For Karyn Lathan, public service has always been about showing up for people.
Karyn is currently running for re-election as University Lakes Constable in Tempe, bringing with her more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and 20 years as a victim advocate. But her path to public office wasn’t one she expected.
She first got involved in politics after attending a local legislative district meeting, where she was encouraged to run for office.
“They promised me I wouldn’t win,” she laughed.
Running as a Democrat in a district with a 15-point disadvantage, she ultimately narrowed the race to less than five points. Later, after moving to Tempe, she was asked to run for constable and is now seeking her third term.
Turning difficult experiences into compassionate leadership
Long before she held elected office, Karyn faced obstacles simply because of who she was.
In 1982, she was discharged from the Air Force for being gay, years before Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. She says that experience changed the direction of her career, leading her into corrections instead of policing.
Throughout her career, she’s served as a correctional officer, parole officer, probation officer, and victim advocate, eventually helping launch Arizona’s first restorative justice program.
She’s also open about the hardships she’s experienced throughout her life, including discrimination and violence because of her sexual orientation.
“It formed who I am,” she said. “I came out a better person.”
Today, those experiences shape the way she serves her community.
As someone trained in trauma-informed care, she approaches every interaction with empathy, especially when working with people who may already feel vulnerable.
A different approach to public service
Although much of her work involves carrying out evictions, Karyn says she tries to lead with compassion before authority.
“I try to show up more as a case manager, and then I use the badge if I have to.”
That mindset has made a difference.
She spends time helping tenants and property managers find solutions when possible, and says many of the people she works with thank her, even during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
“You never know what someone has gone through.”
Looking out for every member of the community
One of Karyn’s biggest priorities is animal welfare, something she says comes directly from what she’s witnessed on the job.
She keeps dog and cat food in her vehicle after responding to an eviction where she found a severely neglected dog left alone without food or water for days.
“If I would have waited another day, that dog would have been dead.”
She’s also encountered dozens of abandoned cats during evictions, reinforcing her belief that animals deserve advocates too.
“They don’t have anybody saying, ‘We’re here. We’re starving.'”
Meeting people where they are
As the political climate has changed, Karyn has also adjusted the way she approaches her work.
Rather than arriving in full tactical gear whenever possible, she tries to present herself in a way that feels less intimidating, especially for immigrant families and LGBTQ+ residents who may already be fearful.
“I immediately tell people, ‘I am not ICE.'”
For Karyn, building trust starts with helping people feel safe.
Advice for future leaders
When asked what advice she’d give women and LGBTQ+ people thinking about running for office, her answer was simple:
“Take up your space.”
She encourages women not to shrink themselves or hand over their voice to someone else.
She also believes authenticity matters.
“Be true to yourself.”
And one final piece of advice:
“Be proud of who you are and speak up.”
This Pride Month, we’re proud to celebrate leaders like Karyn Lathan, whose story reminds us that public service can be rooted in compassion, authenticity, and meeting people where they are.