Paula Juarez

Paula Juarez is Every Mind Matter’s first “non-traditional” Fellow. She is a single mom working full time as a Contract Budget Specialist at Northern Nevada Literacy Council (NNLC), a non-profit that offers literacy education, English as a Second Language, and preparation for the General Equivalency Exam (GED) and citizenship examination. Paula’s dream is to pursue a career in finance.

Paula is a key member of NNLC’s management team, ensuring that the non-profit’s grant-supported programs deliver a high-quality education to NNLC’s clients: adults and youth who didn’t finish or even attempt high school, immigrants needing to learn English, permanent residents preparing to pass the examination that qualifies them for citizenship.

Despite clearly being a “high potential” employee with an impressive work ethic who has won the trust and respect of her colleagues, Paula is undereducated. She terminated her studies after earning an associate’s degree in business from Truckee Meadows Community College in 2020 because neither she nor her employer had the resources to keep her in class. The challenges of day to day living as well as supporting her child leave nothing available to pay for school.

Paula’s talent, educational record, hard and effective work, and her deep love of learning brought her to the attention of Every Mind Matters. Supporting her continued education will make Paula even more effective at her job and empower her to make her dream career happen. Our newest Albee Aryel Fellow has been admitted to Advanced Standing at the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business and will begin coursework in August of 2024 toward a bachelors’ degree in Finance.

“Paula demonstrates exemplary performance and unwavering commitment to excellence in all she does.” said Adrienne Santiago, MAED, NNLC’s Executive Director. “Her positive attitude, coupled with her ability to handle any challenges with grace and composure, sets her apart as a role model for others. We are all proud of Paula for being selected as an Albee Aryel Foundation Fellow, and we know that with this amazing opportunity provided by the foundation, she will continue to excel and inspire those around her.”