Karyn Goven is a dynamic leader and educator whose unique skills, abilities, and experiences make her an outstanding member of the COABE board of directors.

Karyn has been involved for more than 20 years in many facets of educational leadership, from instruction and curriculum design to administrative governance positions throughout adult and community education. Working with the state, she created nine Learning Labs in Detroit to support individuals who want to improve their education and transition to employment or training.   

As director of Workforce Development in Southwest Detroit, Karyn supervises an adult education Learning Lab, an American Jobs Center, an Earn + Learn training program, a Center for Working Family financial education program, and youth programs. Her primary responsibility and leadership goal is to ensure that all program managers and programs meet grant requirements, participate in regional committees, market new training and education programs, create partnerships, and adhere to budgets.

Karyn is actively involved in state and national organizations, including the Michigan Association of Community and Adult Educators (MACAE), Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), Reading Works, Detroit Workforce Leadership Academy, MiTESOL AE, and an alternative high school. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences showcasing best practices and innovative programs.

Karyn’s leadership vision is one that focuses on building collaborative systems that support learners with different access points, increased opportunities, and community investment.