Karina Nava is a future educator determined to make the community a better place.

“The metropolitan impact that Karina has already begun to make serves as motivation for myself and her fellow students,” said Tyler Guenette, assistant director for success programs, noting that Karina is characterized as a fearless and giving leader.

The mathematics major and Spanish minor said, “As a future educator, my number one goal is to make an impact on someone’s life the way teachers, employers, colleagues and friends have made an impact on mine.”

Nava’s unwavering commitment to sharing educational resources and information is clear in her on-campus recreations.

She serves as vice president of the Opportunity Scholars Program, which launched a mentoring program for incoming freshmen and a new Scholar Welcome event under her leadership. She also serves as vice president of the Leadership Advisory Board and is an orientation program assistant. In this role, she assists new orientation leaders on how to welcome incoming freshmen.

“Not only does Karina exemplify dedication to her studies, but she also shows that she is engaged and cares about her community,” said Rachel Leonard, Opportunity Scholar student assistant.

That engagement is clear through Nava’s participation in Alternative Spring Break (ASB). A two-time participant in the annual service trip, Nava also served as an ASB site leader in 2018, where she facilitated daily group reflections about the group’s service and activities.

Reflecting on her time at UM-Dearborn, Nava sees each activity as meaningful.

“I do not have a most defining moment at UM-Dearborn,” she said. “Every day is an adventure. I believe my whole experience here has contributed to shaping the leader I am today.”