Words of Wisdom from a Hispanic-American Leader: Karla Radka

Karla Radka (©Scott Cook)

When she was just 19 years old, Karla Radka, president and CEO of Senior Resource Alliance, made the journey from her home in Honduras to the United States to pursue her education. She did so with only $100 and a backpack. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we share her story.

Orlando magazine: When you left Honduras, where were you heading?

Karla Radka: To Boston. I came in the fall, and it was wonderful to see the change of seasons and all the beautiful colors. I spent my first Thanksgiving here with my lovely host family, and was able to understand what Thanksgiving really means, being right where that first Thanksgiving took place. I was in a space of gratitude.

But, coming from a tropical climate, I was extremely cold all the time! I later convinced my friends to move to Orlando, because I knew about some quick courses in English at UCF. When we got here, we started identifying important components of our lives—where we would build our community here. We found homes. We found churches. We started our lives here.

OM: What were your notions of what life would be like in the United States?

KR: I had a lot of aspirations. I always knew mine would be a life of service. My first experience as a volunteer as when I was five years old. I went on a medical mission with my family, and my job was to carry vitamins, gauze and other medical supplies under the watchful eye of someone who was behind me. However, it was very important for me to be able to contribute something like that. In my child’s mind, I knew it was important.

My career has been in nonprofits and leadership roles. I always leave places better than I find them, not only because of my commitment as a human being but also my commitment as a professional to be able to grow organizations, make them sustainable and create good systems for longevity.

Radka helps with a cold weather distribution event in January 2025, in which seniors could pick up free space heaters and blankets. (©Senior Resource Alliance)

OM: Who were your mentors, and what were some of the lessons you learned from them?

KR: The people who were leading those missions. I think that as I grew up. I had a very clear understanding that the people we served were not that different from myself. The difference was just a matter of opportunity, and the places they were born. On mission trips, my sister and I got to play with the kids in the afternoon. We were on an island and ate the same meals and played in the ocean and on the beach. We learned about their traditions. Those were my friends, those kids from the islands.

OM: Do you feel there are misconceptions of those you work with now?

KR: As human beings, we have to be very careful and check ourselves so that we’re not creating labels and generalizing. In the world I’m in right now, I provide services for seniors and caregivers. There may be an individual who presents as aggressive, or uncooperative. That might be an early sign of dementia. You have to stop and think. It’s those stereotypes we need to be very careful of, and create the consciousness not to judge what might be an incredibly talented individual.

OM: What did your journey teach you about yourself?

KR: I recognized that I had a level of resilience I didn’t know I had. I was very sheltered. This was my first independent experience. I learned how resourceful I was. I learned it was wonderful to have friends that didn’t look like me, to be exposed to different cultures.

OM: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

KR: Knowing that a senior is no longer isolated and has found a community. Knowing that a senior is no longer afraid of walking outside or gardening because they have the knowledge to prevent falls. Knowing that our provider network is well equipped with the right tools to provide programming like Meals on Wheels, home repairs or assisted care. And more than anything else, knowing that a senior is no longer hungry because they have the right meals and the right nutrition to live a healthy and dignified life.

OM: What do you like best about living in Orlando?

KR: The people. It’s such a vibrant community. I think that’s the best asset Orlando has. I love my community so much.

Radka interacts with Duchess and Belle, the scent-discriminate K9s that Senior Resource Alliance donated to the Kissimmee Police Department. (©Senior Resource Alliance)