Paula Kashtan

Program Officer Paula Kashtan oversees a strategically responsive portfolio of grants with a focus on holistic advising and high-quality institutional practices that support students’ navigation of higher education and pursuit of personal, academic and career goals.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Paula worked in development at College Possible Minnesota where she was responsible for more than $3 million in annual foundation fundraising to support college access and success programming for students from low-income backgrounds. She also has extensive experience leading nonprofit programs directly, with a particular focus on college matriculation and persistence initiatives serving students not historically represented in higher education. Her professional experience includes leadership roles at College Access: Research and Action, National School Climate Center, Step Up and Manual Arts High School in LAUSD.

Paula holds a Master of Education in urban education from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University.

Why are you working at ECMC Foundation and committed to working toward improving higher education for underserved learners?

I have seen firsthand the generational impact of higher education and believe deeply that it is the surest path for individuals to change their own trajectories and those of their families. I also know that across all of us, education is essential for the civil functioning of our society. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work at ECMC Foundation and create a positive impact on both these levels.