Her Story
About Karla
I came to the United States when I was young as an immigrant and had to learn the language. I started my career many years ago working for Child Protective Services, which gave me deep knowledge of the system, the processes, and the guidelines that the state sets for licensing agencies. Now working in non-profit foster care for nearly a year, I focus on helping families navigate the licensing process to become foster parents. My main goal is ensuring that families go into being licensed with a clear understanding of everything that entails, including some of the trauma that children might come with and the resources available to help with whatever issues the children might have. I'm passionate about providing great information and making sure families are making well-informed decisions when deciding to become a foster parent. Along the way, I answer any questions they might have while also managing a team and making sure they are following compliance. The most important thing to me is creating great partnerships with the foster parents. I hold a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Arizona State University, which I graduated with in 2004, and a master's degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Northern Arizona University, which I completed in 2010.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm an immigrant in this country. I came to the United States when I was young. I had to learn the language, and I was here undocumented. My family, my father always told me, you know, money comes and goes, but education will be with you forever. And he had really good work ethic, and I think that he instilled that in me. That foundation of valuing education above all else and having a strong work ethic from my father has been the driving force behind everything I've accomplished.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that I received is don't have loyalty to any company, have loyalty to yourself, and follow what makes you happy. For instance, I was once laid off, and I gave it my all, and I understood when that person told me that - don't have loyalty to any corporation or any company, because you're just a number. But follow your passion, follow what you want to do, and that's where it's going to be rewarding. That's where the real reward comes from.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say do some research. Make sure that you are prepared. It's like an emotional rollercoaster. It's not for everybody. There's times that I tell myself, if I could go back, I think I would pick a different major. Again, I would just say to make sure that you really do your homework and research and see if it's going to be a fit for you. And then just remember, too, that in life, you always pivot, and you always change, and you're always growing. So you might start with something, but it might lead you to other careers, to other companies, to other industries, but if you're going to go into it, do the research and see if it's something that you really are cut out for.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say the most important values are to help when you can. If you're going to sign up to do a job, do everything, and do your job well done, regardless of what. A value I would say is to help whenever you can. You're not going to change the world, you're not going to help everybody, but for that one person that you did something, you changed the world for them. And just, you know, for me, it's the belief in God that there's a higher power, and that one day I will answer to Him.
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