Our Background

Generation Fearless was born out of both personal lived experience and a clear recognition of a gap. As a first-generation American, first-generation college student, first-generation graduate student, first-generation professional, and now a first-generation founder, Paulaska intimately understands what it means to step into spaces without a roadmap. At every stage, she carried the weight of her family’s dreams while trying to navigate systems that were not designed with her in mind.

She also recognized that so many first-generation women, whether immigrants, students, or professionals, were breaking barriers every day, yet often doing so in isolation and without consistent support or resources.

In 2019, fueled by this awareness and her own journey of resilience, Paulaska founded Generation Fearless. She envisioned an organization that would educate, empower, and support first-generation women throughout all stages of their lives, creating spaces where they could thrive beyond the dreams of their ancestors.

What started as a small grassroots effort with no dedicated funding has, in just five years, grown into a national nonprofit with partners in more than 12 states. Through retreats, institutes, scholarships, coaching, and fearless conversations, Generation Fearless has created pathways for women to build social capital, heal intergenerational wounds, and gain tools to lead boldly in their personal, academic, and professional lives.

The story of Generation Fearless is one of community, courage, and vision: a belief that when first-generation women are empowered, they transform not only their own lives, but also the trajectory of families and communities for generations to come.