Karina Cazares serves as the Intake Supervisor for the Stay Housed Los Angeles (SHLA) program, a countywide initiative that connects tenants with legal assistance, education, and support to prevent eviction. In her role, she leads a team responsible for conducting initial tenant screenings, assessing housing issues, and guiding individuals through the process of accessing SHLA services.

Before joining LAFLA, Karina worked with several other nonprofit organizations that offered legal support to undocumented immigrants, including survivors of crime and unaccompanied minors. In these positions, she oversaw intake procedures and prioritized trauma-informed approaches to ensure compassionate care for underserved and vulnerable communities.

Karina earned dual bachelor’s degrees in history and international studies from UC Irvine. Her academic focus on human rights, migration, and social movements laid the foundation for her commitment to supporting underserved communities in Los Angeles.