Karen Roach

Karen Roach is the Chair of the Waterbury Black Business Network, Inc. and the new Diversity Outreach Coordinator for the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut. Originally from Nicaragua, Karen immigrated to the U.S. at the age of three with her mother. Growing up in a Latino household, she was inspired by her father's relentless pursuit of the "American Dream." His story of overcoming homelessness and achieving stability within a year ignited her drive to make a difference, leading her to firmly believe that "there are no excuses."

Motivated by her parents' dedication to their family, Karen has continuously sought ways to uplift her community, particularly for families in Black and Brown households who may lack access to essential resources. In addition to her role at WBBN, she served as the Director of Community Affairs and Social Media Marketing for the Latina Scholarship Fund, Inc. for five years, where she worked to enhance scholarship opportunities and provide vital resources to Latino families.

Throughout her philanthropic journey, she has also served on various nonprofit boards, developing a passion for expanding organizations to better serve diverse communities. One of her key objectives at the BBB is to strengthen the organization's presence in Connecticut’s diverse neighborhoods and raise awareness of resources for small business owners, enabling them to thrive.

With a background in event coordination, customer service, marketing, and community outreach, Karen possesses a diverse skill set that equips her to effectively execute her mission of providing vital resources to Black and Brown communities. As Chair of WBBN, she is committed to fostering economic empowerment and support for local entrepreneurs.