Influential Woman · Educator and Community Engagement

PAULA YVONNE COLLIER

Chief Community Builder, Grand Rapids Public Schools

Grand Rapids, MI

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Cornerstone University Cert MBA, , MA Cert Ordained Deacon at Messiah Baptist Church

Her Story

About PAULA

This role has allowed me to grown my network, it has also informed me of additional opportunities. As Chief Community Builder, I've been able to help many families get access to resources, food personal essential products, build relationships with community partners, and build a parent community. These opportunities have improved moral and overall interconnected within the student community.

I'm still about to serve as a commissioner on the Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission, and invest time and interest in serving the Grand Rapids community. It's often at the forefront of my mind, " What can I do next to serve someone?". The needs of this community are vast, that was indeed to inspiration that led me to become a member of the greatest sorority in the world, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The importance of changing lives and informing people of supports needed..

It's truly a great life to think outside of yourself. I'm thankful for this recognition and opportunity..

Her Interview

Ten minutes with PAULA

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my successful opportunities and abilities to help others to my faith. I believe that God aligns my life for impact and uses me as a conduit to connect others.

My favourite Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6 which states...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path"

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice that I can offer is to not give up... Time is valuable, Time is a training ground it is an opportunity to develop, by being pruned and shaped and cultivated.

Just don't give up. Time is a essential tool, use it wisely.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would offer young women the advice to learn all she can about your community. Develop relationships, partnerships and a passion to just serve others with looking compensation.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Recently, many organizations have streamlined their budgets and are afraid of working in areas of diverse populations.

There is a growing fear that organizations have that they might be forced to close their doors, so they have to be careful of spending in areas of marginalized groups that may identify as black or Latino.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Transparency this the list for me. I want to be clear about my work so that it may be deemed an asset not a liability.

I welcome all hands on deck, I enjoying sharing my work with others shaping a culture around the interest of serving.

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