Paula lived in Brazil for many years. When inflation got so high that it was impossible to raise her family, she made the decision to come back to San Diego. So with husband, three kids and three suitcases in hand, the family started over.

Paula worked in the financial industry for many years. She moved over to real estate and mortgage banking in 2002 founding a small real estate firm. In 2019 she was one of the founding members of American Mortgage Network. In 2023, she started a publishing company.

Paula got involved in the local political scene in 2008 when she joined the Chula Vista Republican Women Federated. She started writing papers on legislative issues such as universal healthcare (Obamacare), Prop. 14 (top two jungle primary), gas tax and other local concerns. She joined the Central Committee for the Republican Party of San Diego County as an alternate in 2010. Paula became a full member of the Central Committee in 2012. She volunteered to write the newsletter for the Republican Party of San Diego County as Communications Chair. She was next tapped to be the Secretary of the County Party, then 2nd Vice Chair. In 2021, Paula became Chairwoman of the Republican Party of San Diego County. She is currently on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of San Diego County as Past Chair.

Paula continues to be very active in the local Party, focused on bringing Republican leadership to local government, recruiting candidates for local offices and providing support to local candidates.