Growing up in Miami as a Nicaraguan immigrant, Karla Juarez learned many lessons from her parents, who left professional careers to seek a better life for their children: “Never forget where you came from. Remember what we had to go through to give you this life. Remember what other people are going through right now. Be a good example for what Latinos are, and always remember to bring people up with you.”
It took years of taking low-paying jobs before Juarez’s parents could finally work again as architects in the United States. Her childhood wasn’t always easy, but through hard work and heeding her parents’ advice, Juarez has become a success in her career and community. Today Juarez works in information technology for General Mills, and she serves as a leader and volunteer.
While earning a degree in computer engineering from the University of Miami, Juarez spent four years as a computer help-desk employee. She was recognized as an outstanding worker and promoted to shift supervisor during her first year. Juarez also won several internships, including stints at Morgan Stanley and General Mills. In 2005 she took a position with General Mills and was promoted a year later to SAP analyst for the finance capital investment and treasury team.
Juarez devotes significant time to her volunteer work, serving as president of the local Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, as head of public relations for General Mills’ Hispanic Network, and as a mentor to teenagers. She especially enjoys helping other Latinos succeed, and building a stronger Latino community in Minnesota.
A woman with an adventurous spirit, Juarez eagerly tries new things. She went dog sledding last winter to truly experience Minnesota’s cold weather sports and recently learned to scuba dive with the sharks in Florida. Juarez also likes to make scrapbooks, golf, and travel, including trips to Nicaragua to visit family.
