Karina Arzate-Arenivaz

Karina Arzate-Arenivaz is an Ed.M. candidate in Education Policy and Analysis at HGSE, focused on working for programs and initiatives that increases degree attainment for Latino/a students from rural California. A first-generation American and proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, she grew up in a small agricultural town in California’s Central Valley. Her path from first-generation high school graduate, to community college transfer, to UCLA shaped her commitment to making higher education more accessible for underserved communities. Karina aims to become an equity-focused policymaker for the California Community College system, shaping statewide reforms that expand access and completion for the nation’s largest and most diverse student body. She is committed to ensuring that no students' opportunities are limited by their background, or where they grew up.