Karín Gisela Díaz-Toro has devoted her legal career to the full-time practice of environmental, natural resources, energy, and land use law in Puerto Rico for more than 36 years. After earning her law degree from the Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Mo., Karín returned to her native Puerto Rico to practice environmental law at Goldman Antonetti & Córdova LLC in San Juan from 1986 through 2001.

Around 1995 she became a junior partner, the second woman in the firm’s history to achieve that position. In September 2001, she helped establish the boutique law firm of Torres & García, P.S.C., where she was a shareholder from 2002 through 2019. As of March 2019, Karín is a founding member, principal, and 50 percent owner of Díaz & Negron LLC. She engages her extensive experience in counseling and representing clients regarding compliance with environmental, natural resources, and land use law requirements there. 

In 2010, Karín received an Environmental Quality Award from Region 2 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for accomplishments in improving environmental quality in Puerto Rico. She also served as chairperson of the Stakeholder Involvement Committee (SIC) for the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) Watershed Stewardship Program from 2006 through 2012. Karín was a member of the Environmental Work Group of the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association from 1987 through 2019 and served as Chairperson of its Water Subcommittee.

Karín remains grateful to Seton Hill - and particularly Sister Jean Boggs - for giving her the opportunity to complete her education after a student strike during her junior year at the University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Campus (UPR) halted her studies.

The Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award is one of the highest honors given to a Seton Hill graduate. Since establishing the award in 1987, Seton Hill has honored more than 300 Setonians as distinguished alumni. The award recognizes leadership in education, business, science and technology, the arts, volunteerism and philanthropy.