Karan's Urban Zen Initiative, founded in 2007, is the culmination of Karan's philanthropic efforts. Explains Karan, "I founded the Urban Zen Initiative to create a working structure for advancing wellness, preserving culture and empowering children. These are causes that mean the world to me." Through Urban Zen, Karan – an honorary ambassador to Haiti – works closely with the Clinton Global Initiative to support and develop Haitian artisan commerce. President Clinton asked Karan to design the prestigious Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2010, an honor he then presented her with for her work with the Urban Zen Haiti Artisan Project. Karan was also honored with a Gordon Parks Foundation Award for using creative means to change and educate the world.