A proven leader with years of experience in public service and community-building, Karina works every day to deliver results and be a relentless advocate for Sacramento residents.  

Early Life

As the daughter of immigrant farm workers, Karina witnessed firsthand the hard work and sacrifice needed to succeed in life. With the help of a federal loan, Karina’s parents built their own home giving her family housing stability.  At a young age, Karina joined her parents working in the agriculture industry during the summers and later various other jobs, including local soccer coach, before entering college. Karina holds a Bachelors of Science in Community and Regional Development from University of California Davis that is focused on transforming local communities.

A Proven Leader that can do the Job Day One and Fight for our Fair Share

Karina will bring new direction to City Council day one. Karina has worked to enhance the quality of life for Sacramento residents through her role as a Chief of Staff at Sacramento City. From Natomas residents who need help with city services, to challenges like rising homelessness, affordable housing, and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe, Karina fights for every resident. Karina has advocated for Natomas residents to get their fair share of resources, including helping secure the establishment of a Costco, establishment of Kaiser Permanente medical center, and a new hospital to replace the Sleep Train Arena.

She has also successfully led the efforts to pass a $172 million school bond, run a vaccination clinic at Natomas High School serving over 30,000 individuals, organized fun family-orientated activities, such as the Natomas Farmers Market, concerts and movies in the park, and much more.

As a former educator and current Trustee of the Sacramento County Board of Education, Karina understands the importance of education and providing youth programming. As a Trustee, she has advocated for increased resources across the state. Karina has also worked on policies to help close the education achievement gap through a White House Initiative and personally helped over 1,000 low-income and first-generation students continue their postsecondary education as a college advisor.

Community Leader

Throughout her career, Karina has demonstrated her commitment to fighting for the best interests of local residents through multiple partnerships with community organizations, neighborhood associations, and community forums. She also serves on the Sacramento State Honors Advisory Board and the Sacramento Library Authority Board. She is a member of the UC Davis Chicano-Latino Alumni Association and the UC Davis Government and Public Policy Alumni Group. 

Recently, the Sacramento Business Journal recognized Karina with the 40 under 40 award and she earned the Rising Star award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for her work helping her family run one of their two small businesses: Frutazo, a mobile truck that sells Mexican-style fruit, and Maldicion Brand, a T-shirt company. In her limited free time, you can find Karina with her family, walking her dog Ash, playing soccer, and enjoying her hometown, Sacramento. 

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