Latina Leader Spotlight: Paulina Castrellon
Q: What is your ethnicity, where have you lived, and where do you currently reside?
A: I identify as Chicana and Latina. I have lived in the Bay Area, Midwest, and now currently back in my hometown of Los Angeles.
Q: What is your current profession and why/how did you choose it?
A: I am an Environmental Health and Safety Engineer. I came across this career and academic major in school by accident! I took an elective in college called EOH 101 (environmental occupational health 101) and right away fell in love with the field. The EOH major was a perfect combination of health and engineering—both worlds just captured my attention!
Q: What is a first step for someone wanting to switch careers to something in STEM?
A: Find what you are passionate about. Don’t overthink about how much money you can make in this career!
Q: What is one professional challenge you’ve faced as a Latina?
A: In my experience, I’ve always been the youngest and only Latina in a management-level position. While this can feel isolating around senior-level colleagues, my identity strengthens my ability to engage with lower-level employees who are often also Latinx and feel more comfortable speaking in Spanish. Sharing my culture and identity with them helps build trust and communication in the company—which is critical to ensure everyones safety and wellbeing.
Q: Who is your Latina inspiration?
A: My mother: she came to the US at a very young age and since she was raised in a difficult environment, she had to “be the adult” for her and her sisters early on. She sacrificed her time to raise me and my brother when she was a young adult, so she did not get to pursue higher education. She has dedicated her entire life to loving, supporting and encouraging me and my brother to strive for greatness! I’ve always admired her strength, confidence, willingness to speak up, and her caring heart and soul.
Q: What would you tell to yourself 5 years ago?
A: That the heartbreaks, lonely nights, and struggling moments will teach you the greatest lessons in life! Don’t give up and don’t listen to anyones “malo ojo!” You are going to accomplish so much mija! You are a remarkable Queen!
Q: How can people follow your journey
A: People can follow me on my Instagram @paulinacastrellon where I talk about STEM in the Latinx community, current events, health and wellness and share some of my daily life on this beautiful planet! You’ll also see great stories about my little dog named Kevin <3.
