Dr. Karen Tilstra

Founder & President, Creativity Effect

Orlando

Karen wants to live in a world that’s free, work is fast, & chocolate is devoid of calories. She believes everyone is creative with leadership potential, and the world would be a lot happier if we all embraced this truth. Until that happens, she is busy helping people develop their inner wellspring of creativity. Karen is the founder & President of Creativity Effect. Over the past 10 years, she has co-founded labs and developed Design Thinking teams for AdventHealth, The Orlando Magic, San Diego State University, Pioneers International, Seminole County Health Department, and Orange County. Karen holds a PhD in Innovation and Leadership and an Ed.S in Educational Psychology. Karen & her team have facilitated more than 610 Design Thinking projects for over 37 national & International companies, hospitals, government agencies & universities. Karen and her team have won 3 innovation awards: Des Cumings Innovation Award, Front End Innovation Design Thinking Award, and the European Innovators Award. A native Californian, Karen has 2 books due out sometime fall 2021. She also had a blast co-writing a screenplay with her filmmaker son. Currently, Karen lives in Florida with her artist husband. They enjoy rustling up yearly "Art & Creativity Tours." And they are presently rejoicing that their 3 sons have successfully launched into the world.