Paris Copeland

Paris Copeland (she/her/hers) currently serves as the Maryland Program Coordinator for Asian American Lead (AALEAD), whose primary focus is planning after-school and summer programs for middle and high school students. She is thrilled to combine her personal, professional, and educational experiences in this new role.

Paris is overjoyed to be back home working to improve educational equity in her own community of Montgomery County after spending a year teaching English to secondary school students in Spain. Paris graduated from Poolesville High School’s Humanities Magnet Program in 2018 and was horrified to learn that the resources available to her were not available to all students in her community. This and other injustices prompted her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Inequalities and Responses at George Mason University’s Honors College. After graduating, she was awarded the Certificate of Merit in Global Affairs for her consistently high academic performance, class participation, and volunteer work. Paris joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a historically Black organization of college-educated women dedicated to public service, particularly in the Black community, while still an undergraduate.

Professionally, Paris is dedicated to working with young people, whether it’s at George Mason University or in the Montgomery County Recreation Department. She is a self-described ally, advocate, learner, and foodie. As a member of AALEAD, Paris hopes to combine her interests in community service, equality, and youth development with her previous experiences in cross-cultural exchange in Tunisia and Spain.

Paris enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family, playing video games on her Nintendo Switch, reading, and traveling. She may also attend a concert by one of her favorite artists when she has the opportunity. In order to engage her, bring up the topic of her nieces and nephews, her current favorite album, or the history of her family in Montgomery County.