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Karuna Pai Thomas is a Dallas Professional Women Ambassador, Community Volunteer with organizations like CASA , Lean In Dallas, and The Junior League of Collin County. In addition to being passionate about serving the community, she also gravitates to create and cultivate inclusive environments. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is one of her many passions. Her willingness to help and pull up a seat at the table are just some of the qualities that make Karuna a go-to for many women! She inspires us all!
In celebration of #VolunteerAppreciationWeek (annually 3rd week of April), Karuna gives you a glimpse of what it takes to be a great volunteer! Great volunteers aren't born, there made! In this #LearnSomethingNew session Karuna sits down with Irum to talk about how anyone can volunteer! Her easy formula and checklist to being a rockstar volunteer is a must see for new, seasoned or professional volunteers.
We hope that once you finish learning about all the qualities of a great volunteer, that you apply it towards a local non-profit or community group!
Unsure where to volunteer? Check out our Outreach Projects page! Local non-profits are always in need of volunteers to help support them!
About Karuna www.linkedin.com/in/karuna-pai-thomas
Diversity & Inclusion Catalyst ▫️Sr. Certified Professional Coach▫️Global Business Acumen▫️Supply Chain Strategist▫️#IamRemarkable Facilitator
Karuna holds a two-decade successful spell in the Foodservice-Restaurant industry, specializing in Supply Chain, International Business, Training & Development and Franchising. This past decade, she mobilized the Chili’s international growth in 30+ countries by executing robust supply chain strategies. Now, in 'pursuit of her passion', she is dedicating her copious expertise, global intelligence and cultural competence to further Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
Karuna's career began at MBM in Distribution & Logistics. She cracked the code in Inventory Management early on, making it a game changer. The endorsements here are a clear testimony!
This routed her into the next pioneering role of leading Training & Development. She created cutting-edge training programs, constantly raised the bar and was recognized by Blue Ridge Replenishment & Inventory Solutions Global group, as a Rare & Talented performer ranked among the top ‘Champions’.
Next, promoted to manage large National Chain restaurant accounts, Karuna was instrumental in earning MBM, ‘Supplier of the Year 2010’ award from EL Pollo Loco.
This positioned her to take on Chili’s International Supply Chain at Brinker International, where she excelled at building sustainable supply chain models and launch Chili’s in new countries world-wide.
Karuna is a Community builder who champions organizations and community leaders in creating impactful moments, causes and experiences. She spotlights progress through the inspirational stories of pioneers via outlets like Top Pick Media; a South Asian lifestyle magazine rooted in Dallas, Texas which has landed her in roles interviewing some of the biggest Tech & Banking giants in the world!
She leads women-empowerment initiatives at Lean In-Dallas network, member of Junior League of Collin County, and an Ambassador & Podcast Host for Dallas Professional Women.
A dedicated mentor with American Corporate Partners, Karuna serves the veteran community. She equips transitioning-service members to advance their career goals in the corporate world.
A huge proponent in catalyzing societal change that supports children & women, she advocates for the best interest of foster children as a CASA volunteer. She also promotes children’s education and raises women from impoverished background to economic sustenance with Adera Foundation in Ethiopia.
Karuna’s consistency, resilience, and philanthropy have earned her many sponsors and allies, trusting her expertise and transparency across.
Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Harmony, Connectedness, Individualization, Relator, Achiever.
Join Dallas Professional Women! www.dallasprofessionalwomen.com/dpw-become-a-member (Plans start start at $25 a month) Your Membership Includes: Certificate + Public Endorsement by DPW Community, Digital Seal for Signature & Website SEO Boost, Dedicated web page for you OR your company, 1 Standard Blog Article spotlighting you OR your company, 1 Custom Video, 5 Custom DPW Social Media Postings, Be a Guest in local Podcasts, Panels, Summits & Roundtables, Discounts to Summits, Master Classes, Conferences & Events, Discounts to Promote Print, Digital, Streaming & TV Shows, Up to 30% Off Any Media/Marketing Services by DPW, Listed in HPW + DPW Global Directory, Monthly Business Spotlight + Boosting on Social Media
Karuna IS that SuperStar!!!!! Definitely the one to learn from about Volunteer - Diversity Equity and Inclusion!! Honore to be alongside her as Sister Ambassador 💝