Hola. I’m Paola.

I’m a political strategist with more than fifteen years of experience leading campaigns, building partnerships, and navigating high-stakes communications challenges in the United States and abroad. I currently serve as Director of Communications at La Clínica del Pueblo, a community health center providing comprehensive, community-rooted care in the greater Washington area.

Previously, I served as Director of Communications for the International Planned Parenthood Federation’s Western Hemisphere Office, where I worked on reproductive rights and abortion access throughout the Americas. I led the Families Belong Together campaign during the first family separation crisis in coalition with organizations across the U.S.–Mexico border in ‘18, helped launch the Welcome With Dignity campaign, and worked on President Obama’s ’08 and ’12 campaigns, Secretary Clinton’s ’16 campaign, and in the Uruguayan Senate. My career reflects a deep commitment to issues vital to working families trying to get ahead.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from the University of Maryland and a master’s in Foreign Policy from Johns Hopkins SAIS. I’m fluent in Spanish and French, conversational in Italian and Brazilian Portuguese, and currently learning Russian (though I’m niet good at it).

I’m also a proud first-generation American and daughter of immigrants, an amateur photographer, and an aspiring children’s book author, recently publishing an activity book with my partner to help kids prepare for checkups.

I’m also a mom, an endometriosis warrior, and an infertility survivor. During a recent pregnancy, I faced an extremely rare complication that could have led to life-threatening consequences had I not had timely access to abortion care, an experience that hardened my commitment to reproductive justice. I am extraordinarily lucky, but women who face the same complication I did around the world sometimes don’t survive.

Born in Washington, DC, I’ve traveled to more than thirty-five countries, with many more to go.

You can reach me at paolaluisi@gmail.com