Paola Flores Cadena (she/her) is the senior manager of early career and alumni with Making Waves Education Foundation. She is a first-generation college graduate, who was born in Mexico City and immigrated with her family at a young age. In 2011, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Francisco State University and returned in 2015 for graduate school to earn a degree in education with a concentration on equity and social justice. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands the importance of education and the direct impact it can have on our communities. Paola has a passion to support students in their education and beyond, to ensure a better life for themselves and our community.