School: Western Carolina University

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Hometown: Lincolnton, NC

Roots: Costa Rica

Community Leadership: Volunteer with Lincoln County Health Department, Cullowhee Community Garden, Lincoln County Soup Kitchen, Catman2 Cat Shelter, Operation Christmas Child, and Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center

Karstin Alfaro

Karstin Maria Alfaro is a 19-year-old, first-generation Latinx student at Western Carolina University. Her family migrated from Alajuela, Costa Rica to Lincolnton, NC where she was raised. Karstin is a pre-med student majoring in Integrated Health Science with a minor focused on U.S. Latinx studies. Karstin holds a clinical internship with Vecinos Farmworker's clinic which is a medical home for Latinx in Western North Carolina. She is passionate about helping the Latinx and immigrant community through medicine. Her career goals consist of becoming an OB-GYN and addressing the lack of reproductive care in the Spanish-speaking community. Karstin holds the position of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity chairwoman for Phi Mu Gamma Mu Sorority allowing her to host many educational events regarding Diversity, Being an Ally, and Equality. Activism is important to Karstin, and she believes it is important to stand up for what you believe in. With dedication and hard work she believes you can do anything you put your mind to. Pura Vida!