Meet Paloma, Grant Halliburton Foundation’s volunteer and outreach coordinator.
Paloma leads volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and engagement for the Foundation, along with community outreach efforts that raise awareness of our mission. With a background in fundraising, volunteer management, and child advocacy, she brings a strong passion for connecting people to meaningful work. Paloma is dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health and helping the Foundation build strong, lasting relationships with individuals and organizations across North Texas.
Here are 10 things to know about Paloma!
1. What was your first job?
My first jobs were managing a frozen yogurt shop and working as a nanny for children ranging from one month to six years old. Managing the shop taught me patience, leadership, and how to work well under pressure, while nannying deepened my love for working with kids and helped me build strong communication and problem-solving skills. Both roles were incredibly rewarding and laid the foundation for my strong work ethic.
2. What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is watching romantic comedies. There is just something comforting about a feel-good love story with a happy ending. My favorite rom-coms are 10 Things I Hate About You and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I’ve seen them more times than I can count.
3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
I would tell my teenage self that it’s okay to lean into being a teen and experience all the ups and downs that come with it. Don’t rush to grow up too fast because these years are important for discovering who you are. It’s also okay to make mistakes and learn from them, and most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.
4. What’s your favorite movie scene and why?
One of my favorite movie scenes is from The First Wives Club when Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, and Bette Midler’s characters sneak into Bette Midler’s ex-husband’s apartment to find evidence against him. The scene is a perfect blend of physical comedy and emotional depth. The timing, expressions, and physical humor, especially when the characters are in free fall, are absolutely hilarious and brilliantly performed. At the same time, you feel the heartbreak and empowerment in Bette Midler’s character as she finally gains the upper hand. It’s a scene that captures both the pain and strength of the characters, and it is one of the many reasons The First Wives Club remains one of my all-time favorite films.
5. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m incredibly clumsy. I’ve fractured, sprained, broken, dislocated, and torn about 21 different parts of my body. Thankfully, I haven’t in several years – knock on wood – but I would absolutely say that I’m clumsy.
6. If you could write a book, what genre would it be?
I would love to write either a memoir or a self-help book! They are my favorite types of books to read. I love seeing how big the world may be, but what connects us all. I love learning about people’s lives and seeing how I can help someone else grow within their life.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
In my free time, I love to go to the movies, do yoga, lie by the pool, spend time with my friends, and cook.
8. What are the top three TV shows you’re watching right now?
Derry Girls, Stranger Things, and The Handmaid’s Tale
9. Where’s your favorite travel destination and why?
Spain and Portugal would have to be my favorites. I completely fell in love with all the architecture, food, and culture. I would live there in a heartbeat.
10. Why is Grant Halliburton Foundation’s mission important to you?
As someone who has experienced their own mental health struggles in the past, I’m forever grateful to those who helped me find the resources I needed. The mission of Grant Halliburton Foundation resonates deeply with my personal beliefs and values, especially the importance of early support and access to mental health resources. I’m also deeply passionate about child development and believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health from an early age. Supporting a mission that prioritizes education, awareness, and access to care for young people aligns with both my lived experiences and my commitment to helping others thrive.
