Representative Karen Giannini, ENM '07

Representative Karen Giannini, ENM '07, has been called the "improbable dragon slayer." She won her seat in the New Mexico State House of Representatives in 2008 by defeating an incumbent Republican that everyone thought was completely safe.

An Air Force veteran and divorced mother of three, she credits the Emerge New Mexico program with her success.  She said for a newbie like herself, having the best political trainers and a powerful network to support her effort made all the difference. 

Karen is a member of the education and the consumer and public affairs committees. Also, she is an advisor on various committees such as: the legislative education study committee and the tobacco revenue settlement oversight committee.