Karen [KYo] Young is the Director of Sustainability and Events for the environmental non-profit EarthX. Based in Dallas, TX, EarthX hosts an annual Earth Day celebration each April. Pre-pandemic, the event welcomed over 175,000 attendees, 700+ exhibitors and 400+ speakers.

In 2020 and 2021, KYo managed the Events team for Verdical Group in Los Angeles. They host the Net Zero Conference and manage a handful of client events throughout the year.  

Prior to these roles, KYo spent nearly 8 years with Informa. She worked on a number of events including the International Roofing Expo, the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, the ArchitectureBoston Expo, and most notably the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. It is there that she fell in love with sustainability and producing mindful events.

In her early career, KYo was a producer for both radio and TV, venue manager, band manager, visual merchandiser, and owner of Relish Entertainment. An experienced graphic designer, KYo has always balanced her love for InDesign and Excel. She’s also a member of the Dallas cover band, Rich Girls. 

KYo is a WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, founding member of Members United for Sustainable Events (MUSE), member of the Climate Reality Leadership Corp, and a board member for the Spay Neuter Network.