Dear Sacred Heart Community,
It is with great excitement that I share some wonderful news with you. Sacred Heart Schools has appointed Emily Brinkmoeller Karem ’96 as the new Director of the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute (JFLI).
Emily is not only a Sacred Heart Academy alumna, she is also a dedicated Sacred Heart parent with two sons at Sacred Heart Model School and nieces currently attending Sacred Heart Academy. She is a passionate advocate for our mission and a joyful presence in our community — most recently helping to lead the inaugural International Day at SHMS this spring.
Professionally, Ms. Karem brings over 20 years of experience in education, global development, and nonprofit leadership. Her impressive career includes executive roles guiding strategic growth, partnership development, and mission-aligned programming across faith-based and international organizations.
She earned her MBA in Marketing, International Business & Entrepreneurship from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, along with a Certificate in International Business Development from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Her academic path also includes global study in Thailand, the Netherlands, and South Africa, and she has traveled extensively throughout her career to lead cross-cultural programs that inspire values-based leadership.
Most recently, Ms. Karem served as President of Overseas Strategies, advising educational and nonprofit organizations on leadership development, global engagement, and equity-focused strategy. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Community & Global Programs at TCS Education System, where she led global initiatives across five colleges, creating community engagement programming and social justice initiatives that deeply impacted students and faculty.
“Stepping into this role as Director of the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute is a meaningful alignment of my purpose and passion — to develop values-driven leaders who lead with compassion, courage, and a global mindset. I’m deeply honored to guide an institute that empowers young learners to find their voice, explore their purpose, and make a lasting impact. Together, we’ll build inclusive pathways for leadership that reflect the diversity and brilliance of our students; while strengthening the bridge between Sacred Heart and the broader world they’re preparing to shape.” 2
Ms. Karem’s global experiences are a perfect complement to our International Baccalaureate education. She brings a wealth of leadership expertise and program development skills to the Jean Frazier Leadership Institute. We are excited to welcome her as Director and look forward to her visionary leadership.
Together in Heart,
Dr. Karen McNay
President, Sacred Heart Schools