Karen Helmerson is the Associate Director of EVC, a community-based media center, integrating video and new technologies into teaching and learning through documentary story telling. She is the former Deputy Director of Film/Video Arts in New York City, and as former International Chair of the Alliance for Community Media, she has spoken throughout the US, Europe and Japan on issues of media development, access and equity. Helmerson began her career as a video artist and illustrator. Her portfolio includes video poems, installations, and public service announcements for arts organizations.