukraine. And she currently volunteers with Better Together Animal Alliance in Ponderay. Her priorities are lowering the cost of living, improving access to quality affordable health care for everyone, and funding aging public school facilities.