Karen King
About Karen
What do you do at MPIC?
As a special projects coordinator I have been given the task of designing and coordinating training programs for incarcerated individuals to give them the work skills and life skills they need to be successful once they have been released. I have helped write grants for potential funding for our programs and completed research for labor market and wage rate information. One of my proudest accomplishments was to create the MPIC clothes closet for individuals that do not have clothes or do not have the means to purchase clothes once released.
What are your credentials/education/experience for working in your position?
I have over 20 years of Human Resource Management working with Fortune 100 companies. I also have a background in training, from supervising different aspects of a training department to managing the entire training department for all locations in the US. I owned my own retail business for ten years and have volunteered to help train etiquette courses, how to dress for success and other life skills courses.
What is something people in your industry must deal with that you want to fix? The mindset of putting all incarcerated individuals in a box with a label and not looking at them as individuals. There is a life’s story behind each one of them, and most of them just need hope for the future and to know that someone does care about their success once they are released.
What do you like about working at MPIC?
I love the hearts of our employees and their desires to make a difference in the lives of others. I love working with the inmates and helping them succeed while still incarcerated but also planning for their future once they are released for prison. The reward of helping them reach milestones while incarcerated and glimpsing the actual hope in their eyes and the appreciation from their hearts is what keeps me working hard and loving my career!
What’s your background?
I was born and grew up in West Jackson and have lived in the metro area for my entire life. I have three siblings, all sisters that are my best friends. I married my amazing husband in 1994 and we have lived in the Raymond area since 1999. I attend Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi and have been an active member since 1984.
Favorite Quote:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
What are the values that drive you?
As Christians the greatest commandment given to us by Jesus is found in Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” And the second greatest commandment given to us is “Love your neighbor as yourself”. My driving force is love as commanded by Jesus. By loving individuals where they are, no matter their past mistakes is what is expected of me and what drives me daily.
Your top favorite Podcasts/Books?
I love any podcasts or books that are related to history, politics, or religion.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
In my spare time I love to research everything!! I enjoy spending time with my husband and attending family celebrations and gatherings.