Meet Our Policy Associate Intern Paulina Mendoza

  I am Paulina Mendoza. I grew up in the border city Nogales, Arizona with my three younger siblings. The Mexican border is only 10 minutes away from my family’s home so undocumented immigration and its effects were really present for me growing up. The memories of the pain and despair of the families who had been separated after deportation inspired me to work towards the disenfranchised and misrepresented members of our community.

     Currently, I am a sophomore at American University majoring in CLEG (Communication, Legal Institutions, Economy and Government) and completing a Spanish Translation certification. My summer internship with the Peace Corps helped me to further my interest in promoting peace and tolerance throughout our nation through the legal sector, giving equal and deserved legal assistance to the members of our society who lack of it the most. I recognize that the nation’s foster care system and adoption policies need to be reformed in order to complete their true purposes. Today, I am thankful to be part of Voice for Adoption and work slowly towards that efforts.

 As the older sister of two wonderful brothers and one sister I learned the real worth and meaning of family. They've become my definition of true friendship.