Karen Tjhan
About Karen Tjhan
Karen Tjhan serves as the Lead Program Manager for Engineering Operations at Carta, where she has worked since 2022. She has held various roles in program and technical recruitment across multiple companies, contributing significantly to executive-level operations and project management.
Current Role at Carta
Karen Tjhan serves as the Lead Program Manager for Engineering Operations at Carta, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she manages high visibility projects, including the Engineering Mentorship Program and All Company Hackathon Weeks. She plays a key advisory role to both the Recruiting and Engineering organizations, ensuring alignment and effective communication across teams. Additionally, she coordinates and prepares executive-level meetings, focusing on agenda planning and presenter coaching. Her contributions directly impact the organization, reflecting her commitment to Carta's mission.
Previous Experience at Carta
Prior to her current position, Karen Tjhan worked at Carta as a Senior Program Manager in Engineering Operations from 2021 to 2022. During this time, she gained valuable experience in managing engineering projects and supporting the recruitment process. Additionally, she served as a Senior Technical Recruiter at Carta from 2019 to 2021, where she was involved in sourcing and recruiting technical talent, contributing to the growth of the engineering team.
Career Background
Karen Tjhan has a diverse career background in program management and recruitment. She began her professional journey at TrialPay, where she worked in Platform Operations and later as a Technical Recruiter. She then transitioned to Yub, Inc. for a role in People Operations. Her experience continued to grow at Thumbtack, where she held multiple positions, including Technical Recruiter and Lead Technical Recruiter, from 2016 to 2019. This varied experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of both engineering operations and talent acquisition.
Education and Academic Background
Karen Tjhan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Political Science from Santa Clara University. Her educational background provides her with a strong foundation in both analytical and strategic thinking, which she applies in her current role. She completed her secondary education at Cupertino High School, where she began to develop her interests in business and operations.
Key Projects and Initiatives
In her current role, Karen Tjhan manages several key projects that enhance engineering operations at Carta. Notable initiatives include the Engineering Mentorship Program, which fosters professional development among engineers, and the All Company Hackathon Weeks, which encourage innovation and collaboration across teams. She also develops and supports executive key messages and materials for Carta's Engineering Organization, contributing to effective communication within the company.