With over 25 years of experience in environmental work, Karina is passionate about collaborating in the transformation to a world with a clean environment, rich biodiversity, accessible clean water, and food security for all. She has collaborated with esteemed international organizations like the United Nations University Program for Water, Environment, and Health, as well as Industry Canada's Sustainable Cities program. Her journey has also involved partnerships with prestigious Canadian and European institutions across private and NGO sectors, spearheading projects in Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. 

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Ottawa, Karina's doctoral research focuses on enhancing policy design and evaluating financial mechanisms to support ecosystem-based agricultural management, ultimately striving for improved environmental outcomes and societal well-being.  

Karina is actively engaged in research alongside the Smart Prosperity Institute. Her academic journey includes a bachelor's in biochemical engineering with a focus on marine resources management from ITESM, an M.Sc. in environmental engineering from the University of Guelph (Canada), and an M.A. in environmental economics and public policies from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). 

Beyond academia, Karina is a climate leader with Climate Reality and the proud founder of a non-profit E-NGO dedicated to promoting eco-friendly solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. She is deeply involved in the community, volunteering as a board member with Wildlands Network and serving on the Technical Committee of the think tank "Hermosillo ¿Cómo Vamos?" focusing on water and environmental issues. She also conducts training sessions and conferences on climate change solutions and contributes articles to local and national media outlets.