Bernadette Paolo commands an exhaustive array of professional experience as an activist, political expert and nonprofit leader. Now based in Washington, DC, Bernadette Paolo was raised in West Virginia and attended West Liberty College and West Virginia University, securing a B.A. and M.A. before moving to Washington, DC. Bernadette Paolo then earned a J.D. from the Antioch School of Law prior to launching her career. A member of the West Virginia Bar Association and The District of Columbia Bar, Bernadette Paolo also serves on the board of the Women’s Intercultural Network.

Bernadette Paolo possesses experience as a professional writer and has taught English at both the university and secondary school levels. She also worked as a criminal defense attorney and served as international consultant for a private DC law practice. Additionally, Bernadette Paolo has more than 25 years of diverse experience in international affairs. Ms. Bernadette Paolo invested 12 years in the United States Congress as a professional staff member with the House Committee on International Relations, and through various roles, she has represented Congress in 43 countries. While serving on Capitol Hill, Bernadette Paolo acted as Staff Director and Counsel for the House Subcommittee on Africa, Deputy Staff Director for the Subcommittee on International Operations, and Staff Consultant and Deputy Staff Director of the House Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organizations.  

Bernadette Paolo has served as President and CEO of The Africa Society of The National Summit on Africa since succeeding the organization’s founder in 2006. Prior to this, Ms. Bernadette Paolo performed as Director of Field Operations before being promoted to Vice President. Bernadette Paolo has designed educational programs, spearheaded outreach initiatives, and functioned as in-house legal counsel for The Africa Society since it was founded in 2002. Among other triumphs, Bernadette Paolo bears responsibility for organizing six successful US summits.