Karina Pineda

Karina Pineda (she/her/ella) joined CISLA in 2024 as a Site Coordinator/Success Coach at John Liechty Middle School. Hailing from a Salvadoran American family in South Central Los Angeles, she has developed a profound understanding of the cultural and social dynamics that shape the experiences of underserved communities.

She is a recent graduate from UCLA, with a degree in Geography and minors in Central American and Chicano Studies. In her previous role, Karina made a significant impact as a College Access Fellow at Kid City Hope Place, where she utilized her academic background and personal experiences to support students and families from South Central LA. Through her work, she successfully guided over 60 students through the college application process, empowering them to overcome challenges and secure their futures in higher education. Her commitment to advocacy is evident in her ability to navigate complex financial aid systems, providing critical support to ensure that her students can access the educational opportunities they deserve.

With a focus on making a lasting difference, Karina is dedicated to empowering underserved communities through education. In her free time, Karina enjoys shopping, spending quality time with friends and creating nail art!