Paola is a first generation college graduate and cultural worker who is passionate about education and youth development. She graduated from Skidmore College in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Studio Art and Intergroup Relations. While at Skidmore, Paola co-facilitated a semester long intergroup dialogue focused on race and social identity and led initiatives focused on migrant rights, education equity, campus climate, and racial justice. Growing up in a low-income, mixed-status home Paola understands firsthand the challenges of navigating the higher education system and is passionate about supporting students on their journey to and through college. As an educator Paola has held the role of Founding Visual Arts Teacher and Teaching Artist where she developed curriculum focused on self-expression, using art as a tool to promote social justice, and art as a source of healing. Outside of ScholarMatch you can find Paola getting her hands dirty inking a new linoblock, watching foreign films and documentaries, or baking.