Serving as the Executive Director of Authentic LA, I hold many responsibilities in carrying out the purposes of this discipleship ministry. I have helped organizations such as the Ascending Lights Leadership Network, Lake Avenue Community Foundation, and Harambee Ministries develop mentoring programs. Born and raised in the LA area, I have a heart and passion for mentoring. My doctoral research in educational psychology at USC was centered on multimedia, learning strategies, mentoring organizations, and small group dynamics. As a Mexican-American and a graduate of Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary, I am committed to promoting academic initiatives both inside and outside of the Church. I also founded the Renaissance Society during the winter of 2004, born out of a desire to encourage, educate, and network Christian leaders for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Email: gabe@authenticla.org

 

- Urban Youth Workers Institute, Follow Me as I Follow Christ: Discipleship Through One-on-One Mentoring

- Urban Youth Workers Institute, Beyond Stand & Deliver: Education & the Mexican-American Community 

 

-Church of the Nazarene Anaheim District, Follow Me as I Follow Christ: How students can mentor other students - Newport Beach, CA

-Southern Pacific Latin American District of the Assemblies of God, Learning in Los Angeles: Education Inside & Outside of the Classroom - Los Angeles, CA

-Ascending Lights Learship Network, Sharing Your Story: Addressing the Past in Order to Move Forward - Pacific Palisades, CA

-Urban Youth Workers Institute, The House Church Movement: Has it Found a Home in Urban America - Azusa, CA

-Ascending Lights Leadership Network, Financial Management: Taking Practical Steps Towards Success - Burbank. CA

-Ascending Lights Leadership Network, Boundries: A Key to Establishing Healthy Relationships - Glendale, CA

 

-Vanguard University, Providing a Foundation for Grassroots Leadership in California: Awakening the Desire to Mentor Mexican-American Students in Orange County - Costa Mesa, CA

-Ascending Lights Leadership Network, Time Management: An Introduction to College Life - Alhambra, CA

 

-Azusa Pacific University, Foundations of Ministry Course - Azusa, CA

-Azusa Pacific University, Art of Leadership Course - Azusa, CA

 

-Latin American Bible Institute, Opportunities in Higher Education - La Puente, CA

 

-Azusa Pacific University, History of Christianity in America - Azusa, CA

 

-Nogales High School, Investing in My Hometown - La Puente, CA

 

 

I am a living example that you can be and do anything if you put your mind to it. Growing up in sunny Southern California, early on I witnessed the plight and struggle that many families experience day-to-day. Through first-hand experiences in the homes of many families, God placed a burden on my heart to be a part of the solution. By working with parents in classrooms and in churches, I believe that children should be viewed as the future. With the understanding that it is important to become a much needed female role model, I went against the traditions of my family and was the first to obtain a Bachelors degree and Masters degree from Azusa Pacific University. In order to become more qualified and to obtain opportunities in the public school system, I also received teaching and administrative credentials. With nearly a decade of teaching experience behind me, I am currently working as an elementary school teacher, utilizing innovative strategies such as theatrical play to stimulate learning. In addition to this I am currently working on my doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary, studying the development of women's leadership programs and helping women cross-vocationally fulfill their purpose.

E-mail: karina@authenticla.org