Karla Nivens

Karla Nivens is an author, speaker, singer, and diversity strategist based in Houston, TX. With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit, church, and worship leadership, she is passionate about guiding leaders toward the peace, purpose, and creativity found in God. Karla currently produces 3-minute morning inspiration videos that uplift and empower leaders, helping them grow in servant leadership, creative problem-solving, integrity, and confidence. Tune in weekly on her YouTube channel, @karlanivensentertainment, for leadership encouragement designed to strengthen and inspire.

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After graduating from Texas Tech University, Karla earned her teaching certificate and launched her career as an elementary music teacher in the Dallas Independent School District. She then began touring and recording with Grammy Award–winning Gospel artist Kirk Franklin—an opportunity that opened doors to sing for CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis, Willie Neal Johnson, John P. Kee, Alvin Slaughter, Tamela Mann, Yolanda Adams, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Richard Smallwood, Shirley Caesar, Michael Bublé, and others. Music ministry has taken her around the world, including appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Soul Train, The Stellar Awards, and the Billy Graham Crusade. She also sang on the soundtrack and appeared in the film Breaking the Press. Kirk Franklin once described Karla as “such an anointed and talented voice coming from a sweet and Holy Spirit-filled lady.”

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After taking several years off to raise her children, Karla returned to full-time ministry as a worship leader at Highland Park United Methodist Church, where she served faithfully for 20 years. In her final three years, she served as Director of the church’s Justice Ministry. During this time, she began her Master of Arts in Ministry studies at Southern Methodist University. Karla also served as an adjunct instructor at Visible Music College and released her worship album True Worship in 2014.

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