Meet Karoni

Karoni Forrester was as surprised as anyone else when she found herself in the jewelry industry. But then again, who would have thought a Political Science degree would lead to managing operations and logistics at Apple for twenty years?

After over 25 years in the tech industry, Karoni decided to take a break. She wasn’t sure what was next, but “marrying” another big company didn’t sound like the answer. Like many lost professionals, she decided to do some consulting on the side. During their weekly telephone coffee dates to catch up, Deb and Karoni would cover a wide range of topics. One day when talking about her consulting gigs, Deb said, “I really need someone to do that for MY website.” One thing led to another and the result is Debra Navarro & Co.

Karoni brings a wealth of business operations knowledge to the table. In addition to eCommerce expertise, she has extensive experience with vendor management, onboarding manufacturers, project/program management, supply chain and logistics. Her business acumen is the yin to Deb’s artistic yang.

While a huge fan of all things shiny – from glitter to sequins and disco balls to gemstones – it wasn’t so much the jewelry that sparked Karoni’s passion about this new endeavor (though she’s a superfan and long-time supporter of Deb and her amazing designs!) It was the purpose and story behind the jewelry that engaged Karoni most. The opportunity to embrace supplier responsibility, and to seek sustainable alternatives and practices in the industry, excites Karoni and beats the drum of her activist heart. She was honored and delighted when, based largely on her background with supply chain and operations management, she was asked to serve on the Advisory Council of Ethical Metalsmiths. Volunteering time and energy there is a “no brainer” for her as she can’t think of a better place to learn, and grow, from industry leaders who are also committed to ethical jewelry.

Karoni jumped into the world of activism/advocacy at an early age.  Her father, Capt Ron Forrester, USMC was shot down over North Vietnam and listed Missing in Action on December 27, 1972; just one month before the peace treaty was signed. She was only two.  She attended her first POW/MIA family meeting when she was 14, and a new world opened to her.  She met other MIA families and began learning as much as she could about the POW/MIA issue.  She became very active with the National League of POW/MIA Families, traveled to Southeast Asia to meet with the governments of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and she showed up wherever she could to raise awareness that not all Americans who fought in the Vietnam War were home yet.

There’s much to this story that spans her lifetime. While working to find her father, and others who were/are MIA, she learned the value of teamwork, persistence and how to bounce back from disappointments.  She learned how the government operates (or doesn’t), how 501(c)3 organizations are to be managed, the power of community and very importantly, to never give up.  On December 5, 2023, Karoni received the long-awaited phone call to inform her that her father’s remains had been recovered and identified.  Her father, Capt Ron Forrester, USMC, was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on October 7, 2024. 

Karoni continues to work with other POW/MIA families to assist them where she can, even if it’s just to provide support. She works with non-profits that raise awareness for POW/MIA accounting, and who support veterans and their families. She is committed to standing with other POW/MIA families as they fight for their own long-awaited answers.

It goes without saying that when Karoni jumps into something, she jumps with her whole heart. The opportunity to start this second career in the jewelry industry, embrace the challenges ahead and learn from some of the brightest while creating jewelry that has a story and purpose is right up her alley. She’s energized about the future of Debra Navarro & Co.

Karoni and her family live in Austin, TX where they like to keep things weird enough. In addition to being a member of Ethical Metalsmiths and serving on their Advisory Council, she’s also a member of the American Gem Society.

If you’re wondering how on earth an award-winning jewelry designer and gemologist from Wichita, KS hooked up with a poli sci/operations guru/activist from Austin, TX, there’s a simple answer. They were college roommates at Texas A&M University.