Member Spotlight: Geneva Paul

Geneva Paul, treasurer of SOMA Action, says surrounding herself with others who were “just as upset and motivated for change was a blanket of comfort on some of the toughest days over the last four years.”

 Let's start with a brief bio: where you're from, when did you come to the area, what you do, that kind of stuff... 

My family moved from East Orange to South Orange in 1988 when I was starting the third grade. From Columbia High School I went to Smith College in western Massachusetts  and briefly lived in Charlotte, North Carolina before relocating back to South Orange in 2006. It wasn't until I lived in other places that I realized how much I cherished my hometown. My fondest memories were the relationships developed over the years with childhood classmates from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.   

Can you recall when you first heard about SOMA Action? What made you decide to get involved?  

My mother somehow heard of SOMA Action and we attended an All Hands Meeting in early 2017. I liked that the committees welcomed anyone who simply had an interest and willingness to work. I didn't follow politics and government matters closely outside of listening to public radio. I felt the election of Donald Trump was a threat to my community; he didn't represent the community and values I grew-up with.  My career has been in financial services where frequent disclosures and active monitoring is part of my obligation as an employee to my firm. Knowing the voluminous disclosure forms I have to complete, I was appalled that the President could circumvent these norms and avoid transparency. This led me to join the Financial Corruption Committee. An unforeseen benefit of becoming active is developing new friendships in my community. Surrounding myself with others who were just as upset and motivated for change was a blanket of comfort on some of the toughest days over the last four years.  

Tell us about the main focus of your work with our organization. 

 Currently I serve as treasurer of SOMA Action. I'm an accountant by profession. I don't mind the behind-the-scenes work to ensure our committee and membership have the resources to have impact. 

Have you been involved in social/political activism prior to SOMA Action? If so, tell us about it. 

My volunteer efforts have centered around fostering community. I volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and served as Treasurer of my church in East Orange for years prior to SOMA Action. 

 What historical figures inspire you? 

The courage and political willpower of women like Shirley Chisolm and Benazir Bhutto are an inspiration. 

What is your favorite quote? 

 Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.