Karen Shartz was advocating for the little guy long before “Karen” became shorthand for asking to see the manager. But don't get it twisted—when Karen Shartz demands to see the manager, it's because someone is about to learn a lesson in accountability. Karen’s been out here swinging for justice like it's a full-contact sport. She’s the type of woman who would slam her fist on the counter not because her coffee was cold, but because the barista was overworked, underpaid, and not getting a lunch break.

Karen started her advocacy career by going head-to-head with a major insurance company that denied coverage to a working-class family whose son needed a life-saving surgery. Instead of backing down, Karen rolled up her sleeves, pulled out the fine print, and dismantled their denial piece by piece in front of a bewildered boardroom of suits. It wasn't just about getting that family their coverage; it was about sending a message that no bureaucratic loophole was too small for her to leap through.

Another time, she took on a city council that was hell-bent on turning a local park into a parking lot for a big-box store. Now, Karen doesn’t mess around with empty threats. She showed up at a town hall meeting, her arms full of petitions and her mouth full of facts. In her signature “don’t mess with me” tone, she pointed out how the council's plans violated half a dozen environmental regulations and was about to become a PR nightmare of epic proportions. The project was scrapped faster than you could say "zoning violation," and Karen celebrated by organizing a community picnic at that very park.

At Political Colonoscopy, Karen's the go-to when someone needs a bulldog with a heart of gold. She’s spent her life with her sleeves rolled up, doing the work no one else had the stomach for, and she doesn’t suffer fools or power abusers gladly. She’s the type who can charm you with a smile but isn’t afraid to bare her teeth when someone’s being mistreated.

In the office, Karen’s affectionately called “Mom,” but don’t let that title fool you. She’s the type of mom who will bake you cookies while also filing the paperwork to make sure your boss doesn’t get away with wage theft. So, while Karen might seem like the sweet maternal figure you could go to for advice, rest assured—if you’re on the wrong side of decency, she’s already drafting a letter that will make your knees knock.

Her secret weapon? Karen doesn’t just advocate for people—she empowers them to stand up for themselves. And as she likes to say, “If you’re not willing to stand up, don’t worry—I’ve got enough fire for the both of us.”

You can see Karen's contributions to Political Colonoscopy here.