Keynote Speakers

Karis Townsend serves as the Human Resources Outreach Coordinator for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), where she supports workforce development and community outreach across the region. In her role, she collaborates with schools, colleges, and community organizations to increase awareness of the many careers that keep public transportation moving—careers spanning engineering, technology, planning, logistics, safety, operations, customer experience, and skilled trades. Karis is passionate about helping students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world opportunities and impact, and she works to strengthen early exposure and career readiness through meaningful partnerships and programming.

Karis earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Hampton University and a Master’s Degree in Professional Studies from Georgetown University. She is also a Certified Master Professional Life Coach, bringing a student-centered, strengths-based approach to helping young people build confidence, curiosity, and a vision for their future.

She is proud to represent MARTA and speak on behalf of the organization, highlighting how STEM fuels mobility, opportunity, and community connection.