Alumni Spotlight: Karen Vallejos Corrales ’20L Karen Vallejos Corrales is Executive Director of the Dream Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Virginia students whose immigration status presents barriers to higher education.

Karen Vallejos Corrales ’20L

Karen Vallejos Corrales ’20L was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and raised in Arlington, VA. She graduated from Southwestern Adventist University in 2015 with a double major in international business and history. Before attending law school at W&L Law, Karen gained experience through internships with the U.S. Senate, the Center for American Progress, the Advancement Project, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. She later worked as a program administrator for NovaSalud, Inc.

During law school, Karen clerked for the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia and worked as a summer associate with Garcia Hernández Sawhney LLP, a law firm specializing in education law. Passionate about immigrant rights, she also joined a team of W&L Law student volunteers in Tijuana, Mexico, to provide legal aid during the migrant and refugee crisis in the U.S.-Mexico border and later worked as a student attorney in the W&L Immigrant Rights Clinic.

Following law school, Karen worked at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, assisting clients with a range of civil legal issues, primarily in family law and disaster relief. She now serves as the Executive Director of the Dream Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Virginia students whose immigration status presents barriers to higher education. In recognition of her work, Karen was named a 2024 NOVA 40 Under 40 honoree and recently delivered a TED Talk at TEDxFoggyBottom.

Discuss your career path and how it led you to working at Dream Project.

My career path has been shaped by a strong commitment to education, immigration, and civil rights. Before attending law school, I wasn’t sure which specific area of law I wanted to pursue, but I knew I wanted to work in a field that aligned with my passion for social justice. When I began my legal career, I sought opportunities that would provide me with a broad range of experience while allowing me to serve vulnerable communities. I chose to work at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA), the third-largest legal aid provider in the nation, where I gained exposure to numerous practice areas and developed skills in client advocacy.

My dedication to serving youth and advancing immigrant rights naturally led me to the Dream Project, an organization I had helped found over a decade earlier. Stepping into the role of Executive Director meant shifting away from direct client work, but it also provided me with the opportunity to lead the organization strategically. In this role, I am committed to ensuring the organization’s long-term stability while strengthening its impact.

What sort of legal issues do you handle on a day-to-day basis?

As the Executive Director of the Dream Project, my role is primarily strategic and administrative, yet legal issues frequently arise in key areas. My legal background is instrumental in assessing risks, developing policies, and effectively advocating for immigrant youth. I navigate legal matters related to nonprofit governance, compliance, and advocacy, ensuring the organization adheres to federal and state regulations, including tax-exempt status requirements, employment laws, and nonprofit governance policies.

While many scholarship programs and immigration law support organizations exist, the students we serve—and their families—are directly affected by changes in immigration and education policies. They rely on our tailored guidance to understand their rights, both in daily life and as college students. Staying informed about shifts in education and immigration law is essential, as these changes significantly impact immigrant students with varying immigration statuses.

What do you like about your current job?

What I love most about my role is the ability to make a meaningful impact on students and their families. Each day brings something new, keeping the work dynamic and engaging. I especially enjoy the strategic and leadership aspects—whether it’s strengthening nonprofit governance, building partnerships, or navigating complex legal and policy issues. Problem-solving and ensuring the organization runs effectively to fulfill its mission is both challenging and rewarding. Most of all, I am inspired by the resilience and determination of the students we serve. Watching them overcome obstacles and succeed, knowing our work helps pave the way for their education and future, is truly fulfilling.

What are some practices you have in your daily life to maintain wellness?

Staying active is my key strategy for managing stress and maintaining overall wellness. I make an effort to incorporate movement into my routine through jogging, pilates, or hiking. Additionally, I participate in multiple Bolivian folkloric dance groups, attending several practices and rehearsals each week. These not only help me stay fit but also strengthen my connection to my cultural heritage. Prioritizing wellness is essential for sustaining my effectiveness as a professional and preventing burnout.

Which W&L classes and/or experiences do you think were most helpful in preparing you for this job? 

Several classes and experiences at W&L prepared me for this role. Understanding contracts, employment law, and regulatory compliance is essential for managing an organization’s legal responsibilities. Agency law and fiduciary duty reinforced ethical leadership and integrity. Agency law provided valuable insight into recent shifts in immigration and education law.

Practicums and clinics also sharpened my ability to analyze complex issues, assess risks, and make strategic decisions. The Family Law Practicum and Immigrant Rights Clinic strengthened my advocacy and legal counseling skills—critical for leading a nonprofit supporting immigrant youth. My work with SIJS cases, asylum applications, DACA petitions, and deportation defense deepened my understanding of systemic challenges facing immigrant communities, aligning directly with the Dream Project’s mission.

What advice do you have for prospective law students?

Law school was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. Take full advantage of the courses, resources, mentors, and knowledge around you. Studying law fundamentally changes the way you see the world and approach problem-solving. Regardless of the classes, clinics, or extracurricular activities you choose, each will provide you valuable insights and skills. Embrace the opportunity to explore different areas of law—whether delving into a specific subject or learning to navigate legal frameworks, each experience contributes to your growth.

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