As a proud, bilingual member of Montreal’s Sephardic Jewish community, Paola has been a lifelong advocate for Jewish causes. Her involvement with organizations such as Jeunes Sepharades de Montréal and the Jerusalem Foundation has strengthened her commitment to youth engagement, community building, and fostering strong connections with Israel. Living, working, and studying Hebrew on a kibbutz in Israel further deepened her ties to Israeli culture and ignited her passion for advocacy. While her roots in the Jewish community are strong, Paola is committed to representing all families in her ward, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has access to the best educational opportunities in an inclusive, supportive environment.

As a single mother of two, Paola understands firsthand the challenges working parents face. Her experience navigating career and family life shapes her vision for schools that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all students and families in Côte Saint-Luc, Montreal West, and Hampstead. She is driven by a desire to create supportive school environments where every child can thrive.

Paola is running alongside EMSB Chairman Joe Ortona and is dedicated to building on the team’s efforts to defend the rights of the English-speaking community. Together, they are committed to standing strong against legislative threats such as Bills 21, 40, and 96, which endanger the community’s schools and autonomy.

As School Commissioner, Paola will:

• Advocate for the rights of all EMSB students and families, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
• Promote high-quality, inclusive education that meets the needs of diverse communities.
• Work with Joe Ortona and the EMSB team to protect the board’s autonomy and oppose legislation that undermines it, including Bills 21, 40, and 96.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, teachers, and community leaders to foster thriving educational environments.
  
  

Paola Samuel’s unique blend of professional expertise, community involvement, and personal dedication makes her the ideal candidate to represent the diverse voices of Ward 3. She is ready to join Team Joe Ortona in protecting and strengthening EMSB schools for the future.