Karen Pence

**Karen Sue Batten Pence** (born January 1, 1957) is an American schoolteacher who served as the second lady of the United States from 2017 to 2021 as the wife of Mike Pence, the 48th U.S. vice president. She was the first lady of Indiana from 2013 to 2017 when her husband was governor. Once her husband's vice presidency ended, she released a book detailing her life as a political spouse, titled ''When It's Your Turn to Serve: Experiencing God's Grace in His Calling for Your Life''.

## Biography 
### Early life and education 
Karen Sue Batten was born on January 1, 1957, at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas to Lilian Hacker Batten and John M. Batten. She grew up in the Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis until she graduated from high school. She attended schools such as, Bishop Chatard High School and Butler University.

### Marriage and family 
Karen and Mike Pence officially got married on June 8, 1985 and the couple had three children together named Michael, Audrey, and Charlotte Pence.

## First lady of Indiana 
Pence became the first lady of Indiana succeeding Cheri Daniels, when her husband became the 50th governor of Indiana on January 14, 2013. As first lady of the state, Pence created the Indiana First Lady’s Charitable Foundation. It's purpose is encourage and support young children and families in Indiana.

## Second lady of the United States 
Pence became the second lady of the United States when her husband was sworn-in as the 48th U.S. vice president on January 20, 2017. As second lady, Pence raised awareness by teaching the public about mental health and art therapy in the United States and around the world. She observed art therapy programs in the Asia Pacific region, Australia, Europe, South America, Africa, Canada, and across the United States. 

Pence served as the honorary chair of the Art Therapy Initiative at Riley Hospital for Children. She also served as a board member for Tracy’s Kids, an art therapy program for young cancer patients.

In February 2017, Tracy’s Kids honored Pence with the Courage Award for her support of art therapy programs across the United States and world. Children’s National Health System also recognized her for her support of art therapy and presented the with the Hero Award in February 2017. 

Karen was given the Sister Cities International Diplomatic Leadership Award for her support of Sister Cities International mission. In July 2017, Sister Cities International appointed her to serve as the Honorary Vice Chairwoman for Sister Cities International. She launched her art therapy initiative, Healing with the HeART. It's purpose was for people to understand that art therapy is a mental health profession, and not arts and crafts. 

Pence was an advocate to military service members, spouses, and their families. She has hosted and participated in many events to honor and recognize all of those in the serving in the military.

In September 2018, she launched an awareness campaign to encourage military spouses. As part of the campaign, Pence educated military spouses about the available resources and opportunities to support spouses and their families. In August 2019, the American Legion Auxiliary awarded her the Public Spirit Award.

In January 2020, Pence accepted the honor of being the Lead Ambassador of PREVENTS. Her role as lead ambassador was to help veterans and all Americans remember to check in with themselves and loved ones and to keep their mental health a priority.

## References