Born and raised in the vibrant city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Paula grew up in a family that cherished music and the creative arts. Encouraged from an early age to explore her artistic talents, she immersed herself in classical guitar studies at El Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. Over the next eleven years, she developed a deep musical foundation while nurturing her passion for performance and storytelling.

Determined to bring her dreams to fruition, Paula left the island for New York City, where she earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Manhattanville University. She quickly dove into the city's theatre scene, making her Off-Broadway debut in The Beautiful Lady directed by legendary theatre-maker Anne Bogart—a production named a New York Times Critics' Pick. Her standout performance as Maria in West Side Story earned her a Berkshire Theatre Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical.

With a voice that seamlessly blends a classical tone with a contemporary strength, Paula is a versatile soprano known for her serene tone and extensive range. Equally at home in the soaring melodies of Carousel ’s Julie Jordan and the powerhouse belt of A Chorus Line’s Diana Morales, she navigates genres with ease, delivering both warmth and intensity. With a keen ear for tight harmonies, be it in classical guitar, piano, or voice, Paula’s musicianship is a captivating fusion of elegance and power. 

As a proud Puerto Rican artist, Paula is deeply committed to bringing more diverse and authentic representation of her culture and heritage to the stage. The heart of her work lies in a sincere desire to communicate the complexities of the human experience through music and acting. 

“THERE IS A DEPTH OF WONDER AND OLD-WORLDNESS IN PAULA’S ARTISTRY THAT MAKES HER UNLIKE ANYONE I’VE EVER MET. A SPELL-BINDING MUSICIAN, A HEART-MELTING SINGER, A BEAUTIFULLY GROUNDED ACTOR, AND A CAPTIVATING DANCER. SHE IS AN ARTIST THROUGH AND THROUGH. AND SHE’S VERY FUNNY. A LOT FUNNIER THAN CLINT EASTWOOD, I’LL TELL YA THAT. PAULA IS THE ONLY PERSON I WOULD ENTRUST WITH ALL MY ARTISTIC SECRETS.”

— GEORGE ABUD