Karla Sainz

Karla works collaboratively with Arnold Ventures’ leadership team, through grant-making, priority initiatives, and special projects. She currently supports the People and Culture team with the design and execution of Arnold Ventures’ learning and growth efforts. She also is responsible for developing and managing strategic investments within Arnold Ventures’ journalism portfolio, seeking to safeguard our democratic institutions by strengthening a free press that is fair, objective, and balanced.

Since joining the organization in 2011, Karla has held several roles. Most recently, Karla served as Laura and John’s chief of staff and board liaison. Prior to that, she was a program analyst and manager on the Public Accountability team, where she identified investment opportunities and managed grant-making across several of Arnold Ventures’ public finance and evidence-based policy initiatives.

Before joining Arnold Ventures, Karla provided research and outreach support for the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC), where she advocated for legislative change on immigrants’ rights. She also was recognized as a Fels Public Policy Challenge finalist for her proposal on improving the walkability of Philadelphia for senior citizens. Before her involvement with PICC, Karla was an integral part of the management team of the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of Philadelphia.

Karla holds a bachelor's degree from Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas, Venezuela, and a master's degree in social policy from the University of Pennsylvania.