Project(s): Disadvantaged Community Involvement Program Email: kvalladares@civicspark.lgc.org Fellow Bio:

Karen is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine where she majored in Public Health Policy. Through her education, she learned that our health is very complex and is in everything: our housing, education, socioeconomic status, build environment. She recognized that there are certain populations who are disproportionately affected by numerous issues tied to their health. Through engaging with community organizations that work on social justice issues in Orange County, she also realized the power in organizing to push for change and fight for equity. Karen feels that CivicSpark will offer an invaluable opportunity to gain skills and professional development in order to address the needs of communities and learn how local government can move towards community resilience.