Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Katrina Pardo Iza ‘16

Alumni Centennial Spotlight
Home > Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Katrina Pardo Iza ‘16

 

My Centennial Moment

 

 

 

 

 

For Dr. Katrina Pardo Iza ‘16, 2026 has been a year of big milestones. After graduating from medical school in April, she began a General Surgery residency in July and, that same month, launched Katrina Jewelry Co. with her husband. Her path reflects the range of possibilities a Gulliver education can help open: from discovering a love of health sciences through the Biomedical Sciences program to finding the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship alongside a demanding career in medicine. As her Class of 2016 prepares to celebrate its 10-year reunion, we caught up with her to reflect on the teachers, experiences, and relationships that continue to shape her life today.

What are you up to these days?

I just graduated medical school in April, started General Surgery residency in July and also opened a new business with my husband in July! Our company is called Katrina Jewelry Co. and can be found @wear.katrina on Instagram.

What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how has your path evolved?

My grandfather was my initial inspiration to become a physician and surgeon. Mrs. Laura Keepax was a huge influence on me during my time at Gulliver! She made me fall more in love with health sciences through the biomed program.

Was there something you learned at Gulliver—inside or outside the classroom—that’s made an impact on your life?

I think, subconsciously, seeing many of my peers become business owners and influential people in the Miami community and beyond has empowered me to become an entrepreneur even while being a resident physician!

Are there any Gulliver teachers or coaches who positively influenced you?

Oh goodness, if there’s one thing I loved about my time at Gulliver, it truly was the teachers!! The ones that made lasting impacts on me were Mr. G (ceramics), Mrs. Artzt (english), Mrs. Longshore (math), Mr. Cardinale (portuguese), Mrs. Avalos aka Mama A (chem), Mr. Nieveen (bio), Mrs. Keepax (biomed program), Miss Key who became Mrs. Szpak (marine science & dolphin research studies fellowship), and Coach Yary Roman and Mrs. Dory Guerra who were never my teachers but who I spent SO much time with while I was a co-president of GOALS. I have so much love for each and every one of them!

What clubs, sports, or extracurriculars were you involved in at Gulliver Prep, and how did they influence you?

Most of my time was consumed by Varsity Girl’s Soccer but I also heavily participated in the GOALS club and Dolphin Field Studies Research (which I don’t think existed any year other than the year I did it).

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver?

Our Senior Skit when I played Mama A and took a selfie with the entire student body in the bleachers!

What has been one of your proudest moments?

Graduating medical school and getting that MD behind my name!

What advice would you give to current students?

Gulliver has so many incredible opportunities available for its students. Explore every option you find interesting, you never know how it will influence your life later on! And of course, the cliche, enjoy every second because, before you know it, it will be your 10-year reunion time (like it is for me this year)!

As we mark our Centennial year, Gulliver is paving the way for the future of education in Miami by investing in teaching, learning and innovation. What excites you most about what’s ahead?

I know Gulliver is always evolving. I hardly even recognize the campus these days!! (In the best way possible). I’m excited to see the incredible things our alumni network continues to do. Our alumni and current students never seem to stop amazing me.

As the school continues to grow and innovate, what do you believe is most important about honoring Gulliver’s history?

I really loved the family dynamic that was felt throughout the school thanks to the Krutulis Family’s influence on the school. I hope it keeps the same heart that it had while I was there!

How do you stay connected with, and support, Gulliver?

I was an assistant soccer coach during my college years and will actually be assisting in the planning of our Class of 2016’s 10 year reunion this year!

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