Paula Sanchez

“The skills and habits that I developed through the different NJ LEEP programs better prepared me for the academic rigor of college and helped me feel more confident about my potential. Additionally, the exposure to different careers helped me learn about different opportunities, network with individuals in these fields, and eventually determine what career path I wanted to take.” -Paula Sanchez, NJ LEEP Class of 2018, Boston College Class of 2022, Analyst at Morgan Stanley

where i am today…

I graduated cum laude from Boston College with a degree in International Studies with a Concentration in Political Economy and Development Studies. Upon graduation, I joined Morgan Stanley as an Analyst in the Institutional Securities Group Compliance team. It’s hard to believe that it has been eight years since I joined NJ LEEP but I will forever be grateful that I did as the skills, exposure, and support I have received from the organization have been vital in my academic and professional growth. 

The skills and habits that I developed through the different NJ LEEP programs better prepared me for the academic rigor of college and helped me feel more confident about my potential. Additionally, the exposure to different careers helped me learn about different opportunities, network with individuals in these fields, and eventually determine what career path I wanted to take. Perhaps my favorite part of NJ LEEP is the sense of community and support. The staff always made sure to be there for small and big events throughout my college years and this made me realize that I had earned a second family - one that continues to root for me and encourage me to achieve my goals. 

NJ LEEP has also shown me the importance of giving back to our community and helping younger generations succeed. In college, I made this a priority by volunteering with Let’s Get Ready and Strong Women Strong Girls, as a mentor to first-generation students. In addition, I was the DEI chair for SWSG, in which I partnered with various offices on campus and facilitated different presentations about topics pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. I have made giving back a priority as I enter the workforce as well through my involvement with various volunteer opportunities at Morgan Stanley and most recently as the Saturday Program Coordinator at NJ LEEP! Being able to work with the community that gave me so much has been one of the most rewarding experiences and getting to know the students has been amazing.