Karen Hokanson

Karen Hokanson received her Masters Degree in Communication Management with a specialty in stakeholder communication and public relations from Emerson College in 2014. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English with a double minor in Gender Studies and Political Science from The University of Vermont. While at UVM, she studied Women’s Studies at The University of Tampere, Finland.

Hokanson received an accreditation from UTA for co-founding the first ever debate society with the language center. Bringing together Finnish and international students for cross-cultural dialogue, the society is still active today. Additionally, she competed nationally and internationally with the world-renowned Lawrence Debate Union at The University of Vermont. This included attending the International Debate Academy in Slovenia and major international tournaments such as Hart House in Toronto.

Hokanson has 20 years of professional experience in marketing and public relations. She runs a top boutique marketing firm in Rhode Island, Ground Up Marketers; providing marketing support and consulting services to service based businesses around the country.