Leading with Passion & Purpose
Architect Karen Freeman reflects on her journey, from designing healing spaces for children to championing neurodiversity and uplifting women leaders
In my recent interview with Karen Freeman, I was struck by her passion for uplifting others through her work in the world of design and architecture. She shared inspiring perspectives from her 25-year architecture career. As a senior architect specializing in designing healing spaces for children, she advocates for embracing neurodiversity as a gift in the field and creating inclusive environments to ensure neurodiverse workers can fully utilize these gifts to bring the best care to young patients, many with daunting diagnoses. Having navigated the male-dominated field of architecture, she also strives to empower women leaders in healthcare as national president of the Women in Healthcare organization.
Finding Her Calling in Pediatric Healthcare Design
Karen traces the arc of her career with humility and grace. Her gift for design took root in childhood, nurtured by mentors who saw her promise. Despite not having a medical background initially, Karen dove into learning all she could. She found purpose in easing stressful healthcare journeys for little ones facing health challenges.
Now, after over two decades designing pediatric spaces, Karen's sense of mission shines through. She shares the joys of guiding projects that will provide specialized care under one roof, and mental health services in an underprivileged community. Karen reminds me how each small act of service lights the way for others.
Celebrating Neurodiversity in Healthcare Teams
What shone brightest as Karen spoke was her spirit of compassion. She discusses healthcare's responsibility to embrace neurodiverse teams. With deep empathy, Karen describes how conditions often seen as disabilities may impart special talents in the healthcare field, like meticulous focus. She notes how seemingly simple accommodations can allow people to fully contribute their gifts. Making accommodations and tapping into unique capabilities allows neurodiverse staff to contribute fully. When workplaces support their needs, they can better fulfill their potential and provide top-notch patient care.
“Those who have neurodiverse diagnoses often have a number of characteristics that, while could be seen as impediments that need to be overcome, can often be seen as really critical capabilities for healthcare teams.”
Uplifting Women Leaders in Healthcare
Now a senior leader, Karen avows to hold the ladder for other women still climbing in healthcare. As she explains, “I see it as an opportunity and an obligation to help chart the way for woman behind me who are facing many of the same challenges that I was.” Karen helped found the Women in Healthcare organization to provide women the tools to advance professionally, and now serves as its national president.
She stresses the importance of moving beyond mentorship to sponsorship, speaking up for women and opening doors so they can attain influence. “There is power in lifting each other up,” she notes. I am moved by her commitment to speak up on behalf of women and actively propel them into influential roles.
“I see a shift, and it’s something that’s important to me personally, to not just continue to say, ‘Hey, come on, you can do this, too,’ but to take a step back and lead someone up to the position that you’re in and ensure that they really have a sponsor – not just a mentor, but a sponsor.”
Lighting the Way Forward
True to the spirit of She Lights the Way, Karen Freeman shines brightly as both a highly talented architect and a champion of women rising. She designs spaces that aid healing, while advancing opportunities for women leaders and diverse workers. Karen exudes passion for catalyzing positive change through her craft. Her light shows us how we, too, can lift each other to greater heights.
You can learn more about Karen and her work, read articles and thought leadership pieces that she’s authored, and connect with her on the HOK website, or on LinkedIn.
Karen's wisdom and warmth touched my soul. She models using one's position to illuminate the path for every person wishing to fulfill their promise. I am inspired by her grace and courage to lead with compassion. Guided by Karen's light, I think we can take strength to move through the world with more heart.
