KAREN PALECEK partner and co-managing member of Palecek & Palecek PLLC

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A WOMAN WHO MOVES THE VALLEY?

What it means to me to be a Woman Who Moves the Valley is a woman who is willing to work hard and contribute her talents to a cause or industry in the Valley that she believes in. We are all blessed with certain talents and passions and to use the talents for what we are passionate about is so important.

WHY IS CONSTRUCTION LAW YOUR CHOSEN CAREER PATH?

I chose construction law as my career path because I am passionate about the construction industry. I wanted to be a litigator and specialize in a particular area of the law so that I could use my talents for not only something I am passionate about but be knowledgeable in one area and develop an expertise.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?

My proudest professional moment was probably winning my first jury trial in an important construction case.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS? 

The driving force behind my success is my amazing family. My parents first, of course, because they have been there every step of the way and my brother, who is my partner, is such a source of strength as we have not only grown up together, but we share the same values and goals, and I can’t imagine not having such support in both my business and personal life. My children, Kendall, Collin and Jenny, who I love more than I could ever express, are a driving force behind by success because my love and bond with them is so strong that I truly want to do my best for them. My fiancé who had a heart transplant four years ago and recovered from a rejection of that heart that almost took his life is also a source of strength and driving force behind my success. He is so strong and has such a will to live that nothing stops his determination.

WHAT VALLEY CAUSE IS THE NEAREST AND DEAREST TO YOU?

The Valley cause that is nearest and dearest to me is the American Subcontractors Association and their choice for charity, whether it is a student at Arizona State University’s school of construction or the Daisy Mountain Fire Department charities. I also support Attitude Dream basketball, which is my fiancé’s nonprofit organization that supports young boys and girls trying to use their talents to achieve success.

WHAT IS ONE WISH YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE? 

One wish I have for the future is the continued economic strength of the Valley. The Valley is such a wonderful place to work and live that if it continues to get stronger economically then everyone will benefit including some of the wonderful charities we have in the Valley as people will have more to give.

NAME A WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE.

My mom is the biggest influence in my life because she is my best friend, and she has such strength both emotionally and spiritually that I can’t help but want to emulate each and every aspect of her life.

KAREN’S FAVES

BOOK: All of the James Patterson books, but I especially enjoyed “The Beach House.”

MOVIE: “The Express.”

GUILTY PLEASURE: Red wine and dark chocolate-sea salt caramels.

TV SHOW: “Criminal Minds.”

VALLEY RESTAURANT: Nook.

ANNUAL LOCAL EVENT: Restaurant Week.

THING ABOUT ARIZONA: The ability to be in multiple climates and terrains. You can be in a beautiful desert and the vast ponderosa pine forest all in the same day.