Macias serves as a full-time in-home caregiver and advocates for supportive services workers
Los Angeles, CA — Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn honored Karina Macias during the 39th Annual “Women of the Year” event hosted by the LA County Commission for Women, naming her Woman of the Year for the Fourth District. Macias serves as Vice Mayor of Huntington Park and is a full-time in-home caregiver and leader with SEIU 2015, the union representing in-home supportive service (IHSS) workers.
Karina Macias was first elected to the Huntington Park City Council in 2013. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University, Master’s Degree in International Studies from Chapman University, and her Management Essentials Certificate from Harvard Business School. Her work on the city council has included developing the local economy, investing in the city’s young people, and building up programs to support seniors and new homebuyers. When her parents needed full-time care, Macias took the necessary training and today serves as their full-time in-home caregiver.
“In every role she has taken on—public servant, labor leader, caring daughter—Karina gives so much to the people she cares about. She is fearless, committed, and brings a lot of heart to her work. Huntington Park is a better place because of her leadership,” said Hahn.
Macias’s parents were present for the ceremony as were two of Macias’s colleagues, Huntington Park Councilmembers Eddie Martinez and Arturo Flores.
“I want to thank Supervisor Janice Hahn for this recognition. I’m truly humbled for this honor,” said Macias upon accepting the recognition. “For women to continue to thrive and continue to break barriers, they need each other’s unique thread to come together and provide equitable opportunities and change for the future.” Macias dedicated her award to her parents and to her fellow in-home caregivers.
In-home healthcare workers across the nation are primarily women of color and are severely underpaid. After becoming a full-time caregiver, Macias took on leadership roles within SEIU 2015. She has attended meetings of the Board of Supervisors along with other IHSS workers, and is on the SEIU 2015 bargaining team. In Huntington Park, Macias worked to create a IHSS home care worker stipend program.