Karen Zhuang [she/her]

Rise on Boards | Cohort 9

Karen works in Investment Banking at Scotiabank, where she advises companies in the resource sector on mergers, acquisitions, and capital markets transactions. She holds a degree in Finance and Marketing from McGill University, where she developed a passion for understanding both the numbers behind a business and the motivations that drive people to engage with it.

Before joining Scotiabank, Karen dedicated her time to a pro-bono consulting initiative during COVID-19 to support small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Her mission was to help keep doors open and dreams alive by offering tailored solutions that improved brand messaging, streamlined operations, and enhanced both customer and employee experiences.

Her work sits at the intersection of finance, strategy, and human connection—balancing analytical rigor with a deep appreciation for storytelling and stakeholder engagement. She’s passionate about using her skills to support purposeful, sustainable growth and is always looking for opportunities to make a positive impact through thoughtful collaboration and strategic insight.