Today we’d like to introduce you to Paola Chirinos
Hi Paola, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Paola Chirinos, and I am a proud Venezuelan who immigrated to the U.S. in 2013 with a dream—to further my education and build a career as an architect. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta and later pursued an associate degree in Interior Design at El Centro College in Dallas.
When I moved to the U.S. at 21, I only knew one person in Dallas—a friend from back home who helped me navigate the transition and understand American culture. Despite the challenges, I quickly made friends and found inspiration to continue my journey in architecture.
After graduating from El Centro College, I landed a job at an incredible architectural firm in Dallas. Over the course of 6.5 years, I grew from an architectural intern to a project manager, discovering my passion for leadership and mentorship along the way. Managing people and projects became my strength, and after nearly nine years in the industry, I now hold the position of Senior Project Manager at DNA-Workshop in their Dallas office.
From the outside, my journey might seem smooth, but the reality is far from it. As an only child, I had certain privileges, yet being a Latina immigrant woman in a male-dominated field has come with its own set of challenges. I arrived in the U.S. as an international student, worked tirelessly to obtain a work visa, and endured a long and complex process to secure my green card—all amidst uncertain immigration policies.
I want to highlight the resilience of immigrants like myself—hardworking individuals who contribute, innovate, and strive for success.
Beyond my career in architecture, I’ve also embraced another passion—content creation. Last year, I decided to share my love for fashion, beauty, and skincare through social media. I am ambitious and multifaceted—more than an architect, more than an immigrant. Content creation has become a creative outlet that allows me to connect with people and brands worldwide. It’s a journey that blends seamlessly with my profession, as creativity fuels both architecture and storytelling.
This is just the beginning. I am excited to continue growing, inspiring, and proving that we can be more than one thing in life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. While my journey has been filled with growth and incredible opportunities, it has also come with many challenges—both personal and professional.
Moving to the U.S. at 21, knowing almost no one, was intimidating. I had to navigate an entirely new culture, adapt to a different educational system, and build a support network from scratch. As an international student, I faced the pressure of excelling academically while also dealing with visa restrictions, financial stress, and the uncertainty of what would come next.
Professionally, being a Latina immigrant woman in a male-dominated industry hasn’t always been easy. I had to prove myself in ways that others might not have had to. I worked tirelessly to earn opportunities, sometimes feeling like I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Securing a work visa after graduation was another uphill battle, followed by the long and stressful process of obtaining my green card. Immigration policies are unpredictable, and living in that uncertainty can be incredibly difficult.
Despite these struggles, I never let them define me. Instead, they fueled my ambition and made me more determined to succeed. Every challenge taught me resilience, and every setback pushed me to work even harder. Now, as a Senior Project Manager and a content creator, I look back and see how every obstacle shaped the person I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Senior Project Manager in the architecture industry, specializing in multifamily and mixed-use projects. My role involves leading teams, managing large-scale developments, and ensuring that every project—from design to construction—is executed seamlessly. I thrive in an environment where I can problem-solve, strategize, and mentor others, helping younger professionals grow in their careers.
What sets me apart is my ability to balance technical expertise with leadership and mentorship. I don’t just manage projects—I build relationships, foster collaboration, and guide teams to deliver high-quality work. I take pride in creating spaces that positively impact communities while also inspiring and empowering the people I work with.
One of my biggest accomplishments is my career progression—starting as an architectural intern and working my way up to Senior Project Manager in under a decade. It’s a testament to my dedication, adaptability, and passion for what I do.
Beyond architecture, I’ve also carved out a space in the content creation world, sharing my love for fashion, beauty, and skincare. It’s another side of my creativity, and I love that I can inspire and connect with people outside of my industry.
Ultimately, what drives me is the idea that I can be more than one thing—an architect, a mentor, a content creator, and a woman breaking barriers in every space I step into.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Absolutely! Here are a few key pieces of advice I wish I had known when I was starting out:
Embrace Every Opportunity: When you’re just starting out, say yes to opportunities. Even the ones that seem small or outside your comfort zone. Every experience teaches you something valuable, whether it’s a skill, a connection, or a lesson in resilience.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic: Talent will get you noticed, but hard work and consistency will set you apart. Be the person who is always willing to learn, adapt, and go the extra mile.
Confidence is Key—Even When You Don’t Have It: There were times when I felt like I didn’t belong or wasn’t ready for certain roles. But the truth is, no one has it all figured out. Confidence comes from pushing through discomfort and proving to yourself that you are capable.
Learn to Advocate for Yourself: Ask for what you want!!! Nothing is giving…whether it’s a promotion, a raise, or an opportunity to lead a project. No one will do it for you. Know your worth, and don’t be afraid to negotiate or speak up.
Your Career Doesn’t Have to Follow a Straight Path: I used to think success meant climbing a traditional career ladder, but I’ve learned that it’s okay to explore different passions and create your own path. Whether it’s shifting roles, industries, or starting a side passion like I did with content creation, don’t be afraid to evolve.
Enjoy the Process: Success takes time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and enjoy the journey rather than just focusing on the end goal.
If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to trust the process, be bold, and never limit myself to just one thing. The world is full of opportunities—you just have to go after them
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopmy.us/paolachirinos
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paolachirinos
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-chirinos-de-lima-29b2a655/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@paolachirinos
