With more than a decade of nonprofit management experience, Karina Ron has signed on as director of the United Way Center for Financial Stability, housed and operated by Branches, Inc. The Center focuses on helping working individuals and families pave a path to financial independence by providing a full range of services and support – from financial coaching and credit counseling to free tax preparation, employment assistance and more.

In her new role, Mrs. Ron is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for all efforts fostering economic stability and long-term success at the Center. She will also spearhead grant and funder deliverables, manage all financial coaches and dozens of partnerships, and will coordinate the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance VITA program in Miami-Dade County, which helps thousands of people prepare and file their taxes for free every year.

“Karina has had a lifelong passion for serving the underserved, and has dedicated her career to the public sector across international borders,” Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami Dade, said. “She is an asset to our organization and is sure to further strengthen the financial stability of our community through the work of our Center.”

Prior to joining United Way, Mrs. Ron honed her skills of empowering people to build assets as a senior financial coach at the New York City Mayor’s Office of Financial Empowerment and The Financial Clinic, two of the nation’s first financial development organizations of their kind. She also worked at Orphan’s Heart as director of international operations, where she cultivated US and international partnerships, promoting new collaborations and engaging a diverse volunteer base.

Mrs. Ron holds a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College, and a master’s in public policy and administration from Columbia University. She resides in Miami with her husband, Jota R. Suarez.

About United Way of Miami-Dade

For 90 years, United Way of Miami-Dade has been an innovative force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Today our work is focused on education, financial stability and health—the building blocks for a good life. We invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources. To learn more, give, advocate or volunteer, visit www.unitedwaymiami.org, www.facebook.com/UnitedWayMiami or www.twitter.com/UnitedWayMiami.

About United Way Center for Financial Stability

Established by United Way of Miami-Dade in 2009, the United Way Center for Financial Stability, operated by Branches, helps working individuals and families pave a path to financial independence by providing a full range of services and support – from financial coaching and credit counseling to free tax preparation, employment assistance and more. The center works with numerous partners to provide access to comprehensive financial stability services, because increasing the financial stability of families creates a stronger, more productive workforce and a prosperous community. Bank of America is the founding partner. For more information, visit www.Miamifinancialstability.org.