Paula Sammons

Paula Sammons is a program officer on the Family Economic Security team at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, MI. She provides leadership and oversight for the on-the-ground execution of foundation efforts that build economic security for vulnerable families and children. In this role, she recommends proposals for funding, manages a national portfolio of grants and designs and implements initiatives and projects that advance economic stability and workforce mobility. Specific strategies include advancing integrated, bundled services; asset development, and employment pathways and partnerships towards good jobs, while also utilizing a two generation approach and racial equity and civic engagement lens. In addition to her national work, she serves on the place-based team of New Mexico. Prior to this team, she served as program associate on the Education and Learning team and helped manage a general portfolio of grants, in addition to work focused on school readiness and college and career readiness. Outside of philanthropy, Paula has served as a clinical social worker, therapist and counselor in various settings including community mental health, secondary education, and domestic violence. She also has experience working across various sectors including the banking industry, business, retail, and higher education. She has a B.A. in Family Life Education and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She currently serves on the Earned Income Tax Credit Funders Network and the Grantmakers Income Security Taskforce. She is an avid ice hockey player and mountain biker and resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan.