Karen Loucks Rinedollar

Founder of Project Linus & Purpose-Driven Leadership Speaker

As Seen on Oprah & NBC Nightly News

Karen Loucks Rinedollar inspires audiences to build stronger communities, create meaningful connections, and live more purpose-filled lives.

Speaking topics include:

• Cultivating a Culture of Connection
• Building Community
• Purpose-Driven Leadership
• Work-Life Balance
• Leadership and Management
• The L.I.N.U.S. Effect

The Importance of Cultivating Connection

Loneliness continues to affect millions of people around the world.

In fact, many experts estimate that as many as one in four people globally experience loneliness. In the United States, that number may reach as high as 50%.

Humans naturally crave connection. Without it, people often feel isolated, invisible, or unimportant. Although loneliness existed long before COVID-19, the pandemic intensified the problem by separating people from friends, coworkers, faith communities, sports, and social organizations.

As a result, people of all ages and backgrounds now experience the effects of disconnection. Students, professionals, retirees, parents, and empty nesters can all struggle with loneliness.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, chronic loneliness can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death. Researchers even compare its health risks to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

However, Karen believes people can take meaningful steps to build stronger relationships and healthier communities.

Through her L.I.N.U.S. Effect framework:

• Live with Purpose
• Invest in Others
• Never Say Never
• Undertake Something Bold
• Start Now

Karen helps audiences create greater belonging in both their personal and professional lives.

Working for Peanuts: The Project Linus Story

Karen founded Project Linus nearly 30 years ago to provide comfort and security to children facing illness, trauma, and crisis.

Today, Project Linus has delivered nearly 10 million handcrafted security blankets to children around the world.

Karen’s work has earned recognition from celebrities and national media personalities including:

• Charles Schulz
• Oprah Winfrey
• Brian Williams
• Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Most recently, Karen coordinated a celebrity-made blanket fundraiser featuring handmade blankets created by:

• Vanna White
• Carole King
• Jonah Larson

In addition, major publications including People Magazine, Reader’s Digest, Parade, Family Circle, and Women’s Day have featured Karen’s inspiring story.

Community Leadership

Karen’s commitment to service extends far beyond Project Linus.

She served as a founding board member and Board Chair of Hide in Plain Sight, an organization focused on breaking cycles of homelessness and poverty through education. In addition, she serves on the board of Active4All Evergreen, which supports parks and recreation opportunities in Colorado mountain communities.

Karen also served on the Board of Directors for the Parker Chamber of Commerce, including two years as Senior Vice Chair.

Meanwhile, she continues leading the Denver chapter of Project Linus. Each year, the chapter delivers thousands of blankets to hospitals, hospice programs, police and fire departments, social services, Native American reservations, specialty camps, and military families.

Leadership Through Service

For nearly three decades, Karen has inspired audiences to recognize the power of individual action.

Her presentations encourage people to lead with compassion, embrace challenges, and create positive change within their communities and organizations.

In addition to nonprofit leadership, Karen served for 13 years as a firefighter and EMT with Rattlesnake Fire Protection District. She also worked as a healthcare provider at Children’s Hospital Colorado and as a People Development Specialist.

Furthermore, Karen became a certified Fire Starter with the Studer Group, helping healthcare teams strengthen customer service and workplace culture.

Life Beyond the Stage

Karen brings energy, humor, and authenticity to every presentation.

A lifelong athlete, she won the Lt. Governor’s Award and earned recognition as Colorado Masters 200-yard backstroke champion. She also enjoys hiking, pickleball, and motorcycle travel throughout the United States, Canada, and South America with her husband Gary.

When not speaking or traveling, Karen lives in a mountain community near Denver with her husband and their cat, Moonie.

Invite Karen to Bring a Spark to Your Event

Karen Loucks Rinedollar delivers inspiring presentations that encourage audiences to lead with purpose, build meaningful connections, and create positive change in the world.