Karen Crofton is the entrepreneur in residence for the college. She teaches a venture capital course for the Leeds School of Business, as well as courses for the Engineering Management Program. She is the faculty advisor for the HackCU hackathon and the CatalyzeCU summer business accelerator program. Karen has been an active start-up investor in the Boulder community for the past 10 years.
What have been some meaningful ways in which you have felt welcomed to CU Engineering?
The Engineering Management group is really welcoming to faculty who have come from an industry background, we have a lot of group events to stay engaged and to support each other's programs.
How do you enjoy practicing self-care and/or community care?
My favorite self-care practice is playing tennis. Let me know if you want to play!
Describe one of your favorite traditions.
Once a year I head to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. It's beautiful there and a great way to reflect back on the year.
What is an ordinary moment in your life that brings you joy? Walking. I try to walk as my main mode of transportation and find that it always puts me in a good mode.
What is a motto or quote that you hold dear and why? People don't always remember what you say or what you do, but they always remember how you make them feel.
One thing you’re willing to spend way too much on . . .
Shoes, like waaay too much.
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Lonnie Johnson, the inventor of the Super Soaker. He invented a toy that has brought a ton of joy to a lot of people and also has an amazing technical background.
Which TV show do you never miss?
The Price is Right. I love how happy people are when they win! I record the episodes and catch up when I have time.