Karina is the Chief Creative & Technology Officer at Girl Effect, where she blends creativity, tech, and purpose to build digital experiences and tell stories that unlock the power of adolescent girls across Africa and South Asia. With 15+ years of experience in design, innovation, and product development, Karina leads a dynamic, cross-continental team behind some of Girl Effect’s most loved products—from YouTube talk shows and IVR games to radio dramas and AI-powered chatbots.

She’s the creative force behind Big Sis, Girl Effect’s award-winning chatbot that dishes out honest, non-judgmental advice on sexual, reproductive, and mental health. With over 1.6 million users and counting, and 1 in 4 connecting to health services, Big Sis is making serious impact—earning recognition from Fast Company World Changing Idea Award, GLOMO Award, and the Stanford Center for Digital Health.

A first-generation Mexican American and Indigenous Pueblo American, Karina’s passion for equity is rooted in her family’s experience of migration and marginalisation. She’s driven to use tech and storytelling to create meaningful change for underserved communities.