How Douglas College Boosted Paula Mendoza’s Leadership Skills
As an international student, a sense of community at school was a priority for Paula Mendoza. The first time she visited Douglas College, the campuses immediately felt like home. Due to her eagerness for personal and academic growth, Paula discovered her passion for leadership, human development and management. She graduated from the Business Management Diploma in 2017 and the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Leadership and Management in 2020.
During her time at Douglas, Paula took advantage of every extracurricular opportunity, from teaching dance classes to leading the Cultural Connections Program, an exciting student-led program that is designed to welcome new international students to Douglas College. She provided students with a source of friendly support and guidance during the semester through trips, activities, events and more. Before she graduated in 2020, she received the Community Builder Leadership Award from Douglas College Student Leadership Awards for her dedication to her community.
Douglas College provided her a safe space to grow and learn as a leader. Now, she works as a Staffing Specialist at Squared Talent, where she motivates and supports other people's professional and personal growth. Looking to the future, Paula wants to continue growing her career in the Human Resources field and utilize the Psychology education she received at Douglas College. She's inspired by the science behind motivation and developing healthier workplaces, which she wants to implement in her current job. Her dream is to make Squared Talent the best staffing company in the Lower Mainland and continue being a leader in its expansion across Canada.