As the Student Engagement & Policy Associate on the Higher Education Team, Karina G. Paredes (she/her/ella) works closely with college student leaders and student groups across the state of California to hear and elevate their concerns.  She is also responsible for identifying policy issue areas of import to students that align with Public Advocates’ higher education policy advocacy and develop and advance student-centered advocacy campaigns around those issues.

Throughout her undergraduate career at the University of California, Berkeley, she focused on elevating and supporting students by being involved in student government, progressive student-led coalitions, and women empowerment spaces. Karina graduated with a BA in Legal Studies and Social Welfare and a minor in Education.

Growing up in the Central Coast as a low income first-generation student, she understands the barriers that students of color face and is passionate about supporting students because she firmly believes higher education is a key that all should have available to use.