Member Spotlight: Paula Goolkasian

By Kate Jostworth

Paula Goolkasian’s perspective on how WIF’s mission overcomes the challenges of deciding on local nonprofits to support is a perfect way to kickstart our January 2024 Member Connection.

Can you provide a brief background on yourself for those who do not know you? 

I am a professor emeritus at UNC Charlotte who retired after 42 years on the psychology faculty.  Retirement has been quite enjoyable, allowing me the time to remain professionally active as a member of a few research teams and to continue my editing for some of the psychology journals.  Most importantly, however, I have the time to serve as a member of the governing board of ANSWER Scholarship and engage with my family and friends in travel and social activities.  I enjoy living at Lake Norman with my husband, working in my garden, and paddleboarding on the lake. 

What makes the mission of Women’s Impact Fund meaningful to you?

I am very grateful for the many opportunities that I have enjoyed throughout my lifetime, and it is a pleasure to be able to give back to others who have had a much more difficult life journey.  There seems to be so much need and it is difficult for me to decide which causes to support.  For some reason, I have an easier time choosing among the international and national nonprofits than local groups. They all seem so compelling, and I am overwhelmed.  As a member of the WIF grants committee, I have had the opportunity to learn about the community groups in an in-depth manner and combine my financial support with others to have a much greater impact than I would have had alone.  

What energizes/ motivates you? It can be anything from a quotation, a song, a person, a workout routine, etc.

I am motivated by a desire for lifelong learning.  Each decade of my life has brought new challenges and opportunities that I have relished.

What are you the most excited about for the WIF 20th anniversary year?

I am impressed by the Women’s Impact Funds’ ability to change and grow in response to life’s challenges, and I am proud to participate in that growth.

What is your favorite activity in Charlotte?

I enjoy being out and about in the Charlotte metropolitan area.  Long walks and hikes with my friends in the many parks and greenways are my favorite activities in Charlotte.