Karina Favela-Barreras
Director of Operations, Los Angeles Promise Neighborhoods

A results-driven leader in the education and human service sectors, Karina Favela-Barreras has worked with young children, families and community members for more than 15 years.

As the Youth Policy Institute’s (YPI) Director of Operations for the Los Angeles Promise Neighborhood (LAPN), Karina is responsible for the short- and long-term coordination and implementation of cradle-to-college-and-career services for the communities of Hollywood and Pacoima, advancing economic and social equity with an emphasis on improving access to quality education. Karina manages a $6 million annual budget and oversees a team of full- and part-time staff members who serve as assistant directors, managers, coordinators, community advocates and “promotoras” (promoters) at 18 school sites and 5 community centers. 

She coordinates cross-sector partnerships between community-based organizations, local schools, elected officials, and community leaders and residents to implement collaborative solutions that both help transform communities into vibrant communities of opportunities and develop a strong college-bound culture at school sites.

Karina began working with YPI in 2006 as the Assistant Director of Youth Services providing oversight to over 50 school sites. In 2008 she established the School and Community Partnerships department, which housed the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS), AmeriCorps, Carol White Physical Education Program, and the Los Angeles Promise Neighborhood planning grant.

Before joining YPI, Karina served as the School Readiness Program Coordinator for Los Angeles Education Partnership.  In this capacity she supported with a community needs assessment process and implementation of school readiness and health awareness programs to supported families with children ages 0-5.

Karina