Karin Herrera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karin Herrera
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Official portrait, 2024
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| 18th Vice President of Guatemala | |
| Assumed office 15 January 2024 |
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| President | Bernardo Arévalo |
| Preceded by | Guillermo Castillo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 July 1967 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Political party | Semilla |
| Spouse |
Gustavo Gómez Álvarez
(m. 2001; div. 2021) |
| Children | 2 |
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| Occupation |
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Karin Larissa Herrera Aguilar (born on July 25, 1967) is a Guatemalan scientist, teacher, and politician. She is currently serving as the 18th Vice President of Guatemala.
Karin Herrera is a member of the Semilla political party. She was chosen as Vice President alongside President Bernardo Arévalo. They won the second round of the 2023 presidential election.
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Early Life and Education
Karin Herrera was born in Guatemala City on July 25, 1967. She grew up in a middle-class family. Her father, Adalberto Herrera, was a lawyer. Her mother, Gladis Aguilar, was a homemaker.
During her childhood, Guatemala was going through a difficult period. Her parents tried to keep her safe from the country's internal conflict. An event where a neighbor was kidnapped made a strong impression on her. This led her to prefer keeping a low profile.
Her Studies and Degrees
Karin Herrera studied at the University of San Carlos. She earned a degree in Biology from the Faculty of Chemical Sciences.
She also has a master's degree in environmental studies. She received this from the University of the Valley. Later, she earned a doctorate in political science and sociology. This degree came from the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain.
Herrera has been recognized internationally for her work. She has received several awards for her efforts to protect the environment.
Teaching and Advising Roles
After finishing her studies, Karin Herrera became a professor. She taught at the University of San Carlos. She also directed the university's Chemical and Biological Research program.
As a professor, she taught important courses. These included how to control microbes in industrial processes. She also taught about controlling microbes in food, medicines, and cosmetics.
Herrera also worked as an advisor for many groups. These included the Amatitlán Lake Authority (AMSA) and Doctors Without Borders. She also advised the National Network for Environmental Training and Research (REDFIA).
She worked with the Guatemalan Standards Commission (COGUANOR). She also helped the Guatemalan Accreditation Office (OGA). She was a representative for a special committee there. She has also guided many student projects and research studies.
Serving on the University Board
In 2015, there were big public demonstrations in Guatemala. During this time, Karin Herrera decided to get involved. She joined the policy board of the University of San Carlos (USAC).
She was chosen to represent the College of Pharmacists and Chemists of Guatemala. She held this position from 2015 to 2017. In 2021, she was elected again. She became the vice president of the Board of Directors for the College of Pharmacists and Chemists. This role was for the 2021–2023 period.
Political Career
Karin Herrera was interested in the ideas of the Movimiento Semilla party. In late 2022, a politician named Román Castellanos invited her. He asked her to consider running for Vice President with the Semilla party.
She was chosen by the party members. In January 2023, she was officially announced as the candidate for Vice President. She ran alongside presidential candidate Bernardo Arévalo in the 2023 general elections.
Her inauguration was planned for January 14, 2024. However, it was delayed. She was sworn in just after midnight on January 15, 2024. This happened after many people protested, asking for the government to transfer power.
Political Beliefs
Karin Herrera has said that her political ideas are based on Christian humanism. This means her beliefs combine Christian values with a focus on human dignity and well-being.
Personal Life
In 2001, Karin Herrera married Gustavo Gómez Álvarez, who is also a biologist. They later divorced in 2021. They have two children together.
Besides Spanish, Karin Herrera can also speak English very well.
See also
In Spanish: Karin Herrera para niños
