Community Programs Specialist
Centro Headquarters
385.910.4315
Paola Zelaya serves as Community Programs Specialist at Centro de la Familia de Utah, where she leads the agency’s Plazas Comunitarias initiative—an adult education program that supports Spanish-speaking learners in completing elementary and secondary education. Since joining Centro, Ms. Zelaya has transformed the Plazas Comunitarias program, expanding its reach by developing multiple strategic partnerships across the Salt Lake Valley. Her leadership has resulted in increased access to culturally responsive educational opportunities for immigrant and low-income communities.
Ms. Zelaya brings over 20 years of experience in international nonprofit leadership, education, and organizational development. Prior to relocating to the United States, she held several leadership roles with the National Foundation for the Development of Honduras (FUNADEH), including Organizational Development Manager, Training Coordinator, and Computer Instructor. In these roles, she was responsible for workforce development programming, human resource systems, succession planning, and quality assurance—serving diverse populations throughout Central America.
She later served as Commercial Department Coordinator for Lumos Language School in Millcreek, Utah, where she applied her cross-cultural expertise to support visa applicants and international students, design marketing strategies, and manage Latin American outreach efforts.
Ms. Zelaya holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s in Administrative Informatics from the University of San Pedro Sula, graduating cum laude. She also completed advanced English studies at Lumos Language Center in Salt Lake City. Her additional training includes specialization in ISO 9001:2008 quality systems, strategic planning, and staff development.
A passionate advocate for education, equity, and immigrant empowerment, Ms. Zelaya brings a unique combination of strategic, operational, and community-based experience to her role at Centro. Her bilingual fluency, empathy, and strong communication skills make her an invaluable asset to the agency’s adult education and community engagement efforts.