By Amanda Castillo
Karen Perez’s connection to Tampa began when she was 15 years old. In 1979, her mother moved her to Tampa to continue her education. What began as a move would eventually become the foundation for a life spent helping others find their own opportunities.
For Perez, education has never been just about a diploma. It is something she carries with her and believes needs to be shared with others.
“Education does not make us superior to others but helps us level the playing field,” she said.
Today, Perez serves as chair of the Hillsborough County School Board and is running for reelection to the District 6 at-large seat. She was first elected to the school board in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
Prior to entering public service, Perez spent years working in social work and mental health. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of South Florida and became a licensed clinical social worker. Throughout her career, Perez has worked closely with children, families and veterans, focusing on mental health and the challenges that shape people’s lives.
That experience continues to shape the way Perez approaches her work on the school board. Her years in social work taught her to look beyond what is visible and to understand that there is often more to a person’s circumstances than what others see.
“Every person has a story,” Perez said, a perspective she has carried into her work with students, families and the community.
As she addresses challenges facing Hillsborough County Public Schools, Perez emphasizes the importance of understanding the people behind the issues, not just the issues themselves.
Perez is running for another term because she believes “there is still work to be done.” For her, that work begins with listening to the people behind the issues and making sure their experiences are heard.
Now, Perez hopes that the work she leaves behind will continue after her time in public service ends. She wants students and families to know that their stories matter, their voices deserve to be heard and someone will advocate for them. The opportunity her mother once fought to give her became a lifelong commitment to opening doors for others.
