Dr. Karisa Antonio is a community-centered, purpose-driven leader who addresses complex and universal challenges through strategic listening, learning, responsiveness, and collaboration. Her career, spanning the sectors of social services, arts and culture, health and wellness, youth development and education, reflects a personal commitment to human connection and co-creation. Through purpose-oriented systems, inspired organizational strategy, and disciplined implementation, Karisa generates the conditions for people and organizations to learn, adapt, and act.
Karisa received her Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University, her master’s degree from Yale University, and her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University. She holds an executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Baruch College and is certified in Results-Based Accountability™. A lifetime learner, Karisa has participated as a fellow with CultureSource’s Arts Leaders as Cultural Innovators, the New York Community Trust Leadership Fellows, the New York Foundation for the Arts Emerging Leader Fellows, and the Carnegie Hall Choral Fellows. She recently served as Grand Valley State University Distinguished Alumna in Residence.
Karisa was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as a Notable Nonprofit Board Member, and named by Stony Brook University as 40 Under 40 honoree for her work in civil service and activism. She has served on the Steering Committee of the Detroit Residents First Fund, and as chair of the Community Advisory Board for the Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation. Karisa is currently on the board of directors for COTS, an organization that serves families facing housing loss and insecurity in Detroit.
Contact Karisa at karisaantonio ‘at’ gmail ‘dot’ com.
karisaantonio.com 