Discover how leadership is a learnable skill developed through empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. Explore practical steps to cultivate your leadership potential and inspire others.
Her Story
About Paola
Paola Melena, M.Ed., is a higher education professional and doctoral student pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. Based in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, she currently serves as a Program Enrollment Collaborator at Nightingale College, where she supports prospective nursing students through the admissions process, conducts readiness interviews, provides feedback to the leadership department on student trends she has observed, and contributes strategies for admissions to her team and leadership. Her work is centered on ensuring students feel informed, prepared, and supported as they take their first steps into higher education. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Paola’s career began as a peer academic advisor while completing her bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of the West. She later transitioned into roles in college marketing, administrative support, and admissions operations at institutions such as Stanton College, where she developed broad expertise in student engagement, enrollment services, and academic advising. These experiences strengthened her passion for direct student support and ultimately led her back into admissions-focused work. Paola’s professional philosophy is deeply rooted in access, encouragement, and representation in higher education. As a first-generation college student and a person born with a disability, she draws from her own lived experience to help students navigate academic systems, understand available resources, and build confidence in their educational journey. Now pursuing her doctorate, she aspires to grow into academic leadership roles that improve student outcomes, expand access to education, and shape more supportive and inclusive enrollment systems.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Paola
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, initiative, and using my personal experience as motivation. Being a first-generation college student with limited resources pushed me to advocate for myself, build my leadership skills, and actively seek opportunities that helped me grow and gain visibility.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think that when people consider careers in higher education, they often focus on teaching. While teaching is important, there are so many other roles beyond being a professor. Higher education includes administration, student services, programming, and a wide range of departments that support students in different ways. For any woman interested in this field, I would encourage you to keep an open mind and explore the many opportunities available. Take the time to identify your strengths and areas for growth and use your strengths to help you take that next step. Be willing to get involved in projects—especially those you are passionate about—because your engagement and enthusiasm will naturally stand out and make a meaningful impact.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in higher education right now is how institutions adapt to a new generation of students who are increasingly drawn to online learning environments. Colleges must evolve to meet these changing expectations by expanding and strengthening their online offerings while maintaining academic quality and student engagement. In addition, it remains critical to ensure students are well prepared for rigorous programs like nursing, while also addressing resource gaps for students and creating leadership opportunities for employees at online colleges while providing the necessary support for their growth and success.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are supporting students, promoting accessibility and inclusion, maintaining clear organizational values, and practicing leadership that uplifts and empowers others.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Paola
Leadership Can Be Learned
Discover how anyone can develop the essential skills to inspire, influence, and empower others in any organization.
Leadership Can Be Learned
One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my nine years working in higher education is that leadership can absolutely be learned.
Over the years, I have watched many women begin their careers in entry-level positions with limited experience and gradually grow into influential leaders within their organizations. Their journeys have shown me that leadership is not something reserved for a select few—it is a skill set that can be developed over time.
How Do They Do It?
Based on my experience, leadership is a collection of skills that enable an individual to inspire, guide, and positively influence others. A leader is not necessarily the loudest person in the room, nor the person with the most credentials. Instead, a leader is someone who empowers others to grow, succeed, and become leaders themselves.
Effective leadership requires empathy, strong communication, emotional intelligence, and a genuine commitment to helping others reach their potential.
The women leaders I have observed share three common characteristics: they are curious, teachable, and innovative.
Steps to Develop as a Leader
If you aspire to become a leader, consider taking the following steps:
Begin by leveraging your soft interpersonal skills, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, collaboration, and emotional intelligence.
Seek out a mentor you look up to and meet with them regularly for leadership coaching and feedback.
Keep track of your leadership efforts and outcomes. Reflect on them and ask yourself what can be improved or changed.
Research different leadership styles, identify the one that resonates most with you, and deepen your understanding of your own leadership identity.
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