Karina R. is a first-generation American, military veteran, and mother. She admires her parents, who taught her that the American Dream could be achieved through hard work, persistence, and faith. Currently, she assists the organization in Organization Development. She prides herself in being a plug-and-play asset that is always willing to take on new organizational challenges. Following the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, she knew she needed to take action to help Afghan American allies that were left behind. She’s excited to see the organization’s growth and expands its humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Before joining Heart of an Ace, Karina was a graduate research intern at the International Counter-Terrorism Institute in Herzliya, Israel studying Middle East conflicts, Islamic Extremism and actors, and International Security. Today, she is a Non-Profit-Management Fellow with a national women’s organization working towards increasing women’s representation in public office and political appointments.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from California Lutheran University. She is expected to graduate with her Master of Public Policy in American Politics, International Relations and National Security in Spring 2023 from Pepperdine University.