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#LegalizePaula

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Many of you already know Paula. For those of you who don't she probably looks familiar. You've maybe seen her or some of her work. Every time we go out someone will call her name from a distance. Paula is magnetic. It is a reflection of everything she's contributed to New York since her early years starting out as a young and hungry artist. 

Paula was born in Colombia. The oldest of three sisters she would stay in Colombia, while her mother moved to New York to have her younger sisters. She is the only one in her little family who has struggled for legal status here. Even as she struggled, somehow Paula has managed to attend classes at Fashion Institute of Technology and Borough of Manhattan Community College. She has since worked under many reputable photographers. Despite living in NY for over half of her life, everyday has been a fight to stay here. Recent conditions are making it even harder. Between  application fees, lawyer fees, finding work to pay for those fees, and countless other unexpected expenses along the way, it's as if she's been running in a hamster wheel.

Time is running out. We've recently learned that Paula may have as much as one month to gain a legal status. Then, only half the battle is won. This is where you come in. First, we'll need to pay the remaining balance of her BMCC tuition, $1,200, in order to obtain her transcripts and prove her existence here in 2012. Then, her lawyers can move along with the application process. There are more application fees involved, racking up to $2-300. The Lawyers generally cost $4-5,000, and charges for expedited service can bring her up to $8,000 total.  Any little effort, whether sharing this post with your friends or funding as much as you are able, will make a huge difference to the outcome. Time is of the essence. And you can imagine, the people she is forced to deal with along the way are less than urgent or accommodating of her endeavor. 

Paula is needed here by many. From everyday strangers, to prominent art studios. She's exceptionally fluent in English and Spanish. She never declines a job, contributing considerably to an ever-growing photography movement here in NY. A bilingual, college educated, professional, talented and hardworking woman in the most challenging and expensive city in America? Paula is an inspiration. She is the kind of person that our daughters and sons can look up to and learn from. America should be so lucky to keep her.

Her friends aren't the only people who notice. She was recently published in the Huffington Post for her NY prestige and artistic accomplishments. Namely her new, distinctive and stimulating jewelry line, Shhibari . And at just 26, her goal is to be on Forbe's 30/30 in less than 4 years. Perseverance, paired with fierce ambition means we will definitely not be seeing less of Paula. She needs your help. 

"In order to stay balanced in all the chaotic, trouble making craziness in NYC, Paula needs a good place to call home. To survive." - Rolf Leer, Huff Post

Check out a recent interview with her in her Bedstuy home. 
Isn't she CUTE?!

This is how you can make a difference. In such a time of disorder and confusion in this country, contribute to a stronger sense of solidarity for your community. 

The culture of New York City is reflected in its size and ethnic diversity. We flock to the city from all over to enjoy, learn and grow in our own right.

Please, with a sense of urgency and humanitarian generosity, help Paula pay for her $8,000 in Lawyer fees and remaining $1,200 tuition at BMCC in order to get her citizenship underway. 
 
We can all benefit from keeping her close. 

Any little bit helps. Thank you for taking the time. We are forever grateful.

#legalizepaula
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    Organizador e beneficiário

    Kolyn Brown
    Organizador
    Brooklyn, NY
    Paula Andrea
    Beneficiário

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