Karen Y. Zamarripa

Karen Y. Zamarripa is the CEO/President of K-Zamarripa Consulting after a 25-year career at the California State University (CSU). The consulting group offers political and policy strategy, communications and messaging, and advocacy techniques and approaches for its growing number of clients. She is currently working with several education nonprofits, community colleges, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), capital investors interested in public-private partnerships with public colleges and community colleges on community outreach and advocacy.

In her prior role as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Advocacy and State Relations role at CSU, Ms. Zamarripa led the system’s Sacramento office working legislative and budget issues in the State Capitol. Over the years she has inspired the involvement of campus and statewide alumni in advocacy efforts as well as developed campus-based teams made up of the total campus community to make the case, and make a difference for the system in Sacramento and the state.

Ms. Zamarripa has devoted over 20 years of her professional career advocating for public higher education and six years advocating for K-12 education in the state of California. Prior to her legislative and advocacy work, she served on the staffs of two members of the California State Senate. This experience combined with her academic credentials gives her a 360-degree view of the legislative process and make her a trusted and familiar expert to all who work on behalf of higher education in State Capitol.

A native of Los Angeles County, Karen earned her Bachelors of Science in Urban Planning at the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration at CSU Sacramento.