About Us
Partnering with communities to turn vision into lasting impact.
Our Story
At Luminosity, our story is woven from diverse professional paths, each underpinned by a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. From early roots in community solar energy development when the industy was just getting started to deep dives into real estate finance, our team has gained unique insights into leveraging capital for impactful, sustainable projects.
United by a vision to accelerate zero-emission technologies, especially in underserved communities, we’re driven to create a cleaner, healthier world where environmental and economic benefits go hand in hand.
Our Mission & Approach
At Luminosity Foundation, our mission is to strengthen underserved communities by helping them access the resources, funding, and expertise needed to turn bold ideas into lasting impact. From renewable energy and affordable housing to innovative financing and capacity building, we work to ensure every community can thrive — today and for generations to come.
We believe the most effective change starts at the community level. By listening first, collaborating closely, and building solutions around local strengths, we create projects that are both impactful and sustainable. Our work is guided by three key pillars:
1. Empowering Communities
We partner directly with communities to understand their priorities and deliver tailored solutions — from solar energy to housing and infrastructure — that provide long-term resilience and independence.
2. Innovative financing
We blend public and private capital to unlock funding opportunities, making projects more affordable, scalable, and achievable for even the most resource-challenged communities.
3. Building partnerships
Collaboration is at our core. By working with local governments, nonprofits, funders, and technical experts, we maximize resources, share knowledge, and accelerate change that lasts.
in Solar Capital
Our leaders have originated over $600 million in capital for community solar projects, demonstrating a strong track record in renewable energy financing
Real Estate Transactions
With a successful completion of $100 million in residential real estate transactions, our team brings a wealth of experience in development and finance
State Reach
Our business operations and initiatives have spanned 36 states and 3 US territories, reflecting our broad impact and extensive network across the nation
Households served
We have directly served over 700 low and moderate income households with innovative products to bridge them to home ownership
Our Team
Karen Gados, CEO
After serving in the Peace Corps, Karen joined a Denver-based community solar company as a founder and held positions as Chief of Staff and head of business development, growing the company to over 50 staff in multiple states. She then co-founded Pikes Peak Capital in 2017, which provided naturally occurring affordable housing to over 700 families across the country. Karen holds an MBA from the University of Colorado and is on the Advisory Board of the National Diversity Coalition.
Christianna Sayler, CFO
Chris has over a decade of experience in finance. As the head of finance at SunShare, she introduced Community Solar to the financial markets and led the financing of the first Community Solar Gardens in the US to be financed. As co-founder and Managing Partner of Pikes Peak Capital, she developed 3 micro-funds with over 100 investors and led over $100M of transactions. Chris holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Colorado.