Karlie Weinberg

Human Development and Family Science

HDFS major aligns perfectly with the people-centered career Weinberg plans to pursue

Hometown

Matthews, N.C.

Major/Minor

BSFCS in Human Development and Family Science with a Minor in General Business 

Activities/Honors

• First Honor Graduate
• 2026 Presidential Award of Excellence
• Graduating Summa Cum Laude
• President’s List (2022-26)
• Phi Upsilon Omicron - Honor Society for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Top 5% Academic Students (2024-26)
• Pi Sigma Epsilon - Professional Co-ed Business Fraternity - National Sales, Marketing, and Management (2025-26)
• Top 24 Finalist in UGA Top Dawg Sales Competition (2025)
• UGA Warnell Discover Abroad: Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji (Spring 2025)
• UGA FACS London Study Abroad (Summer 2024)
• UGA Relay For Life - Activities and Entertainment Lead Role (2025-26)
• UGA Relay For Life - Public Relations Executive Lead Role (2024-25)
• Student Government Association Senate - Director of Communications (2023-26)
• UGA Miracle - Hospital Relations Team (2022-26)
• UGA Miracle - Sponsorship Assistant Co-Chair (2023-24)
• UGA Career Center ArchReady Professional Development Certificate (2025)
• Gamma Phi Beta Member (2022-26)
• Gamma Phi Beta Internal Social Chair (2023-24)
• Gamma Phi Beta Assistant to the Vice President of Public Relations (2022-23)
• Intern for CrossLink (Stryker) and GlobalMed Logistix (2025)
• Intern for Ronald McDonald House Charities UK (2024)
• The Avenue - Sales Associate (2025-26)
• Child Development Lab - Substitute Teacher (2024-26)

Why I chose my major

I came into the University of Georgia as an Exercise and Sport Science major, as I originally thought I would pursue a different career path. After my first semester at UGA, I met with my advisor to discuss alternative major options. Once she explained what Human Development and Family Sciences offers and what it teaches, I was sold!

HDFS allowed me to explore the way people grow, form relationships and navigate life at every stage. I have genuinely loved learning about development across the lifespan, family dynamics and the real-life factors that shape individuals and their well-being.

HDFS stood out to me because it combines my passion for working with people with a deeper understanding of their experiences. It has given me the opportunity to think critically, build empathy and see situations from multiple perspectives. Throughout my studies, I have found a field that not only interests me academically but also aligns with the meaningful and people-centered career I want to pursue.

What I like most about FACS

What I love most about the College of Family and Consumer Sciences is the sense of community and opportunity it provides. From the beginning, FACS felt like a place where I truly belonged. Both the students and professors have made such a lasting impact on my experience!

One of the most meaningful experiences I've had through FACS was studying abroad in London. My two months overseas were easily one of the best experiences of my life. During that time, I had the opportunity to intern at Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, where I saw firsthand the impact of supporting families during challenging times. It made everything I've learned in HDFS feel real and purposeful.

FACS has also given me opportunities to get involved in the community, whether through service hours at the local Athens library or working with the Athens Humane Society. These experiences have allowed me to connect what I'm learning in the classroom to real people and real situations.

FACS has such a welcoming, close-knit environment, and is a place where you feel supported, encouraged and inspired. Overall, it has shaped not only my education but also who I am, and I am so grateful to be part of it.

Post-graduation plans

After graduation, I plan to work in medical device sales!