Karen Lawrence is an Afro-Ameri-Canadian who has lived in Toronto since 1970.  She has leaned toward the Arts throughout her adult life, first by earning a degree in music education, then by becoming a self-employed cabinetmaker. After 12 years in the shop, she moved back to the classroom where she mostly taught woodworking and various computer applications. Now in retirement, and fully engaged as Board Chair of the Board of Directors, Karen feels the work of the Board is to ensure that UrbanArts continues to plant the seeds of opportunity, water them regularly with a plenitude and variety of experiences, and record the culmination of the process to inspire others. The goal is to add depth to the quality of life of each program participant through shared experiences and to create a community of people bound in the knot of respect, appreciation, generosity and kindness.