Karen Soltau-Mutebi has dedicated more than two decades to advancing government solution-based housing services, with a career marked by leadership, advocacy and a focus on serving vulnerable populations. Since 2015, she has excelled as the chief executive officer, president and founder of Millburn Harbor. Under her direction, the aforementioned organization has become recognized for its work in providing supportive housing solutions for veterans and underserved communities.
Ms. Soltau-Mutebi’s approach at Millburn Harbor is hands-on, ensuring that each veteran entering the program receives comprehensive wraparound services, including case management by licensed clinical social workers, housing navigation and peer support. Her commitment to individualized care has enabled Millburn Harbor to assist nearly 500 veterans through a five-year dual agency contract between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs, valued at $40 million.
Ms. Soltau-Mutebi’s exceptional leadership at Millburn Harbor is distinguished by her insistence that every individual is treated as more than a statistic. She takes particular pride in the personal letters and messages she receives from veterans whose lives have been transformed through her organization’s efforts. One such account involved a veteran who, after experiencing homelessness and separation from his family, found stability and renewed hope through Millburn Harbor’s dedicated staff and resources. These stories underscore Ms. Soltau-Mutebi’s belief in compassionate service and her drive to ensure that no one is forgotten.
Prior to founding Millburn Harbor, Ms. Soltau-Mutebi built a strong foundation in residential and commercial finance as a mortgage broker from 1997 to 2015. Her extensive experience in this sector equipped her with the knowledge necessary to address complex housing challenges and advocate for policy changes on behalf of sensitive adult populations. Recognizing gaps in support for those most in need, she became actively involved with organizations such as Women Impacting Public Policy and The C-Suite Group. Ms. Soltau-Mutebi’s advocacy extended to Washington, D.C., where she spoke before Congress and collaborated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote access to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Ms. Soltau-Mutebi has been deeply influenced by her personal experiences and family history. Raised by her grandmother after immigrating to the United States at age four, she grew up in a multigenerational household that fostered resilience and determination. Overcoming childhood kidney cancer following treatment at New York Hospital, she credits her survival and subsequent achievements to the unwavering love of her grandmother. Ms. Soltau-Mutebi’s early experience with adversity instilled in her a fierce commitment to achieving goals regardless of any obstacle in her path.
Ms. Soltau-Mutebi’s dedication to supporting others was further shaped by witnessing the challenges faced by family members navigating mental health issues and reintegration into civilian life after military service. These experiences inspired Ms. Soltau-Mutebi to develop platforms that help veterans access their benefits and secure stable housing environments tailored to their needs. Ms. Soltau-Mutebi remains steadfast in her mission to create mixed communities where residents are supported beyond basic care.
Beyond her primary responsibilities, Ms. Soltau-Mutebi has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to civic engagement as founder of Caring Little Hands since 2002. Through this initiative, she has organized relief efforts during crises such as Hurricane Katrina, led bicycle drives for children and established safe spaces for individuals affected by domestic violence or aging out of foster care. Her contributions have been recognized with several honors, including the SBA Thrive Award in Los Angeles in 2025 and both nomination for and receipt of the VA I Care Award.
Looking toward the future, Ms. Soltau-Mutebi aims to expand her impact by housing 1,000 veterans and building communities where individuals can thrive safely and happily. She plans to dedicate Millburn Harbor’s first property in New York to her grandmother in recognition of the foundational role she played in shaping her life’s mission.