Stanford GSB promotes women in business, supporting each other and making meaningful connections while on campus and beyond. One alumna who has devoted time, energy, and heart to lifting up other GSB women is business owner Karen Rasmussen Vella. For years, Karen has been actively involved in GSB Women’s Circles, which are “small groups of GSB alumni who gather monthly in the interest of connecting, reflecting, supporting, and inspiring one another to live our best lives.”
The program started in 2013 when Michelle Clayman, MBA ’79, and K. Danae Pauli, MBA ’12, got a handful of GSB alumnae together in New York City. With the dedication of other alumnae like Karen, the Circles have grown to a community of more than 1,400 thriving GSB alumnae in more than 170 groups of women worldwide. “Karen is a longtime member of the Executive Committee for Women’s Circles,” says retail consultant Jess Mennella, MBA ’00, who is the co-founder of the Napa/Sonoma chapter. “She quietly dedicates about 10 hours each week to making sure co-leaders feel confident, supported, and never alone.” In 2019, Karen started out as Circles Leader for Boston, going on to serve on committees addressing inclusion, as well as leadership support and development. She joined the group’s Executive Committee in 2023.
Karen knows firsthand the challenges women face as they manage careers and families. After earning her MBA, she worked for Old Navy and Gap Inc. Europe, holding director-level positions in organizational development, strategic change, and people and organizational effectiveness. After taking parental leave, Karen rejoined the workforce and co-founded Vella Ventures, Ltd., a London-based strategy and organizational development consulting firm. Despite the demands of business ownership, Karen still makes time to give back. “Whether she’s offering thoughtful trainings, helping Circles that are going through a rough patch, or sharing her time with Asian Circles, Karen brings a steady, generous presence,” Jess says. “Her work deeply matters. The consistency and care Karen brings help keep these spaces strong. Her commitment to the women of the GSB runs deep, and it shows in everything she does.”
