Employee of the Month: Paola Leon Piraquive

Meet Lead Housing Coordinator Paola Leon Piraquive

This is Paola’s second time as Employee of the Month; read her 2025 feature.

How long have you been with EA? What roles have you had?

Almost 3-1/2 years. I started as a Housing Coordinator.

Please describe a particularly memorable or impactful experience in your EA career.

A memorable moment for myself during my time with EA was getting the "Pickle" Award. I have seen others receive it and remember talking about working hard to get it. The day I was presented with it, it came as a big shock as I had not expected it. It was really nice to see my hard work was being recognized.

What’s been the most challenging thing about working in your field? What's been the most surprising?

The most challenging thing about my work is being a coordinator and lead coordinator at the same time. While we have new HC starting I have to teach them the role while also taking care of the current clients we have. That can be challenging as I have to fulfill both roles.

Do you have any advice for newcomers to social work, or those interested in pursuing it as a career?

This career has given so much joy knowing that I get to help youth find their home.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I'd like to say I am super grateful for EA and seeing the value in me and my hard work.