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 has been the 18th Vice President of Guatemala since January 2024. She is a member of the Semilla political party. She was chosen as Vice President along with President Bernardo Arévalo after they won the 2023 presidential election.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Karin Herrera was born in Guatemala City on July 25, 1967. She grew up in a family that held traditional values. Her father, Adalberto Herrera, was a lawyer. Her mother, Gladis Aguilar, was a homemaker. Karin is their only child. Her mother's views changed after reading a book about the country's past conflicts.
During her childhood, her parents tried to keep her safe from the difficult times caused by the civil conflict in Guatemala. Karin and her mother once saw a young student from the University of San Carlos being taken away. This event deeply affected Karin and made her want to keep a quiet life.
Her Studies
Karin Herrera studied Biology at the University of San Carlos. She also earned a master's degree in environmental studies from the University of the Valley. Later, she received a doctorate in political science and sociology from the Pontifical University of Salamanca in Spain. She has received many international awards for her important work to protect the environment.
Teaching and Helping Others
After finishing her studies, Karin Herrera became a professor at the University of San Carlos. She also directed the university's Chemical and Biological Research program. As a professor, she taught classes on how to control tiny living things in industrial processes, food, medicines, and beauty products. She also became an advisor to groups like the Amatitlán Lake Authority (AMSA) and Doctors Without Borders.
Herrera worked with the Guatemalan Standards Commission (COGUANOR) and the Guatemalan Accreditation Office (OGA). She also helped with many student projects and research studies.
University Board Member
During the large public demonstrations in 2015, Karin Herrera decided to get involved with the University of San Carlos's policy board. 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 as the vice president of the Board of Directors for the College of Pharmacists and Chemists of Guatemala. She served in this role from 2021 to 2023.
Political Journey
Karin Herrera agreed with the ideas of the Movimiento Semilla party. In late 2022, a politician named Román Castellanos asked her to consider becoming a candidate for Vice President for the Semilla party. She was chosen by the party and officially announced in January 2023 as the candidate for Vice President. She ran alongside presidential candidate Bernardo Arévalo in the 2023 general elections.
Her inauguration, which was planned for January 14, 2024, was delayed. However, she was sworn into office just after midnight on January 15, 2024, after many people protested to demand that the government transfer power.
Her Beliefs
Karin Herrera has shared that her political beliefs are based on Christian humanism. This means her ideas are guided by Christian values and 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 speaking Spanish, Karin Herrera also speaks English very well.
See also
In Spanish: Karin Herrera para niños
