Do you have a nickname? A friend nicknamed me “The Great And Powerful Paula Hughes” when I was working for the Downtown Improvement District and we did the first DIDFest in 2000. I was flattered until I realized that the initials are “TGAPPH,” which looks like a noise Homer Simpson would make.
Describe yourself in three words. Passionate. Brave. Curious.
What is your go-to karaoke song? I avoid karaoke if at all possible.
In what city did you grow up? My dad was career Air Force, I grew up all over the continental U.S.
What book has had the greatest impact on you? The Bible.
What is your favorite part of your job? Seeing the fruits of my labors. If I invest in a person or help someone accomplish something and they succeed, it makes me feel warm and fuzzy for days.
What do you actually do at your job? I view my organization from the 50,000-foot level and am tasked with making sure that the staff at the YWCA, and by extension all of its clients, have what they need to be successful.
What do you love most about Fort Wayne? The friendliness. And all the fabulous new restaurants and breweries!
What was your first job? Scooping ice cream at Bresler’s in Glenbrook Mall.
What is your greatest accomplishment? I haven’t done it yet.
What is your biggest pet peeve? When my phone or computer locks up on me. I’m waiting for the day when they make technology that can keep up with me.
Do you have a motto you live by? If so, what is it? “Be who you are and say what you mean because those who matter won’t mind and those who mind don’t matter” – Dr. Seuss
What (and when) was the first concert you attended? Billy Joel – and I got see him again this year
Who would you like to see perform in concert? Fleetwood Mac
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? I travel a lot – my bucket list contains the wonders of the world, next up is the Aurora Borealis
How often do you exercise? Not as much asI should
What profession would you never try? Mud wrestling
What’s in your refrigerator right now? Chocolate milk for my son, beer for my husband and flavored sparkling water for me
What is something nobody knows about you? I ran for mayor…Oh wait, everybody knows that about me
Where will you go on your next vacation? I don’t know yet. We’re looking for last minute deal for a holiday getaway.
What’s one thing you can’t live without? My iPhone. Even when it annoys me I can’t live without it.
What is the best gift you have ever been given? My son. He’s 13 years old and I’m as smitten with him today as I was the day he was born.
Vacation spot? Hatteras, North Carolina – most of my extended family lives down there.
Holiday? Why? I like all of them – family, friends, food – what’s not to love?
Downtown locale? Our county courthouse. I marvel at its beauty every time I’m inside.
Hobby? Making music playlists.
Flavor of ice cream? Peppermint stick. My dad used to make homemade peppermint ice cream every 4th of July.
