Paula serves as a program officer at the Schultz Family Foundation, where she leads efforts within the Youth Mental Health Corps to promote equitable access to youth mental health services, tackle structural barriers to care, and embed economic mobility pathways within national service.
Guided by a deep commitment to fighting systemic inequalities, Paula’s career has centered on exploring cross-sector collaborations to drive social change, blending her expertise in arts, community engagement, human rights, and nonprofit development. Before joining the Foundation, she led the launch of the LagoAlgo cultural center in Mexico City as part of her work with OMR Gallery, designing inclusive public programs that expanded community access to the arts and emphasized art’s role in shaping collective narratives. Paula has worked with social impact organizations across five countries, developing initiatives to support underserved communities. Her projects have included youth workshops in juvenile detention centers in South Africa, refugee cultural orientation programs with the International Rescue Committee, and financial empowerment efforts for immigrant communities at Qualitas of Life Foundation.
Paula has gained experience in program development, fundraising, and building partnerships to support community-driven initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanitarian Aid and Visual Arts from Fordham University and a Master’s degree in Human Rights from Columbia University, with a focus on business and socio-economic rights. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring art exhibitions, running, and photography.