05/29/2026
For Katia Griffin, life has been shaped by profound loss. She lost her mother to an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the birth of her younger brother, Jimmy. She had the chance to know her mom, but 4 years was not nearly long enough. In the time that followed, Katia stepped into a role far beyond her age, helping raise her younger brother while carrying her own grief as a child.
Through determination and the generosity of scholarship foundations, she put herself through college, graduating with a B.S. in Oceanography and Mathematics from UC San Diego. Her mother, who worked as an international trade lawyer in Washington D.C and highly valued education, would be proud. It’s a reflection of her strength and her drive to build a life her mother would want for her.
Through the AFE community, Katia was connected with Dave DiPietro with a specific goal in mind, guidance as she began navigating her early career. Dave, who also lost his wife to AFE, understood both the weight of her story and the importance of helping her move forward.
What began as that introduction quickly turned into meaningful mentorship. Dave worked closely with Katia, helping her shape her resume, prepare for interviews, and think through her next steps. He shared his perspective, gave honest feedback, and helped her feel more confident walking into opportunities that once felt out of reach.
On March 27, AFE Awareness Day, Katia reached out to Dave with special news: she got the job! Starting in May, she will be working for an oceanographic company ‘Seabird Scientific’ as a technical customer service operator. This was her top choice, and she is really excited to be working in her field of oceanography in Washington.
The timing also meant something. On a day meant to remember and honor those affected by AFE, it also became a moment of hope. For Katia, it felt like more than coincidence, like she had someone watching over her, helping guide her forward.
It’s a simple but powerful reminder that even in the midst of loss, connection can take root and new beginnings are possible.💙
