Karen’s experience and perspective continue to shape the vision and standards of Southlake Travel — setting the tone for how every journey is designed and delivered.
That vision is carried forward by a team of advisors and strategists who bring it to life every day.
The Team Behind Every Journey
Southlake Travel operates as a collaborative advisory firm. While Karen provides strategic direction and senior counsel, each advisor leads client relationships within their areas of expertise — supported by a coordinated team committed to excellence at every stage.
Behind every seamless departure is thoughtful planning, global perspective, and disciplined execution.
Together, we design travel that feels effortless — and distinctly personal.
Jim Dawson
Marketing Director
As Marketing Director, Jim shapes the strategic positioning, partnerships, and brand direction of Southlake Travel. Drawing on leadership experience across global organizations including AT&T, Verizon, and IBM, he brings enterprise-level strategy and alliance development to a boutique advisory firm.
Beyond marketing execution, Jim helps guide long-term growth, strategic collaborations, and client engagement initiatives — ensuring that Southlake Travel’s presence, messaging, and partnerships reflect the caliber of experiences the agency delivers. He also oversees creative direction for all digital and print platforms, including Portfolio, reinforcing a cohesive and elevated brand standard.
Deonne Swanson
Travel Advisor – Europe, Family & Global Adventures
A lifelong explorer who has visited more than 20 countries and 45 U.S. states, Deonne brings firsthand experience and thoughtful precision to every itinerary she designs.
She specializes in European travel and multi-generational journeys, leading her client relationships with care and clarity while crafting experiences that feel seamless, enriching, and enduring.
Sophia Iverson
Travel Advisor – Honeymoons, Celebrations & Luxury Safaris
Having lived overseas for 13 years, including time in Africa, Sophia brings authentic cultural perspective to the journeys she curates. Her background in event planning informs her thoughtful approach to honeymoons, milestone celebrations, and bespoke safaris.
She works closely with her clients to design travel that feels immersive, meaningful, and beautifully considered.
Carol Palazzo
Travel Advisor – Luxury & Culinary Travel
Carol specializes in customized luxury travel, creating detailed itineraries shaped around each client’s interests, pace, and priorities. Whether it’s a curated tour, cruise, or a highly-personalized vacation, she blends creativity with careful planning to deliver elevated getaways and adventures that turn travel dreams into lasting memories.
Carol believes exceptional travel begins with listening — ensuring that you, the traveler, are inspired and excited on your journey.