She has received her BA and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Before receiving her Ph.D. from The University of Chicago, she worked in the banking sector in Chicago and for Shuaa Capital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dr. Karen Hunt-Ahmed is the President of the Chicago Islamic Microfinance Project, an economic development project started with partner Cynthia Shawamreh.