Staff Profile: Nataly Karimi

Nataly came to PBRC in 2021. She handles all marketing efforts at PBRC including promoting events, managing external communications, and other press outreach. She also assists with the planning and implementation of PBRC's fundraising efforts. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Nataly has lived in Baltimore for the past two years working for area immigrant rights' organizations.

Where did you grow up?

Dallas, Texas.

What brought you to Maryland/Baltimore?

After completing my university degree and a year-long stint as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in Syracuse, NY, I received my first job opportunity in Baltimore. Despite having only lived here for two years (one of those during a pandemic), it already feels like home.

Where did you go to school and what was your major/focus?

I attended George Washington University and received a B.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in Middle East Studies. During my time I was able to extensively study and travel throughout the Middle East, including in Jordan and Oman.

What are your interests/hobbies?

I’ve become quite the connoisseur of fiber arts, including knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and punch needle. Once I finally learn to sew, I’ll be unstoppable. I’m also the proud caretaker of a rambunctious cat and upwards of 30 (equally rambunctious) indoor plants.

What were you doing prior to working here?

Prior to working at PBRC, I was similarly involved in fundraising, grant writing, and communications at various immigrants’ rights organizations in Baltimore and Syracuse, NY.

What do you do at PBRC?

As the Marketing and Development Associate, I handle all of PBRC’s external marketing efforts, including designing various print and digital collateral and managing the multiple ways we connect with supporters and service seekers, including our email newsletters and social media pages. I also assist the Development Director in planning and implementing PBRC’s fundraising efforts, which can span from grant writing to event planning.

Being part of the support staff means that I’m helping to uplift the incredible advocacy direct services staff and volunteers are doing. Part of PBRC’s unique mission is also to recruit and encourage the legal community to use their unique skillset to help others, so my job is to ensure that attorneys are aware of the need in the community and can easily identify ways to volunteer.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

As inconsequential as this may seem, my proudest accomplishment has been finishing the novel War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. The 1,225-page behemoth represents to me my persistence to accomplish a goal, no matter how boring the middle parts may be.

What sets PBRC apart in your mind?

By recruiting and encouraging legal volunteers to give back their time and expertise, PBRC is helping to create a community and network of support for individuals who may not have otherwise interacted or received support from one another. A community thrives when neighbors can rely on each other for help when needed. PBRC is identifying ways the community needs help in terms of accessing legal representation and is working to genuinely connect individuals to one another to receive necessary support.