Katia Perez is painting murals, attending college and is one of 22 US students chosen for the Smithsonian Latino Center's Young Ambassador Program of 2013. Those selected to participate have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to the arts, sciences, or humanities as it pertains to Latino communities and culture. Through this program, Latino youth are empowered to develop leadership and academic skills and foster pride in their own cultural heritage. This also gave her the opportunity to intern at the National Hispanic Cultural Center with the Education Department. The center offers a variety of programs and activities throughout the year in various artistic disciplines including visual arts, performing arts, history and literary arts, media arts and education.

She is currently interning at OLE, a non-profit grassroots organization that works with the local community of working families in New Mexico. She also spends time helping out at the Working Classroom.