Karen Jaramillo

Lecturer of Chicano and Chicana Studies

Chicana/o Studies

Bio

Karen teaches traditional and concurrent enrollment courses as a Lecturer II in the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department. She serves as faculty lead for the department’s concurrent enrollment initiatives and co-lead of the Displaced Aurarian Scholarship Promise in partnership with Student Affairs. Karen is also actively engaged in various affinity groups such as, the Latinx Graduation Committee, Native/Indigenous Faculty and Staff Council, 800 Kalamath Mural: A Tribute to the Westside project, Faculty Women of Color Coalition, Latinx Alumni Network, and Student Success Launch Team: Improving First Year Retention. Karen is a doctoral candidate completing a degree in Leadership for Education Equity in Higher Education. She serves her community as a mayor appointed commissioner and secretary for the Denver Latino Commission, Advisory Board member with Denver's Human Rights and Community Partnership and Far Southwest Denver Community Development project.

Degree

EdD in Leadership for Educational Equity in Higher Education

University of Colorado at Denver

Research Interests

Chicana/o indigenous & cultural studies, Mujerista theories in academia, testmonios/narratives, indigenous research methodologies, equity in higher education, and HSI graduate school initiatives.

Teaching Interests

Karen's educational philosophy is grounded in the Native American//Indigenous world view and involves the clear understanding that educating a student is not simply an academic process. Instead, indigenous pedagogies prepare students for academics and life by reaching and honoring the student on many levels. This teaching philosophy appeals to whole person learning. This holistic approach considers that through critical self-reflection, learners find meaning in connection to community, the natural world, and to spiritual values. Karen incorporates reflective practice in the classroom to encourage deep learning and meaningful change. Some characteristics of an Native American/Indigenous teaching philosophy include but are not limited to: Relational, Experiential, Integrative, Holistic, Interconnected, Sense of Place, and Reciprocity. Moreover, the relationship between educator and students is one of co-creators and co-producers in learning that cultivates a productive and transformational life experience.

Office Hours

In-person & Virtual: By appointment