Karen Toste

Karen Toste is a Director on the Catalyst 2045 team at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, where her work is focused on increasing the representation of Women, Black and Latinx founders, investors and leaders in innovation.   Karen joined SVB in 2020 after spending nearly 20 years in the nonprofit sector. With deep experience in marketing, business development, strategic partnerships, and major gift fundraising, she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful impact for purpose-driven companies and organizations. Prior to her role at SVB, Karen spent time at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she led marketing and programming focused on raising funds to deliver equitable access to health care and patient services, as well as the American Red Cross in Silicon Valley, where she led corporate fundraising to mobilize support for global disaster relief initiatives. Karen also served as Senior Director of Major Gifts for The Tech Interactive (formerly The Tech Museum of Innovation) where she partnered with top Silicon Valley philanthropists to fund programs, exhibits, and educator professional development focused on equipping students from underserved schools to become the problem solvers and innovators of the future.   In a volunteer capacity, Karen has served as a board advisor to a variety of organizations — including Breakthrough Silicon Valley and Educare Silicon Valley — where she leveraged her expertise in fundraising strategy to increase revenue generation and donor engagement. Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from San Jose State University. Born and raised in Bay Area, she now calls Portland, OR home with her husband, two kids, and their rescue pup, Daisy Mae.