In Memoriam: Longtime FLA Board Member Karen Daubert
Longtime Fair Labor Association Board Member Karen R. Daubert, assistant vice chancellor for administration and strategic partnerships in University Marketing & Communications at Washington University in St. Louis, died September 12, 2024, after a short battle with cancer.
For many years, Karen was a warm, collegial, integral part of the FLA community, and she will be deeply missed. Her enduring dedication to our shared work and the impact of her immeasurable kindness, generosity, and wisdom will continue to reverberate well into the future.
Daubert represented WashU at FLA for most of our 25-year history, serving as a member of the board of directors for 15 years. She chaired FLA’s manufacturing committee, university caucus and best practices working group, and participated in factory inspections overseas to observe working conditions.
According to Rob Downey, of WashU Resource Management, who worked closely with Daubert on procurement activity of university resources and vendors, “Karen lived the values of the FLA. When working with our licensed suppliers, Karen insisted our suppliers were aligned with the values of the Fair Labor Association, such as the protection of human rights and a commitment to environmental sustainability. We selected suppliers that are not just FLA members, but active participants. Karen’s work has rippled well beyond the university. In that sense, Karen has left an incredible contribution that extends well beyond WashU.”