CHSS G.O.L.D. - Graduate of the Last Decade - Escalante

Karol Escalante serves as the director of immigrant community affairs for Fairfax County, where she is part of the One Fairfax team. Boasting more than 15 years of professional experience, Escalante has a deep expertise in immigration, community engagement, public policy, diversity, inclusion, and strategic planning. 

In her current role, she is spearheading the development and implementation of a comprehensive countywide plan designed to make Fairfax County a welcoming and inclusive community for immigrants, promoting successful integration, community well-being, and economic prosperity. 

Prior to her current position, Escalante served for approximately eight years as a diplomat in the Foreign Service of Honduras, concluding her tenure as Consul General in Chicago, Illinois. There, she actively supported the Honduran community, creating impactful programs focused on immigration, human and labor rights, education, and financial literacy. 

Escalante holds a master’s degree in strategic communication from George Mason University, an MFA in media design management from the International Academy of Design and Technology of Tampa, and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the National Autonomous University of Honduras. 

Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Escalante is married and the proud mother of an eight-year-old daughter. She is a native Spanish speaker.