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Paola Mariselli

Biography

PROFILE: Paola was 15-years-old when she and her family came to the United States from Peru. “From the moment we arrived at the airport, I was the one who had to speak English. I soon realized I had become the head of my family. From taking a taxi to shopping, moving, and registering for school, everything became a fearful venture. I did my best to keep a calm face to reassure my mother and brother that everything would be okay.”

Long active in the arts, having performed in marching band and acted in school plays in Peru, Paola especially loved writing, which often took the form of horror stories inspired by such masters as Edgar Allen Poe. Coming to the US developed and transformed Paola’s character as a person and passion as a writer. Inspired by writing coach Viola Canales, author of Tequila Worm, Paola came to realize that “art allows for people of different backgrounds to come together.”

INSPIRATION: Although just learning English herself, Paola watched as her 8-year-old brother struggled to learn the new language. Inspired by this, Paola decided to establish a chapter of the Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors, a program aimed at helping minority and underprivileged 3rd grade students strengthen the fundamental reading skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

ASPIRATION: Paola plans to use her passion for technology to develop innovative ideas and technological products that will positively affect people’s lives. She has also made it her personal mission to work towards creating educational opportunities and increasing access to computers and technology for those in low-income communities.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: At Broward Community College, Paola founded and served as Chapter President of Business Professionals of America. She also served as Community Service Chair of the college’s Student Ambassadors, Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Senator of Student Government, and Vice President of the International Club. Later at New York University, Paola founded and served as Executive Vice President of Project Nur. She was also a Resident Assistant, President of the Information Systems Society, Editor of Baedeker Travel Magazine, and Vice President of Hall Council.

ACCOLADES: Paola won the Phi Theta Kappa short story contest for Florida, received the National Torch Award from Business Professionals of America, won third prize in a constitutional art contest for art related to Constitution Day, and was awarded by her peers the Leadership Award for Building a Stronger Honors Learning Community at Broward Community College. During her time at New York University, Paola won the Founder’s Day Award, the President’s Service Award for her work with the Information Systems Society, was a finalist in the Reynolds Program in Social Entrepreneurship, and received the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Business Leadership Award.

INTERESTING FACT: Paola’s favorite pastime is going to the theater and taking photographs.

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