The Mission
Advocate, Educate & Inspire
Karen D. Hansen, affectionately known as Wren Hansen, has made it her life's goal to leave the world a better place than she found it. Her passion and personal story, combined with grit and determination, play in unison with an unapologetically bold stance on advocacy, education and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.
The Collective Projects was developed to collaborate on the projects Wren passionately pursues. Whether the task focuses on victims' rights legislation, speaking engagements, or passion-filled writing, the focus remains the same... to educate, bring about awareness, and create change through raw, thought-provoking storytelling.
Visit the link below to view her most recent interview:
Advocate & Survivor
A Personal Story
"My story is a complex one, to say the least. I have experienced a good deal of trauma in my lifetime and have carried the weight of guilt, shame and embarrassment surrounding those stories and memories.
Years ago, there was a moment I sat at my office desk, reflecting on the details of my college campus rape, going through the repetitive cycle of how it was my fault.
'Maybe I didn’t say no enough. Maybe I didn’t say it loud enough. Maybe I didn’t push away hard enough. Maybe I should’ve screamed or punched or something else.'
At the end of that self-destructive cycle, I had an awakening. It was not my fault. I did say no. I said it loud enough and I said it multiple times.
'Why was I carrying the shame and embarrassment of that experience, and my resulting pregnancy? Why was it ok for people to judge me as a single mom when no one was judging him for raping someone who couldn’t fight back?'
The cycle ended that day... I took back my power and my story and decided to do something about it. I decided to stand up for myself and for the other victims and survivors who were still blaming themselves. I would let them know it wasn’t their fault and that I would advocate for them.
I have survived childhood sexual abuse by family members, college campus rape and a resulting pregnancy, domestic violence with restraining orders, robberies, and embezzlement by family, and what I can tell you for sure, is that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, whether you like it or not.
I am a warrior. I am active in creating change. I am strong and I am not afraid to speak up, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I carry my courage every day, and on the few days I can’t, I am not afraid to ask for help. I hope my work will inspire you, motivate you and bring you strength and courage when you need it most.
Be fearless in your endeavors and carry your courage always, Wren."
Author & Storyteller
Lots To Say
"For years, I've been told I should write a book about my life. I struggled with the courage to share my darkest and most intimate experiences, and underestimated the healing power it would bring. I am nearing the completion of self-editing, incorporating comments from the beta test reader group, and finalizing the hotlines, resources, statistics and glossary that will inhabit the back pages of the book.
I am currently researching hybrid publishers and literary attorneys to find the right fit for this important subject matter.
I am grateful for every experience that has lead to where I am now, and this book will tell it all. My wild dream is that the autobiography will make it to Oprah and Reese's Reading Lists and become a best seller... I'm aiming high!
The other passion I've pursued for years, is speaking in front of a variety of audiences, from auditorium stages to personal living rooms, sharing my 'survivor's story,' bringing about awareness of domestic violence and sexual abuse statistics, and educating with the goal of preventing the cycle of abuse."
Speaking venues have included Florida Atlantic University (Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine), Florida State University (Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship), University of Miami (Walk a Mile in Her Shoes), the YWCA (Palm Beach County) at Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach County Victim Services, and the Child Rescue Coalition gala, among others.
Current commitments include serving as a Champion for the UN Women's UNiTE Campaign to end violence against women and the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission representing victims of crime.
Additional speaking engagements include Law Enforcement, State Attorney and Victim Service organizations to educate from a survivor's perspective.
*Reach out... let's collaborate on legislation or an upcoming event, and create change together!
Thought Leader & Speaker
Conversation Starter
As a speaker with a bold approach to advocacy, Wren is willing to share it all in raw detail, in order to provoke thought from the listener, and empathy for victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
She is passionate about victims' rights, using her research, as well as first-hand knowledge and experiences to deliver an understanding of the nuances and facts related to all facets of a victim and survivor's journey.
As a panel moderator, her compassion and warmth shine through when communicating with both the audience and speakers, on otherwise difficult subject matter.
Visit the link below to view her most recent interview:
Education & Professional History
Design History
As a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design, and ownership in a commercial interior design firm for 23 years (and counting), Wren has been blessed with amazing experiences and adventures. Interior design work has taken her across the country, for projects from coast to coast. Her clients have become close friends throughout the years, and she could not be more grateful for their ongoing trust and friendship.
"Product design blends my 'strategic thinker' side with with my 'creative side,' and brings an unexpected joy to my heart and mind. I feel fortunate to be listed on seven US Patents for flooring materials and handbag design. This work has allowed me to travel to Asia, Europe, the White House, and most heartwarmingly, the United Nations in New York City.
My eyes and ears are always open and looking for new adventures in the product design sector. It's certainly a bonus if the opportunity is linked to advocacy and empowerment!"