S.T.E.M.

Karen Purcell, P.E., is the founder, owner, and president of PK Electrical, Inc., a thirty person electrical engineering, design, and consulting firm with offices in Reno, NV and Denver, CO. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Widener University in Pennsylvania. Ms. Purcell has more than 27 years of experience in electrical engineering. 

In 2015, Ms. Purcell was appointed by Governor Sandoval to the Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.  In 2012, Karen’s book, Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math was published. She draws on her successful engineering experience to inspire young women to enter into and remain in science, technology, engineering and math related careers with full confidence, knowing that she did it, other women have done it, and that they are unquestionably our leaders of tomorrow. Ms. Purcell has spoken to audiences across the United States and China on STEM.

Karen received the 2012 Reno Gazette‐Journal’s Entrepreneur of the Year award for a medium size company.  The annual award celebrates individuals and companies that have significantly enhanced the growth and prestige of the community in northern Nevada and recognizes outstanding leaders at all levels of business.  She is actively involved in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and has held numerous officer positions for the last 11 years. Presently she is serving as Governance Director for the US Western Region.

Karen is married to her husband Jeff and they have two daughters, Alyssa and Sydney. She is an avid runner of half marathons and relays.