NAME: Karina Hernandez

AGE: 27

BUSINESS NAME AND LOCATION: Advance Community, 1911 W. Earll Dr., Phoenix.

TOWN: Phoenix

HOURS OF OPERATION: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND HIGHLIGHTS: I am a first-generation student, born and raised in south Phoenix. I am a proud graduate of Arizona State University where I got my Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND HIGHLIGHTS: I am just beginning my professional career, having recently graduated from college and started working with Advance Community. In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve already had the opportunity to attend numerous events, network with partners, and grow as a professional.

WHAT I DO: Community Health Educator.

WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT DOING BUSINESS HERE: What I like most about doing business here is the opportunity to work with Advance, a global health organization committed to improving health and providing hope through disease prevention, education, and treatment. I am proud to be part of an organization with a vision of health equity for all, where every person is thriving. The work we do in the community, especially through programs like Salud con Sabor Latino, which I focus on and teach in the community, allows me to contribute to meaningful change and support individuals in leading healthier lives—something I am truly passionate about.

PREVIOUS OCCUPATION AND WHY I LEFT: Arizona State University- College of Health Solutions Student worker.

CHANGES I’D LIKE TO SEE IN THIS AREA: Changes I’d like to see in this area include a greater understanding of healthy eating and disease prevention in the Latino community. I would love to see the rates of preventable diseases decrease and witness families in the community embracing and implementing healthier habits, particularly through cooking and nutrition.

WHAT I AM PROMOTING: I am promoting the improvement of health and the provision of hope through disease prevention, education, and treatment. I am advocating for an inclusive and equitable approach to health and well-being for everyone, especially those in our community—our family—and those around us who work with us and are open to learning from us.

WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT AND WHY: I am truly excited about my current role as a community health educator, where I get to work directly with the community, helping educate and guide parents and children in developing healthy eating habits and learning disease prevention. It’s rewarding to see people become better versions of themselves for their own well-being and for their families. I enjoy being out in the community, making new connections, and offering the services of both our organization and myself. I’m eager to continue growing, meeting new people and partners, and furthering my knowledge.

FAVORITE COMMUNITY CAUSE AND WHY: My favorite community cause is everything that Advance does. From offering classes to adults, seniors, and youth, to cooking meals for seniors in different parts of the valley, and building food boxes filled with nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other essential items for families. I’m personally most passionate about what I do — teaching Salud con Sabor Latino at various schools and community centers. The satisfaction I get from educating others on something I’m truly passionate about is incredibly rewarding.

WHEN AND WHY, I STARTED MY BUSINESS/EMPLOYMENT HERE: After graduating, I began my job search, going through job descriptions and attending a few interviews at different places, but none of them felt like the right fit. I knew there had to be something out there that aligned with my passion—teaching others, helping people, and working with my community, the Hispanic community. When I came across the position of Community Health Educator at Advance, I knew it was the one. I applied, prayed, and hoped for the best, and now I’m here, doing something I truly love.

WHERE I WAS BEFORE I LEFT AND WHY I LEFT: I was a student worker at ASU, where I was able to balance my coursework while still earning an income. Throughout college, I volunteered and worked various jobs, all while contributing to something meaningful and working toward my goals.

MY FAMILY: I am a proud daughter of immigrant parents who came to Phoenix 30 years ago with nothing but hopes and dreams. My parents have always worked hard to provide for me and my siblings, giving us everything we ever needed. My dad is the most hardworking man I know, never giving up and always pushing forward. My parents have never stopped working to better themselves—they recently both became U.S. citizens and paid off the house we live in. I know these are accomplishments they probably never imagined achieving when they first arrived in the United States.