Karen Torres
Karen Torres is a dedicated educator and workforce development leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education, business management, and technical training. Currently serving as the Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Director at Luna Community College, she has previously held roles including Interim Vice President of Instruction and Student Services and adjunct instructor, teaching courses ranging from EMT Basic to British and World Literature. Karen has a proven track record in strategic leadership, curriculum development, grant acquisition, and fostering strong community partnerships, with a passion for helping learners of all ages achieve their goals.
Throughout her career, Karen has been a strong advocate for social justice and community engagement, leveraging her expertise to develop new programs such as HVAC, Well Drilling, and culinary arts at Luna Community College. She combines her instructional experience with administrative leadership, emphasizing the integration of instructional programs with student support services and data-driven decision-making to enhance student success.
Karen’s commitment to education is matched by her dedication to lifelong learning; she is pursuing advanced studies in higher education leadership and education, holding PhD-level degrees from South College and the University of Arizona Global Campus. Beyond her professional achievements, she is known for her mentorship, advocacy for equity, and efforts to create inclusive, empowering environments for students, staff, and the broader community.
• Ashford University
• The University of Arizona Global Campus- M.A.
• The University of Arizona Global Campus- Ph.D.
• South College- Ph.D.
• Delta Kappa Gamma
• Golden Key International Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, hands-on experience, and staying connected to the communities I serve. My journey—from helping run my family’s electrical business to teaching and leading career and technical education programs—has been shaped by a strong work ethic, a commitment to empowering others, and the belief that education, especially in the trades, can transform lives and communities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to surround myself with like-minded, supportive mentors from whom I can learn and be inspired, like my mentor GeriLyn, whose dedication to earning her doctorate motivates me to pursue advanced goals as well.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to embrace hard work, stay curious, and be teachable. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so start where you are, pursue what you love with integrity, and never underestimate the value of practical skills and hands-on experience.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is changing perceptions — helping students, parents, and policymakers see that careers in the trades are honorable and valuable. At the same time, limited resources, growing community needs, and evolving technology create opportunities to innovate, advocate, and build systems that truly support student success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in work and life are hard work, compassion, and perseverance. Growing up balancing school, jobs, and family responsibilities taught me the importance of dedication, and my work on an agritourism business, cattle ranch, and rescuing dogs keeps me grounded and connected to those principles.