Her Story
About Paola Gabriela
Dr. Paola Gabriela Zaragoza Cardenales, Esq., is a New York Bar attorney, intellectual property expert, legal writer, and content creator specializing in the intersection of intellectual property, AI, business, food, and digital media. With experience in trademark and copyright registration, contract review, legal research, and client representation, she advises creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses on protecting their brands, products, creative works, and digital assets. As Chief Executive Officer of ZaragozaCardenales LLC, she combines legal expertise with entrepreneurship and content creation to make complex legal and business concepts practical and accessible.
Dr. Zaragoza Cardenales has developed a diverse professional background spanning private practice, academia, government, and international intellectual property. Her experience includes serving as a professor and LL.M. and International Program Coordinator at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law, interning with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and working with the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and law firms. She is also an accomplished food and travel content creator, producing videos, reviews, interviews, articles, and educational content while exploring the connections between law, entrepreneurship, creativity, and the culinary and hospitality industries. Her scholarship and writing have addressed intellectual property, food regulations, agricultural policy, and geographic indications.
She holds a JSD in Business Law and Intellectual Property from Indiana University Bloomington, an LLM in Intellectual Property Law from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and a JD and Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Human Resources from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Her doctoral research examined Puerto Rico’s use of geographic indications as a tool for economic development. Dr. Zaragoza Cardenales is committed to education, mentorship, pro bono service, and empowering others through knowledge and collaboration. She attributes her success to her ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas and bring together law, education, creativity, social media, and personal interests to create meaningful impact. Her work is grounded in honesty, discipline, kindness, and a genuine commitment to supporting others and building strong professional relationships.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Paola Gabriela
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my ability to connect ideas that may initially seem unrelated. I naturally bring together law, education, creativity, social media, and everyday interests in unexpected and meaningful ways. Rather than separating my professional expertise from my personality and passions, I use these connections to make legal education more engaging, relatable, and accessible.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “If someone tells you that you’re crazy, you’re on the right track.” I received this advice while exploring ways to combine seemingly unrelated interests, particularly my legal career with my passion for food, travel, and content creation. While others may not have immediately understood how those worlds could fit together, the advice encouraged me to embrace what made my path unconventional rather than trying to conform to a traditional career trajectory. It taught me to trust my vision, follow my curiosity, and recognize that the most meaningful opportunities often come from creating connections where others may not see them.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to embrace the industry with confidence and not be afraid to take the leap. Women bring tremendous value through their leadership, open-mindedness, creativity, and willingness to champion unconventional ideas. I have personally experienced the power of women-led professional networks and communities, which have provided meaningful opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and growth. My advice is simple: don’t overthink it—trust yourself, recognize the value you bring, and step forward with confidence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see tremendous opportunity in my field right now. The possibilities are virtually endless, particularly for those who are willing to think creatively, embrace new ideas, and remain open to growth. I believe there is significant potential to innovate, make an impact, and create new pathways for success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me, both professionally and personally, are honesty, discipline, and supporting others. I believe in treating everyone around me with kindness and respect because you never know when your paths may cross again or how a relationship may shape your future. I also encourage younger professionals to introduce themselves, build meaningful relationships, and genuinely value the people around them. I believe that leading with integrity, respect, and a willingness to support others creates a strong foundation for both personal and professional success.
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