Karyn L. Piña

NALEO Educational Fund is indebted to Karyn for her nearly 25 years of service to the organization. Her exemplary career reflected a personal commitment to excellence, a strong work ethic, and fierce loyalty. She mastered the craft of fund development, capacity building, and relationship building, establishing herself as one of the most nationally respected and admired fundraising professionals in the Latino non-profit sector. 

In January 1995, she joined the NALEO Educational Fund as the organization’s Director of Development, later rising to the title of Chief Strategy Officer. Under her stewardship, the organization’s budget grew from $1.4 million to more than $13 million, with a reserve fund of more than $2.5 million. Her leadership of the organization’s fund development and special events functions earned NALEO Educational Fund a reputation for exquisite taste, attention to detail, and efficiency. She mentored and nurtured scores of young Latinos and was a role model for many more at the organization and throughout the sector.

While Karyn twice departed from NALEO Educational Fund to assume various development roles at her beloved alma mater, Arizona State University, her love and passion for the NALEO Educational Fund mission, the organization’s team, and the Latino community drew her back both times. Today, NALEO Educational Fund maintains a solid financial footing, has a talented team of development professionals, and has persevered through the challenges of 2020 because of Karyn’s leadership, tenacity, and vision.