Paulina Alicia Gonzalez Rojas was born in Puebla, Mexico. At the age of four, she migrated to California’s Bay Area along with her family. California-raised, Paulina enjoys spending time at home, reading, and walking around her neighborhood: taking note of the vegetation and life that surrounds her quaint neighborhood. She enjoys watching movies and shows with her loved ones snacking on a bowl of popcorn. Enclosed by the strength, persistence, and work ethic of her parents, Paulina saw the work that lay before her in anticipation and experience. Through her parent’s example, Paulina learned the importance of community and perseverance in times of adversity. She respects and embraces failure, for each step has led her here.

Paulina graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor's in English Prep for Teaching and a minor in Linguistics. As a student of the California education system, she saw firsthand the disparities brought by language access inequity that directly impacted immigrant families like her own. Her drive to support her community inspires Paulina to pursue a career in education. She wants to encourage acculturation in education to support multilingual students therefore enriching their education and individual identity. Her passion for paving a better relationship with the immigrant community and educational institutions has led her to pursue San Jose State University’s Teacher Credential Program/MAT program and Bilingual Authorization. Through her journey, she has learned the importance of information access while working with San Leandro Education Development Math Coach, Elevate Fellowship, Saint Leander Catholic Church and now the DreamSF Fellowship.

As a DreamSF Fellow, Paulina is placed with the Catholic Charities of San Francisco’s Legal Team. Paulina will be helping with DACA renewals, citizenship applications, as well as presenting Catholic Charities’ resources.