Paula Carvalho

Paula Carvalho, MIT, joined the Raikes Foundation as program officer on the youth homelessness strategy in August 2019. 

Prior to joining the foundation, she served as the director of youth programs at The Mockingbird Society. Having both lived experience in foster care and youth homelessness, she brings a crucial perspective to the work. Paula joined Mockingbird in 2014 as their Youth Network Coordinator before being promoted to Youth Programs Director in 2016. Paula oversaw Mockingbird’s statewide Youth Programs, which has a dual focus on youth development and systems reform. She also initiated and chaired the agency’s Race Equity Committee. Before joining to Mockingbird, Paula worked at the YMCA of Greater Seattle as an Independent Living Resource Specialist focusing on youth transitioning out of foster care. With over a decade working in this field, Paula continues to elevate the voices of young people at decision making tables. Paula earned a master’s degree in Teaching from Seattle University, where she was also the first graduate of its Fostering Scholars program.