Paula Mendoza
Nominating Organization: SER Jobs for Progress
Occupation: CEO, Possible Missions Inc.

Ms. Mendoza spends countless hours mentoring and providing firsthand assistance with college applications, admissions assistance as well as guidance for first- year college students. A tireless advocate for the most vulnerable populations in Houston, Ms. Mendoza serves on the Executive Board for SERJobs for Progress and advocates towards our mission of helping individuals transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment. Ms. Mendoza continuously provides mentorship and advice to our board, staff, and clients. Ms. Mendoza serves as a mentor and an example to the Hispanic community by giving her time, talent, and treasures, she is currently serving on nine board of directors, concurrently, which includes her most recent role on the University of Houston Board of Regents. Ms. Mendoza is a huge proponent for small business and education in the community. Ms. Mendoza raises the issue and lets it be known that small businesses can produce and thrive. Ms. Mendoza raises her hand at any opportunity to volunteer and provide her expertise and advice to the organization and the community at large. Ms. Mendoza will not accept a board or commissions spot unless she is 100% sure that she can provide value and be actively involved. Ms. Mendoza served on the Texas Ethics Commission from 2007 – 2013 as the first Latina woman and ultimately, became Chairman during her term. Ms. Mendoza is committed to the community and every organization she is associated with. She is a true trailblazer for the Hispanic community and for women in business.

Ms. Mendoza has been heavily involved with SER and has been instrumental during several transitional periods including the search for the Executive Director position. During these times, Ms. Mendoza served as an advocate for the organization and her passion for the mission was at the heart of every decision she made. That has become evident based on the changes that have been implemented and the growth that the organization has sustained during her term on the board. As a member of our Executive Committee, Ms. Mendoza has helped establish board governance and processes surrounding policies, board recruitment and expansion, best practices including streamlining of by-laws. Ms. Mendoza has been a critical part of establishing the strategic vision for the organization. Along with her vision, her strong ties to the community help the organization expand its stakeholder base and employer partners. Her passion for the community and her network is hugely impactful with regard to service delivery for the clients. As a workforce opportunity center, our employer partners are imperative to the overall success of the organization, and Ms. Mendoza has assisted in expanding our network and the ability to cast a wider net to the populations that need our services, which enables us to do more effective work in the community. Ms. Mendoza is a true example of respect, accountability, innovation, excellence, and inclusion, the core values of our organization.