Karina is a student at Penn Engineering studying Artificial Intelligence, where she explores how technology can enhance storytelling, connection, and the human experience. In high school, she was a nationally and statewide awarded journalist, known for experimenting with podcasts, interviews, and design to tell meaningful stories in new ways. She finds joy in learning about people, curating ideas, and creating spaces where stories can be shared with intention and impact.
She is the founder of Little Mentors, a nonprofit connecting youth across the globe through curiosity and mentorship. Its signature series, Teddy Talks, brings young students into conversation with leaders like businessman Mark Cuban, 23andMe founder Anne Wojcicki, and Holocaust survivor Alice Sondike—offering young people a chance to learn directly from those shaping the world.
Karina also co-founded Apollo, a nationally recognized platform that helps young entrepreneurs find collaborators and build real ventures. For her work, she was honored by her hometown with a day named in her recognition. Whether she’s designing products, building teams, or interviewing changemakers, Karina is driven by a love for curation, creativity, and making people feel seen. She looks forward to contributing to the SNF Paideia community by exploring how dialogue and design can work together to build more thoughtful, connected futures.