Paula Nava Madrigal was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she studied and worked until coming to Seattle in 2014. She is passionate about classical music. As a cellist, "Outstanding Student" at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, teaching artist, professional musician, and orchestra conductor, she has created and participated in numerous projects, providing classical music experiences, mostly free of charge, to promote inclusion and intercultural understanding. After arriving in Seattle, she received a Youth Arts grant from the Office of Arts & Culture to launch the World Youth Orchestra program for underserved immigrant and refugee youth. In 2015, Ms. Madrigal co-founded the Ballard Civic Orchestra whose programs celebrate Latino cultural heritage, receiving over $100,000 in grants. Pursuing her career goals as a conductor, she has received awards from Seattle's Univision and Latino Community Fund. Most recently, she co-founded the annual Cascade Conducting Master Class featuring Artistic Director Sarah Ioannides of Symphony Tacoma. Paula is currently the music director and conductor of Orquesta Northwest.