Dr. Karen Sievewright is an innovation and technology strategist working at the intersection of digital platforms, fundraising, and organizational transformation in the nonprofit sector. She serves as a senior partner at Hewitt & Johnston Consultants (hjc), where she advises charities, healthcare foundations, and international nonprofits on digital infrastructure, fundraising technology, and donor engagement strategy.

Karen has more than two decades of experience helping nonprofit organizations implement and optimize fundraising technologies. She has worked extensively with Blackbaud platforms including Luminate Online and TeamRaiser for over 20 years, supporting organizations in the design, implementation, and improvement of digital fundraising programs. Her work has helped many organizations strengthen peer-to-peer fundraising, improve donor acquisition and retention, and better integrate digital channels with broader fundraising strategies.

Earlier in her career, Karen served as Managing Director of the Banting & Best Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto, where she worked with entrepreneurs, researchers, and early-stage companies to translate ideas and technology into successful ventures. Her work in innovation and commercialization has been widely recognized, including receiving the RBC Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which honours leaders who advance technology and entrepreneurial growth in Canada.

At hjc, Karen focuses on helping organizations modernize their fundraising programs by aligning technology platforms, marketing systems, and data strategy. She works closely with nonprofit teams to ensure that fundraising technology—from CRM systems to online donation platforms—supports a more integrated, supporter-focused approach to donor engagement.

Karen is also a frequent speaker and advisor in the nonprofit sector, sharing insights on digital transformation, fundraising technology, and the practical steps organizations can take to build stronger digital infrastructure while maintaining a focus on mission and donor relationships.

With a background that combines engineering, business, and innovation leadership, Karen brings a pragmatic and strategic perspective to helping nonprofits strengthen the systems and strategies that support long-term fundraising growth.