We’re thrilled to welcome Karen Cole to the Hand in Paw team as our new project coordinator! A Birmingham native with a big heart and an even bigger smile, Karen brings decades of experience in broadcasting, a lifelong love for animals, and a passion for building community — all of which make her a perfect fit for our mission.
After earning her BA in Communications from Jacksonville State University, Karen dove into a broadcasting career that spanned over 30 years. Along the way, she earned five Emmy Awards for her outstanding work in broadcast marketing — but it’s the people and stories behind the screen that have stuck with her the most. “I’m proud of the work I did to tell meaningful stories,” she says. “It was always about connection.”
One connection that’s brought her lasting joy? Snail mail. Karen is an active member of a postcard club and has received over 500 postcards from 47 countries. “Every card or letter is a treasure,” she says. “To know that someone took the time to send well wishes from across the globe — that means something.”
Over the years, Karen found herself drawn to causes that give animals a voice. She’s been involved with beloved events like Do Dah Day and Croonin’ for Critters, and her path frequently crossed with Hand in Paw through community sponsorships. “I always admired what HIP was doing,” she says. “It’s incredibly gratifying to now be part of an organization that leads with kindness and healing through the power of animals.”
When she’s not helping things run smoothly behind the scenes, you can often find Karen on the dance floor. She taps with the Alabama Ballet Tappers, performs with the high-energy crew at Magic City Disco, and lives by the motto: Never stop dancing!
Outside of work, she loves exploring her Highland Park neighborhood, visiting the Birmingham Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens, performing at local festivals, and sampling our city’s unbeatable food scene. But what she’s most looking forward to? Getting to know the people (and pets!) that make Hand in Paw so special. “I can’t wait to learn what drives our volunteers and partners to give so much of their time to help others,” she says.
Karen’s dedication to kindness, connection, and healing through the power of animals makes her a natural addition to the Hand in Paw family. We can’t wait to see all the good she’ll do in this next chapter.
If Karen’s story inspired you, consider joining our community of volunteers or making a donation to support our mission. Together, we can continue creating a more compassionate, connected world — one paw at a time. To send Karen a welcome note, email her at karen@handinpaw.org.
