Karen Jawl
2024 Board of Governors Nominee
![Karen Jawl](/sites/default/files/styles/original/public/images/2024-06/Karen%20Jawl%20website.jpg?itok=nLCK4QKz)
About
Karen Jawl ’99 was raised in Victoria and attended St. Michaels University School from 1987-1995. She did a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Victoria and an MBA at the University of British Columbia. Her son Colton is a student at Middle School.
Karen has spent her career working in her family’s business, Jawl Properties Ltd, and shares the Managing Director role with her brother Robert Jawl ’00. Karen has extensive experience in real estate development, property management and oversees Cordova Bay Golf Course. She has previously sat on the Saanich Police Board and been involved in a volunteer capacity with a number of not-for-profits.
Outside of work Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, and taking in all the wonderful outdoor experiences offered on the west coast.
Karen currently Chairs the Facilities Committee and the Sustainability Committee, while also serving on the Advancement Committee, the Head of School Search Committee, the ad-hoc Opportunities Committee and the former Campus Master Plan Committee, in addition to parent volunteer roles at Junior School.
What is your connection to SMUS?
SMUS has been a constant in my family’s life. I have served on the Board of Governors since 2021. During that time, I have chaired the Facilities Committee and the Sustainability Committee and sat on the Opportunities Committee, the Advancement Committee, the Campus Master Plan Committee and the Head of School Search Committee. I attended St. Michaels University School from 1987 to 1995 for Grades 1 to 8 and my younger brothers were both Lifers. My son Colton started at SMUS in Kindergarten and is going into Grade 8. SMUS has played a key role in my growth and development both as a student and now as a Governor. It is an institution I believe in and feel a strong sense of commitment to.
Why do you want to be on the Board of Governors of SMUS?
I am deeply grateful for the role SMUS has played in my life and the impact it has had on my immediate and extended family. It is gratifying to play a small part in giving back to SMUS and contributing to the SMUS community.
I feel I have a skill set that has been, and can continue to be, used to support the school as it moves through its Floreat journey. To date, that has been demonstrated in my role as Chair of the Facilities Committee and the Sustainability Committee. Further, through time spent on the Head of School Search Committee I feel I am in a good position to provide support as we welcome Dr. Jeff Aitken to SMUS in 2025.
On a personal level I have enjoyed my first term on the Board and the opportunities to learn from and be inspired by other Governors and the School’s Senior Leadership Team. I believe this has further enhanced my ability to contribute to the Board going forward.
What personal, professional, and board-related experiences would you bring to the Board?
As noted above I have been on the SMUS board for the past three years and have played a role in the delivery of the Junior School Annex, preparation for the Middle School Expansion and the establishment of the School’s Sustainability Committee.
I have spent my career in real estate development and property management and have led a sustainability program at Jawl Properties Ltd. In my first term I was able to directly apply my professional skill set to support the Board and would continue to do so if given the opportunity to serve for another term. I have previous experience serving on the Saanich Police Board.
Do you understand and agree to the principles of good governance as outlined on the Society webpage?
I believe that good governance policies and a commitment to uphold them underpin any effective, high functioning board. I appreciate the Society has defined good governance practises for Governors as it creates an alignment of understanding and expectations. I understand and agree to adhere to the principles of good governance outlined on the webpage. I recognize this is a strategic board, not an operational board and that the boundary between those two things must be respected. The Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction, fulfilling a fiduciary duty and acting as long-term stewards for the School and our community.
Do you understand and support the strategic plan, Floreat, for SMUS?
The Floreat Strategic Plan provides the high-level road map for the Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team. It speaks clearly to the guiding principles and key objectives of the school and helps to support the alignment of individual efforts toward community goals. The line that resonates most with me is the notion of giving students an “outstanding preparation for life". Raising children to flourish as adults goes so far beyond an academic education, particularly in an era of such rapid change and disruption. Exposing children to new ways of thinking, helping them build strong character, teaching them to navigate novel and challenging circumstances – it is these skills paired with a strong academic foundation that will prepare students to lead successful and meaningful lives in whatever way they choose to define those terms.
Do you understand and support the need for a culture of philanthropy at SMUS, both amongst the Society Members and the Board itself?
I feel I have gained an even better appreciation for the role philanthropy plays at the School over the past three years. It is what underpins our ability to deliver ‘fit for purpose’ facilities that support the amazing work our faculty do on a day-to-day basis, it underlies our Financial Aid program which enhances our community with diverse voices and supports many of the extra curricular and unique experiences our students get to participate in.
Like all communities, different people can contribute in different ways, but a community is strongest when everyone contributes in a way that they can. The Board needs to show leadership in this regard to support a culture of giving back to an institution that we all deeply believe in. I am committed to doing my part in that.