Meet Karina Hurtado Maldonado

“I love making connections with people from different parts of the world,” says Karina Hurtado Maldonado, who has worked with students from around the world. “It is always so inspiring to learn about their lives and be a part of helping them succeed in their future goals.” 

As the program coordinator for International Youth Programs at UC Davis, Karina works closely with both students and partners from various countries. In her role, she is engaged in the entire life cycle of the program—from planning and implementation to program evaluation. “My goal is to provide a valuable learning and cultural experience that supports students’ academic and personal growth.” 

Tell me about your background and your experience in international education. 

I have a master's degree in Latin American & Latino studies from UC Santa Cruz, where I focused on feminist social movements and music in the Americas. One of my most cherished memories from my time at UC Santa Cruz was mentoring first-generation Latinx students. Many of these students, like me, were children of immigrants navigating university life for the first time. 

I have dedicated most of my professional life to education, working in both K-12 and university settings. Most recently, I coordinated programs for a K-12 school district in Sacramento, supporting families and students who recently arrived as refugees. These families faced the challenge of adapting to a new system and culture while learning a new language. Our programs provided essential resources and empowered students and their families with the tools they needed to thrive in their new home. 

Beyond my professional and educational background, I bring a deep dedication to students. My personal experiences as a mentor and as someone who has navigated similar challenges to those faced by the students I support, have equipped me with a unique perspective and a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. 

What are you most excited about in this role? 

I am most excited about the opportunity to create fun and memorable experiences for students. I believe that education goes beyond the classroom, and by fostering an environment where students can have fun while learning, we can make a lasting impact on their lives. I look forward to organizing activities and programs that not only educate but also inspire and engage students, helping them build positive memories that will stay with them for years to come. 

How will your work help our international students or partners? 

My work helps our partners grow their international networks by fostering collaborations and building strong relationships and by making the academic excellence found here at UC Davis accessible to a broader audience. Overall, I hope my work will contribute to the development of our students into global citizens by facilitating a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. 

What do you value most about working in international education? 

What I value most is the incredible enthusiasm and curiosity that international students bring. They are always so excited about learning and experiencing new things, which creates a vibrant and dynamic environment.