Bernadette Paolo Africa Society
Overview
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.