Meet the Team

Dr. Paula Garay, DHSc., MBA, MA
Director, Women’s Health Initiative

Dr. Garay holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport in Social Sciences, a Master’s of Arts in Adult Development from Lesley University, an MBA in Management and Operations, and a Doctor of Health Science both from the University of Bridgeport. Dr. Garay has been passionate about uplifting, motivating, and educating women since she was a teenager. This seed was planted when she was faced with barriers that seemed impossible to break down. Dr. Garay came to this country from Chile, at the age of 12. As an undocumented immigrant and adolescent of color, she struggled with understanding how to enroll for college, pay for it, obtain affordable healthcare while not having health insurance, and gain employment without documentation. She needed a program like emme- one that equips women and girls who face similar barriers, with lifelong skills to reach their goals. Dr. Garay did not have emme, however, she was able to push through obstacles and achieve her dreams. At this point, she made a vow to herself that she would work tirelessly to prevent others from suffering the way she did. Dr. Garay is incredibly excited and humbled at the opportunity to pave the way for women and girls and provide them with a clear path into their goals.

Samara Clark, BS
Community Health Worker- School Based Health Centers

Samara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology from the University of New Haven and she plans to continue her education and obtain her law degree one day. She is also a certified Sexual Assault Counselor with the Milford Rape Crisis center since 2017. Her experience at the Milford Rape Crisis center has magnified her passion for empowering and educating women and girls to not only advocate for themselves but also recognize potentially unsafe situations and toxic relationships. Since graduating from college, Samara has worked in case management and reintegration. As a young Black woman, Samara continues to see the need for uplifting and empowerment amongst women of color. She hopes to achieve many things moving forward in the development in the lives of others, however, this role is critical to Samara because she hopes to show young girls that anything in this world is possible. Samara is the most excited about helping her participants overcome their barriers and continue to discover new goals as they continue to grow within the program.