Previously as HILSC’s Social Services Director, Paola Guzman was responsible for leading the strategy, operations and logistics of collaborative projects that streamline immigrant access to social and legal services; developing short- and long-term goals centered through a trauma informed lens; co-managing HILSC events, and mentoring professionals interested in working in non-traditional social work settings to provide holistic services. Paola has also worked as the Social Services Coordinator for KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) where she provided referrals to direct social services organizations, trauma informed emotional support for unaccompanied minors, professional development and trainings for attorneys, as well as strategic development and growth of the KIND SSC team nationwide.

Paola is also serving on the board for USAHello and an adjunct professor at the University of Houston. Paola holds a Master of Social Work degree specializing in Community Organizing, Planning, and Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Spanish from Mount St. Mary’s University.