Paula Ramirez retired from the United States Air Force in the fall of 2024 after 22 years of service. During her career she experienced leadership successes in a range of career fields including diplomatic operations, leadership development, career coaching, medical operations and maintenance. The unique nature of her military background, involving constant shifts in leadership, teams, environments, and objectives, has honed her ability to coach leaders navigating transitions, enhance team engagement, and quickly guide teams toward a shared commitment to organizational strategy. Paula's leadership acumen, her innovative spirit, and her success in nurturing both military leaders and high-performing teams have been widely recognized through numerous military awards, two prestigious Department of State awards, and a personal commendation from the President of the United States.

While serving, Paula spent much of her time chatting with people who showed up at her office with a problem. She devised a method which involved her listening, asking questions, and almost never giving advice. Somehow, the visitors left happy, solved their own issues, and kept coming back acting as if Paula was a miracle-worker. Several years later Paula learned that the method she thought she developed on her own was actually called coaching. Paula is now certified by both the International Coaching Federation and the Center for Executive Coaching. She also holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies from the University of Maryland (Magna Cum Laude).

Paula chose to open Luck by Design following retirement because she is passionate about fostering great leadership. Great leaders have the power to make even the worst occupational situations feel manageable, even enjoyable. Great leaders foster a sense of value, care, and hope among their teams. The side effect of these things is more joy in the lives of workers that extends beyond the workday. Right now, we need great leaders in American businesses because these leaders, by driving economic prosperity, fostering positive work environments, and contributing to societal progress, play a vital role in ensuring the continued greatness of our Nation.

A loving wife, Paula believes that success is a choice, a lesson she routinely uses to inspire her two amazing teenagers and sometimes even her energetic husband, who is a United States Marine. In her spare time, Paula volunteers with a homelessness organization where she teaches weekly, faith-based resilience lessons and provides pro-bono coaching. She holds an active Top Secret Clearance (TS/SCI) with counter-intelligence polygraph.