Karen Smaw serves as the Director of Diversity Business Investment and Entrepreneurship at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). In this role, she leads the development and execution of programs that support the attraction, retention, and growth of startups and small businesses, with a particular focus on minority-, women-, and veteran-owned enterprises.

A passionate advocate for entrepreneurial education, Ms. Smaw has created several impactful initiatives, including the widely acclaimed “Entrepreneurship 101: Starting a Business in Fairfax County” workshop, which has engaged thousands of participants since its inception.

Beyond her professional duties, Ms. Smaw is deeply committed to civic and community service. She currently serves on the boards of the Community Business Partnership and Virginia Career Works, Northern Region, and is a dedicated Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She is also a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and an alumna of Leadership Fairfax; among other organizations she actively supports.

Ms. Smaw holds both a B.S. and M.B.A. in Marketing and was recently honored as a 2025 recipient of the U.S. Black Chambers, Incorporated Power 50 Women of Influence award.