Karen taught us how to fight, and she taught us how to love. She bowed to no one, and gave strength to tens of thousands of teachers, PSRPs, counselors, clinicians, librarians and rank-and-file educators who followed her lead, and who live by her principles to this day.

She was the voice of the educator who worked tirelessly to provide care and nurture for students; the single parent who fought tremendous odds to raise a family; and the laborer whose rights commanded honor and respect.

She was a rose that grew out of South Side Chicago concrete — filled with love for her Kenwood Broncos alumni — to not only reach great heights, but to elevate everyone she led to those same heights.

But Karen didn't just lead our movement. Karen was our movement.