Karla Cabrera, FNP-C at 850 PBC
For one Arizona State University student, the XLR8 Internship Program at the Phoenix Bioscience Core was more than an opportunity — it was a pivotal moment that helped shape their future career trajectory.
When Karla Cabrera, FNP-C, MBA Candidate at W.P. Carey School of Business, first applied to the XLR8 PBC internship, she didn’t realize the community she would be stepping into. All she knew was that she wanted to work at 850 PBC and be part of the growing innovation ecosystem in Downtown Phoenix.
“The XLR8 sessions at 850 helped me network with a lot of important people in the building — people I wanted to work with or find a position with, either as a student or staff member,” she said. “I didn’t even know the internship was going to be in this field when I applied. It just worked out.”
Through XLR8 PBC, she gained more than just professional connections — she gained a new perspective. “One of my biggest takeaways is that you shouldn’t be worried about money if you want to pursue something — whether that’s a project, a business, or going back to school. There are always people willing to help.” Karla is currently working in a clinical position on the 3rd floor of 850 PBC, which aligns directly with her long-term goal: becoming a clinical translational scientist.
A Commitment to Arizona
Her dedication to Arizona runs deep. Born in San Luis, Mexico — just steps from the Arizona border — she grew up closely connected to the state she now serves. Even though she considered moving elsewhere when she was younger, Arizona always felt like home. “I don’t like tornadoes. I don’t like earthquakes. I don’t like tsunamis. I don’t like snow,” she joked. “So for me, it’s important to improve where I live.”
But her commitment goes beyond climate preference. She believes that when people invest in their communities, everyone benefits. “If you have a beautiful place where you live — and people respect where they live — people do better. Physically, emotionally, psychologically.” During this time, as Arizona faces ongoing health care workforce shortages and growing community health needs, that commitment runs deep.
The ASU Impact
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ASU’s Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation more than a decade ago. She later completed her master’s degree elsewhere but ultimately chose to return to ASU for her MBA in Spring 2025 and was recently accepted into a PhD program at the College of Health Solutions beginning in Fall 2026. “I knew the difference. I wanted to come back,” she said. She credits ASU’s culture of support, opportunity, and scholarship access as key factors in that decision. “It didn’t make sense to go anywhere else. This is the biggest one. Everybody loves ASU.”
Advice for Future Students
For students considering the XLR8 PBC internship — or ASU — her advice is clear: “You get what you put in. If you don’t understand the process, there’s no point in joining.” She encourages students to ask questions, seek clarity, and ensure opportunities align with their long-term goals. “Try to understand how it aligns with what you want to do in the future. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time — and someone else could have that spot.”
About the Phoenix Bioscience Core
The Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC) is a 30-acre life sciences innovation district located in downtown Phoenix. It hosts Arizona’s three public research universities—Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona—as well as leading genomics pioneers like the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of the City of Hope, and the International Genomics Consortium. The PBC also collaborates with major healthcare systems, including Banner Health, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Dignity Health, HonorHealth, Phoenix VA, and Valleywise Health, alongside a growing number of emerging life science companies. This unique concentration of research scientists and healthcare professionals fosters unprecedented collaborations, advancing precision medicine from discovery to delivery. To learn more, please visit phoenixbiosciencecore.com
About XLR8 PBC
XLR8 PBC is a program for scale-ready companies seeking the capital, experience, and validation to move to the next level. Focusing on helping founders/CEO’s tell an investment story, find experienced executives, and sign partner deals that matter most to investors. Ideal applicants have a validated product or solution, early market traction, and are seeking strategic partnerships, mentorship, and investor connections to accelerate their growth. To learn more, please visit phoenixbiosciencecore.com/xlr8
By: Madisson Simental | March 5, 2026