Karen Vaughn has spent her career connecting with people through the power of voice, storytelling, and media. An Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee, she brings that same energy to her passion for wellness, self-care, and helping women embrace life with intention.
Fast Facts
- I am a proud inductee into the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and I use my voice every day on air and beyond to empower women to live fully and boldly.
- I am deeply committed to real-life self-care. I grow herbs and flowers in my garden, create intentional moments of rest, and believe self-care is not a luxury—it’s a lifestyle.
- I am a true Disney fan. My family and I have experienced the magic more than 40 times, and my time working in Miami definitely helped make those memories possible.
Q & A
“Elevate” is this year’s theme. What does elevate mean to you, and how are you living it out right now?
Elevate, for me in this season, means living fully. In one of my last conversations with my father, he told me to work to live and not live to work—to enjoy living life just as much as I enjoy my work. That stayed with me.
I truly love what I do; it does not feel like work, but that moment shifted something in me. It reminded me that life is meant to be experienced, not just managed. So in this season, I am choosing joy, presence, and intention. I am elevating by giving myself permission to live, not just produce. And for every woman who feels stretched, stressed, or burned out, this is your reminder that you deserve a life that feels as good as it looks. This is the era of elevated living.
Describe a moment when you stepped into a new level of confidence or growth?
Launching my podcast Exhale was a defining moment for me. While I have spent years in media, this was a new space for me, using my voice in a deeper and more personal way to talk about mental wellness, joy, and real life. It gave me new fuel and helped me grow not only as a media professional, but as a woman committed to making an impact.
What empowerment advice would you give a woman who’s ready to take her next step?
Stand firm in your authentic self. No one can be you the way you can. Do not wait until you feel ready; move anyway. Confidence is built in motion. Your next level is waiting on your decision to show up.
Explain what motivates or grounds you when life or work feels challenging?
My faith in God, through whom all blessings flow, is what grounds me. It centers me. My faith and gratitude remind me of what is working, what I have already overcome, and what is still possible. And I truly believe there are no mistakes, only lessons. One thing about me, I live for a good lesson.
Tell us about any unique skills, talents, or interesting hobbies.
As a child, I trained in gymnastics, and I was also a pianist in college. I even sang in a group, which led me to radio, because who does not want to hear their song on the air? Lol. That passion turned into purpose, and I have loved every moment of connecting with listeners and being part of the soundtrack to their lives while playing their favorite songs instead of mine.
The event is called Stepping Out in Style. In one sentence, how would you describe what ‘Style’ means to you?
Style is how you show the world who you are without ever having to say a word.
How and why do you support the Dress for Success Indianapolis purpose?
I support Dress for Success Indianapolis because every woman deserves the opportunity to thrive, not just survive. Elevation is about rising into who you were always meant to be. When a woman is given access to resources, support, and confidence, you are not just changing her circumstances, you are helping her elevate and step fully into her power.
