A graduate of University of California, Davis, Karen earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies, both with Honors, and minored in Public Health Sciences. Her interdisciplinary education provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the direct and indirect factors that influence quality of life, especially for LMI individuals and other vulnerable populations. Karen is a firm believer in the power of education. She believes that learning should not be limited to the walls of a school system, rather it is most impactful when it is brought to communities to uplift and empower them.
Karen was born and raised in Los Angeles, which she loves deeply, as well as Oaxaca, where her parents and roots are from. Her parents were the first to instill in her the value of education, the importance of community, connection and giving back. She credits her parents, particularly her mother, who skillfully navigated various systems despite language barriers to make sure her family made use of available resources, from school and youth programs to housing and healthcare support. Karen acknowledges how these resources enriched her life and shaped her commitment to helping others access the support they need. Karen was drawn to Haven Services for its mission of financial education as a means of empowerment, connection to resources and community building. At Haven Services, Karen is part of the Grant Management team, helping ensure the organization is able to continue its impactful work. Additionally, part of her role is to coordinate the Medical Debt Network, which connects CBOs in order to address medical debt, a financial burden that can affect the financial wellbeing of many in the community.
In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with loved ones, playing board games, drawing, watching her favorite shows, and trying new restaurants.