Q: You were born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but raised in Tacoma, Washington. How did growing up in Washington shape the woman and leader you are today?

KM: Growing up in Tacoma taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of community. Washington is incredibly diverse culturally and economically and being exposed to different perspectives at a young age helped shape how I lead today. It taught me to listen first, lead with empathy, and understand that strong communities are built when people feel seen, valued, and supported.

Q: You began your career as a nurse. How did practicing compassion at the bedside influence how you now lead as a CFO across healthcare and hospitality?
KM: Nursing teaches you something that business school never could—how to lead with humanity. At the bedside you learn that people are often experiencing the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That experience shaped how I lead teams today. Whether in healthcare or hospitality, people want to feel cared for, respected, and understood. Compassion is not separate from leadership, it is leadership.

Q: You serve as CEO and CFO of Pandora Hospitality Food Group, but began your entrepreneurial endeavors with multiple medical practices, where you still serve as COO/CFO. What does stepping into this dual role at Pandora on the Square mean to you at this stage of your career
KM: This moment represents evolution for me. Healthcare taught me operational excellence and discipline, but hospitality allows me to express creativity, culture, and community in a different way. Pandora on the Square is about more than a restaurant—it’s about creating a place where people gather, celebrate, and connect. Stepping into the CEO and CFO roles means bringing everything I’ve learned across industries and building something meaningful that will last.

Q: Fewer than 1% of restaurant CEOs are women. What has it required of you internally to occupy space in rooms where women are rarely represented?
KM: It required confidence rooted in purpose. When you walk into rooms where you are often the only woman—or the only Black woman—you quickly learn that you cannot wait for permission to lead. I’ve had to trust my preparation, trust my voice, and remember that my presence itself expands the space for other women coming behind me.

Q: Your healthcare practices were founded on compassion and clinical excellence. How do those same principles show up in your hospitality leadership?
KM: In healthcare we ask, “How do we care for the patient?” In hospitality we ask, “How do we care for the guest?” The principle is the same. Excellence comes from intention. Whether it’s patient care or dining service, the goal is to create an experience where people feel cared for in ways that go beyond the transaction.

Q: You often speak about success not being linear. What was the most pivotal pivot in your journey — and what did it cost you?

KM: The biggest pivot was deciding to expand beyond healthcare into hospitality. It required risk, faith, and a willingness to learn an entirely new industry. It cost time, comfort, and sometimes sleep—but growth often requires stepping into the unknown.

Q: As a Millennial executive, wife, and mother, what does “having it all” honestly look like in your real life — not the curated version?

KM: It doesn’t look perfect. It looks like priorities shifting daily. Some days the business needs me more, and some days my family does. “Having it all” is really about alignment—making sure that the life you’re building reflects your values, not someone else’s expectations.

Q: What have you had to unlearn about balance, ambition, or motherhood to lead at this level?
KM: I had to unlearn the idea that ambition and motherhood are competing identities. Being ambitious does not make you less present as a mother—it can actually make you a stronger role model. My children get to see what it looks like to pursue purpose.

Q: How do you navigate guilt — whether professional or personal — and what advice would you give women who quietly carry it?
KM: I remind myself that guilt often comes from unrealistic expectations. Women are taught that we must do everything perfectly, and that simply isn’t sustainable. My advice is to give yourself grace. Leadership, motherhood, and life all require compassion—including compassion for yourself.

Q: As a Black woman in leadership, how have your lived experiences shaped how you show up for other women, particularly those coming behind you?
KM: Representation matters deeply. I’m intentional about mentorship and creating access. If my presence opens a door for another woman, then I consider that part of my responsibility as a leader.

Q: As a mentor, what do you believe women need most right now to design the lives they truly want?
KM: Clarity and courage. Clarity about what they truly want—not what society expects—and courage to pursue it unapologetically.

Q: When guests walk into Pandora on the Square, what part of your personal story are they experiencing — even if they don’t realize it?
KM: They’re experiencing hospitality rooted in care. Every detail—from service to atmosphere—reflects the belief that people deserve to feel welcomed, respected, and valued when they walk through our doors.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?

KM: Courage.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?

KM: Opening Pandora on the Square and seeing the community gather there for the first time. Watching people celebrate, connect, and enjoy the experience reminded me why we build spaces like this.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?

KM: That confidence grows through action—not perfection.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?

KM: Start before you feel ready. Preparation matters, but courage matters more.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?

KM: Learn the business, build relationships, and never underestimate the power of professionalism.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?

KM: I focus on presence rather than perfection. When I’m working, I work fully. When I’m with my family, they have my full attention.

Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields?

KM: Own your expertise and never shrink to make others comfortable.

Fourteen Things About Karena Morrison 

1. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Issa Rae


2. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Travel and spend time with my family.

3. Among your friends, what are you best known for?

Being a trusted friend and solutions oriented.

4. What’s your favorite international food?
Thai

5. Best and worst flavor ice cream?
Best: Coffee Almond

Worst: Chocolate

6. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I’m a Night Owl.

7. What would your perfect vacation look like?
A quiet coastal destination with family and friends, great food, and time to recharge.

8. Do you read reviews or just go with your gut?

I trust my gut when it comes to restaurants, outside of restaurants I read reviews.

9. What’s your big passion?

Building businesses that inspire others.

10. What’s your signature drink?

Mimosas

11. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Basketball.

12. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?

Intuition—if that counts as a sixth sense.

13. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?
Nothing. Every experience helped shape who I am today.

14. What would your perfect Saturday be like?

Brunch, family time, and a quiet evening.