For more than 20 years, Karla has championed equity through strategic advocacy, coalition building, and systems change, ensuring that public investments are directed toward the communities and families most in need. Her work has consistently focused on lifting the voices of those often left out of decision-making and driving transformative change in policies and systems that impact young children.
Karla is a seasoned advocate and leader with a proven track record in advancing equity for families and young children. Karla joined the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as the Child Care and Development Division was being established, contributing to the strategic planning of the state’s $2 billion investment in early care and education. She played a pivotal role in developing the $350 million Infrastructure Grant Program, aimed at expanding access to quality child care across California. At Advancement Project California (now Catalyst California), Karla directed initiatives that secured billions for early care and education and for educational opportunities at highest need schools. While at Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest law firm, Karla represented clients and expanded educational pathways for young children across Los Angeles County. As Directing Attorney for El Rescate Legal Services, she fought for immigrant families facing separation and displacement. With a career rooted in policy, legal advocacy, and coalition building, Karla has consistently driven transformative change for communities with historically limited access to resources, services and supports.
Karla works to ensure that community perspectives inform real policy and funding decisions. She has served on key state and county bodies, such as the Los Angeles Policy Roundtable for Child Care and Development, the Prevention and Promotion Systems Governing Committee, and the Community Engagement Subcommittee of California’s Cradle-to-Career Data System, where she champions solutions rooted in the lived experiences of families.
Karla holds a J.D. from UC Hastings and a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. A long-time resident of Los Angeles, she spends weekends with her husband and children—often exploring local hiking trails. Her favorite pastime is listening to the humorous and philosophical musings of her two kids.
