Prior to joining Capalino, Karina spent nearly six years in New York City government, most recently as Director of State Legislative Affairs and Chief of Staff of Intergovernmental Affairs for former Mayor Bill de Blasio. In that role, she leveraged her expertise to advance the Mayor’s legislative and budget priorities, and helped with strategic policy planning, including immigration, affordable housing, legal services, tenant rights, youth services, consumer worker protection and public safety.
During her time in New York City government, Karina helped build up the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, including the subdivisions of the Tenant Support Unit, Home Support Unit, Rent Freeze and GetCoveredNYC. Karina helped engage thousands of New Yorkers citywide, changing the way City government interacts and serves constituents. In her role as Community Engagement Director, Karina’s primary role was to bring a proactive approach to government resources and meet New Yorkers in their neighborhoods. Partnering with agencies and elected officials citywide, Karina helped shape a new chapter in city government.
Previously, Karina served as Campaign Manager for Jessica Ramos’ 2018 State Senate primary campaign, seeing the highest voter turnout in the State Senate’s district. She managed the ins and outs of the campaign, including paid and digital media, field operations, external communications, and staff and volunteer development. Karina also held various other roles, including as Field Director, for the League of Conservation Voters in the Virginia, North Carolina and Colorado, focusing on member mobilization and electing pro environmental candidates on the local, state and federal levels.
Karina earned her BA in Political Science and MA in Urban and Regional Planning from Binghamton University. She currently resides in the Bronx.
