REFERENCES

I have a long history of working on a team and thrive in a collaborative environment, working together to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

Below are a few recommendations from some of my colleagues.

Community Partner

Katy Tang

Former District 4 Supervisor

Co-worker

Doug Lybeck

Friends of the Urban Forest

I worked with Karla for nearly 4 years at Friends of the Urban Forest. She brings with her an extensive background of urban farming, gardening, landscaping, and water management.

Her ability to foster and build consensus amongst disparate groups of people and employees is commendable. Her calming demeanor puts everyone at ease. Folks love to work with, and for Karla!

Colleague

Gordon Matassa

City of Oakland

Karla is a proven leader. Her ability to build consensus and guide people towards meeting common goals is impressive because of how easy she makes it seem. Karla's direct and candid manner is complemented by her kindness and collaborative approach to successfully getting work done. As a former co-worker and current colleague, I find Karla's approach both refreshing and motivating. Her leadership approach serves her and others well, and has been instrumental in building and maintaining relationships between Friends of the Urban Forest and the City of San Francisco.

Karla is also the type of leader who motivates and inspires those around her to excel beyond their perceived abilities. I learned so much from her - both hard job skills and the ever-important intrapersonal (or "soft") skills that are necessary for success. My professional relationship with Karla has been key to my growth and success as an urban forestry professional.

Business Partner

Booka Alon

Kitchen Garden SF

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with with Karla on many projects, from the ground up!

She is a true joy to be around - generous, organized, creative and always professional. Karla exudes a rare blend of balanced pragmatism and reliable problem-solving savvy in her approach.

She is inspiring to those around her, and takes impeccable care to nurture the relationships she has with clients, customers and colleagues.