Dress for Success Luzerne County Women in Power: Karen Darby

Karen Darby spent more than a decade in the financial industry working with banks and insurance companies before joining Jacobi Capital Management as a Wealth Advisor. She is passionate about helping individuals and families gain clarity, confidence, and control over their financial lives.

Karen believes financial planning is about far more than numbers, it’s about helping people align their money with the life they want to live. Through education, thoughtful guidance, and meaningful conversations about her clients’ goals, she helps them build financial strategies that support what matters most.

The 2026 International Women’s Day theme is “Give to Gain”. In your experience, how has giving, whether through leadership, mentorship, service, or advocacy, led to personal or professional growth? 

I truly believe that whatever you give comes back to you many times over, and I have seen this play out in both my life and my business. Whether I’m offering advice to someone who needs guidance or supporting a cause that is meaningful to me, those moments of giving have often opened doors to opportunities I never could have planned for.

Some of the most meaningful growth in my career and life has come from the places where I gave freely without expecting anything in return. Over time, those connections and contributions have strengthened my relationships and my business in ways I couldn’t have predicted. No matter where someone is in life, everyone has something valuable to give, whether it’s time, expertise, encouragement or resources. When you begin to give freely, the rewards often come back in unexpected ways.

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, what does this milestone mean to you as a woman leader today? How do you see your work contributing to progress for future generations of women?

As a woman working in finance, I believe it’s important to understand our history to understand how our beliefs and opportunities have evolved. While America is celebrating 250 years, women have only had the right to own property and keep their own earnings for just over a century. That history still influences how many women view money today. Because of that, I see part of my role as helping women build confidence and clarity around their finances.

Financial independence can be incredibly empowering, and when women understand their finances, they gain the ability to make choices that truly align with their values and goals. My hope is that by helping women feel more confident and informed about their financial lives, we continue moving toward a future where every woman feels capable of creating the life she wants.

In what ways have you supported, uplifted, or invested in other women in your workplace or community? Why is this kind of intentional support important right now?

I’ve had the opportunity to speak to groups of women, partner with women professionally, and mentor others. Supporting other women and encouraging them to embrace their authenticity is something I care deeply about. In industries that are still largely male-dominated, women can sometimes feel pressure to fit into an existing mold. But our differences, including our perspective, empathy, and communication style are strengths, not weaknesses. When women lead authentically, they create space for others to do the same, and that’s where real impact happens.

What challenges or barriers have shaped your leadership journey, and how did those experiences influence the way you give back today?

I began my career during a very challenging period of my life. I was going through a divorce with a young child and suddenly found myself as both the sole caregiver and the primary breadwinner. At the same time, I entered an industry that was predominantly male, and most of my mentors were men.

Early on, I tried to model my approach after theirs, but eventually I realized that my experiences, values, and responsibilities were different. Building a career and a life on my own wasn’t easy, but those challenges gave me strength and confidence I may not have developed otherwise.

Because of those experiences, I now see it as both an honor and a responsibility to support others who may be navigating similar challenges. I want people to know that while the path may feel difficult at times, it is possible to build a fulfilling and independent life, and you don’t have to do it alone.

What advice would you offer to women who are striving to grow, lead, or create change in their own lives or communities?

No matter where you are today, you have the power to influence someone. When you lead authentically, with compassion and generosity, you can create positive change both in your own life and in the lives of others. Growth and change rarely happen overnight, and the journey is rarely linear. There will be times when you feel like you’re working hard without seeing results. But progress is often happening in ways we don’t immediately recognize.

If you take even one small step every day toward improving yourself or your community, over time those steps add up. One day you may look back and realize you’ve built the life you once dreamed about. And along the way, don’t forget to celebrate the small wins. Those moments matter, and they make the journey even more meaningful.