Karla Peña Romero is a dynamic nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience at the intersection of community development, resilience, and organizational growth—locally in Puerto Rico, across Latin America, and globally. Her career spans both local and international NGOs, including Mercy Corps, where she led complex, high-impact programs focused on disaster preparedness, infrastructure development, and capacity building. She has managed portfolios exceeding $15M and guided diverse, cross-functional teams to deliver measurable, lasting impact. Karla holds a master’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Puerto Rico and is widely recognized for her servant leadership, strategic mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

A proud native of Puerto Rico, Karla’s deep-rooted dedication to community empowerment has shaped every step of her journey—from founding DogTown Puerto Rico to helping establish resilience hubs that now serve over 90,000 people. As she steps into her new role as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico, she brings passion, vision, and a steadfast belief in the power of safe, affordable housing to transform lives and strengthen communities across the island.