By: Emily Konouchi | 2021 Board Member

Karla MacIntyre is a shining star on the TNJFON board, where she serves as the Nominations committee chair and puts her superpower (keep reading to find out what it is) to good use regularly. She also keeps board members connected to our mission and each other by organizing lunch and learn events during the months when we don’t have board meetings. 

Get to know Karla a little better - you’ll be glad you did! 

Q: How did you become acquainted with TNJFON? 

A: In 2011 I was a youth leader at TIRRC and one of our peers was facing deportation proceedings. TNJFON took on his case and even attended an action that we were doing (see image below). I later became a client once DACA was initiated.

Q: Who in your family immigrated to the United States? 

A: My mom, sister and I immigrated to Nashville, TN in 1996 from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. 

Q: What was your first job? 

A: I was the general manager of an ice cream shop.

Q: What’s your superpower? 

A: Connecting Nashvillians to each other, both natives and newbies. 

Q: What’s your favorite activity or hobby? 

A: I love taking portraits of people and making sure they have a headshot they love! [Editor’s note: See Karla’s photography skills in our Board Spotlight on Janielynn Lankford]

Q: What’s your favorite memory of serving on this board? 

A: My favorite memory is our 2020 Oye Vecino LIVE virtual fundraiser, where we were able to cook alongside a chef and make delicious food.