ALUMNI Spotlight Margarita PADUA Young Alum Achieves a Dream
’15
by Dan Minnich ’80
For Margarita Padua ’15, the path to Elyria Catholic was not a straight line, but it proved to be life-changing. A proud Lorain native, Margarita attended Lorain City Schools through sixth grade before her mother decided to enroll her in Catholic education. After two years at St. Peter’s in Lorain, Margarita spent one semester at Magnificat High School before transferring to EC, encouraged by a cousin and motivated by both practical and personal reasons. “I really loved my EC experience,” Margarita reflects. One of her biggest influences was theology teacher Kevin Juguilon, who deepened her faith and inspired her to become a Peer Minister. She also found joy on stage as a member of the Drama Club, performing in plays and musicals that helped her build confidence and friendships.
After graduation, Margarita attended Lorain County Community College and later transferred to the University of Akron, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. Her mother, also a social worker, had instilled in her a passion for service and community engagement at a young age. “When I was 12, my mom got me involved in a community organizing movement called Reclaim Lorain. That experience, along with my deep involvement at Sacred Heart Chapel, shaped me into a leader.” By 16, she was already serving on her church’s pastoral council, which became her first board position. While pursuing her education, Margarita gained work experience in a variety of roles, often rising into leadership positions. “I’ve been blessed that people recognized my leadership qualities, and
I was always encouraged to step up,” she shares. After college, she worked with El Centro and the National Youth Advocate Program before stepping away briefly for maternity leave. Her return to the workforce brought her to Leadership Lorain County, where she began part-time and quickly advanced to Director of Outreach and Development. In 2024, when the organization’s long-time president announced her departure, Margarita, then just 27 years old, was encouraged by the board to apply for the role. Though hesitant at first, she embraced the challenge and was appointed Chief Executive Officer, becoming one of the youngest nonprofit leaders in the region. “It’s truly a dream job,” she says. “I feel very passionate about the work we do, and I’m grateful every day to lead an organization that shapes and empowers leaders across our community.” Her Elyria Catholic roots continue to influence her journey. Through Leadership Lorain County, she worked on launching a high school leadership cohort, with EC as the first school she reached out to. She has also returned to campus as a guest speaker, sharing her story on Career Day and encouraging students to develop their leadership skills. “I’m happy to stay engaged with EC,” Margarita says. “The school gave so much to me, and I look forward to giving back in whatever way I can.”
6 Elyria Catholic High School Magazine
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