Global Heart Hub Team Spotlight: Karen Padilla

Meet Karen! Karen Padilla joined Global Heart Hub in 2021 and is now our Heart Valve Disease Development Executive. Karen is Guatemalan and is based in Ireland. She speaks Spanish, English and is learning French and German.  

Karen is passionate about healthcare advocacy: “In my years in the pharmaceutical industry, I always admired and was proud to be part of companies that put the patients at the centre and strived to improve their quality of life. When I moved to Dublin in 2021, I knew I wanted to keep advocating for patients and their caregivers. The mission of Global Heart Hub really resonated with me and, after learning more about the projects, I knew I had to be part of the team,” says Karen. 

A highlight of working with Global Heart Hub for Karen is working closely with the cardiovascular disease patient community and side-by-side with her talented colleagues. Karen’s offers her advice to people looking to work with patient organisations and advocates: “If you are waiting for a sign, this is it! There are many ways to collaborate and you will be part of an engaged, inspiring and welcoming community.” 

Outside of work, Karen enjoys long walks in nature. She says: “Ireland is great for this as long as you have a good waterproof jacket!” 

Thank you, Karen, for being part of the Global Heart Hub team! Learn more about our team here.