Karen (she/her) is an advocate for climate justice, gender equity, and indigenous rights, connected to her roots in Manta, a coastal city in Ecuador. Growing up in Manta, a region heavily affected by environmental changes, she developed an early understanding of the challenges coastal communities face due to climate change, such as rising sea levels and biodiversity loss. This awareness shaped her passion for defending vulnerable ecosystems and advocating for communities on the front lines of climate impacts.
As Focal Point for Girl Up Latam at UNOY, Karen champions youth engagement in peacebuilding and ensures underrepresented voices from Latin America, particularly indigenous communities, are part of global discussions on gender equality and social justice. Her experience includes research on environmental defenders in the Amazon, focusing on the role of indigenous women in safeguarding critical ecosystems. This research led to the publication of her work, where she addresses the violence and risks faced by those defending their land and biodiversity.
As an alumna of the Community Engagement Exchange Program by the U.S. Department of State, she participated as a fellow with the Global Youth Programs team at The Climate Reality Project. During this fellowship, she solidified her focus on the intersection of gender and climate justice, advocating for more inclusive and equitable environmental policies. She also volunteers with EmpoderaClima and Life of Pachamama, where she elevates indigenous and youth voices, fostering awareness around the critical role these communities play in climate solutions.
With a background in International Relations and participation in academic programs such as the Regional Diploma in Feminist Climate Justice for Socio-Ecological Transitions, she seeks to deepen her understanding of climate policy, feminist perspectives, and socio-environmental transitions. Her aim is to create more inclusive spaces for women in climate action and to advocate for intersectional approaches that address both environmental and gender-related challenges.