Karen Countryman-Roswurm facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Karen Countryman-Roswurm
Countryman-Roswurm in 2018
Born	Karen Countryman 1980 Wichita, Kansas, US
Education	Wichita State University (BSW, MSW, PhD)
Occupation	Social worker, professor, academic administrator

Karen Irene Countryman-Roswurm (born June 5, 1980) is a Native American (Blackfoot) social worker, professor, and university leader. She is known for her work helping people who have been exploited or taken advantage of. She is a professor at Wichita State University and started a special center there called the Wichita State University Center for Combating Exploitation (CCHT). This center works to understand and prevent people from being exploited.

Early Life and Education

Karen Countryman-Roswurm faced many challenges when she was young. When she was 13, her mother passed away. After that, she spent her teenage years moving around, sometimes living on the streets, and staying in foster homes or a children's home.

Overcoming Challenges

Even with these difficulties, Karen worked hard. She earned her GED certificate. At age 16, she successfully became independent from state care. She was the only child in Kansas to do this at that time. After becoming independent, she was hired to help other young people. She worked as a peer counselor, reaching out to kids on the streets through the same children's home that had helped her.

University Studies

Karen continued her education at Wichita State University. She earned her first degree in social work in 2005. A year later, in 2006, she completed her master's degree in social work. She then went on to earn her doctorate degree in community psychology in 2012, also from Wichita State University.

Career and Helping Others

Karen Countryman-Roswurm started her career helping young people directly. She began as a peer counselor, talking to and supporting kids who were in tough situations.

Working for Change

Since then, Karen has worked all over the United States. She has been a therapist, helping people with their feelings and problems. She has also worked in programs for young people and helped organize communities to make positive changes. A big part of her work is speaking up for people who are vulnerable or need help. She focuses on protecting those who might be taken advantage of.

Honors and Awards

Karen Countryman-Roswurm has received several awards for her important work:

• 2014: She received the first Pat Ayars Mentoring Award from the Wichita Business Journal. This award honors people who guide and support others.
• 2015: She was invited to a special meeting at the White House. This meeting focused on how to stop exploitation and help children.
• 2017: She was given the Martin Luther King Jr., Education Award by The Kansas African American Museum. This award recognizes her efforts in education and community service.