Membership Directory - Individual
Karen Cortez
Director – Risk Management at Principal Global Investors
About
Bio: Originally from France, Karen has lived in the United States for 30 years. She has an MBA and a Master of Jurisprudence from Drake University. She has been with Principal Financial Group for 18 years. As Director- Risk Management, she supports various business areas by leading the Operational Risk program and is a member of the Global Risk team.
As a queer professional woman and a parent of a transgender son, Karen is deeply committed to creating a workplace and a community where everyone can express their authentic selves. She serves as a leader in the LGBTQ Employee Resource Group (ERG), providing support and resources to colleagues and advocating for inclusive practices across the organization.
Karen actively contributes to the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy, partnering with leadership and the Global Inclusion Office to promote a culture of acceptance and belonging. This includes representing Principal at LGBTQ-themed events and developing initiatives that strengthen the network of LGBTQ employees and allies.
Passionate about empowering individuals to be their true selves, Karen believes that diversity of thought is essential for driving innovation and enhancing her company’s success. By embracing diverse perspectives, she strives to cultivate an environment and a community where all can thrive.
As a queer professional woman and a parent of a transgender son, Karen is deeply committed to creating a workplace and a community where everyone can express their authentic selves. She serves as a leader in the LGBTQ Employee Resource Group (ERG), providing support and resources to colleagues and advocating for inclusive practices across the organization.
Karen actively contributes to the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy, partnering with leadership and the Global Inclusion Office to promote a culture of acceptance and belonging. This includes representing Principal at LGBTQ-themed events and developing initiatives that strengthen the network of LGBTQ employees and allies.
Passionate about empowering individuals to be their true selves, Karen believes that diversity of thought is essential for driving innovation and enhancing her company’s success. By embracing diverse perspectives, she strives to cultivate an environment and a community where all can thrive.
Project 1000, Top Gamechangers 2024
