Paula E. Wood is Executive Director of Success in Challenges, Inc. a local non-profit agency in Long Beach that provides community based programs for children and adults in the areas of tutorial services, after school activities, housing and employment referral services, job training and a summer literacy program known as Freedom School. She has over 30 years of experience working with families and youth of all ages with such agencies as the Long Beach YWCA, Children’s Home Society of Long Beach, Christian Outreach Appeal, United Way and the City of Oakland.

Mrs. Wood is an active community member of various organizations such as Cambodian Prevention Coalition, My Brother’s Keeper, Long Beach, African American Coalition for Violence Free Relationships, and Interval House. She has a passion for working with youth and through these organizations, she thrives to bring positive change to the lives of those she serves.

Mrs. Woods has a B.A. degree in Sociology from San Jose State University. In addition, she has completed 30 units towards a Master’s degree in Marriage Family Counseling. She has been a resident of Long Beach for over 30 years, where she resides with her husband, Dr. Leon Wood, Jr. They are the proud parents of four children and six grandchildren.