In continuing with my celebration of Women’s History Month – I am pleased to introduce Paula G. Uccelli!
Paula Uccelli was born and raised in San Jose and originally moved to the Peninsula to attend College of San Mateo to study business where she married and made a home. She was an active resident of Redwood City for 47 years and she and her husband, Pete, were involved in improving the life of others in the community.
Paula has always had a passion for helping young adults and for helping to improve the quality of life of her neighbors. It was a natural step for her to get involved in various organizations and charities, but she never did anything half-heartedly.
Paula, along with her husband Pete, believed that the young people of our community were keys to the future. Establishing the Uccelli Foundation, she and Pete awarded scholarships to high school graduates in San Mateo County. The success of their foundation prompted them to start the Sequoia Awards, a tradion which continues today and recognizes students for outstanding volunteer community service in the greater Redwood City area and rewards them with scholarships for college. For the past, the Sequoia Awards have granted over $2 million in scholarships to local students.
A the former Assistant Harbor Master & Director of Public Relations of Pete’s Harbor, the home of a longtime waterfront establishment in Redwood City that no longer exists, Paula has always made time for giving back. Earning numerous awards for her dedicated service to the community, I won't list them all. Just know that she is beloved and respected. Paula was selected as the California State Legislature’s Woman of the Year in 2006 and she was inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame in 1991.
Today, we recognize and honor Paula for her incredible commitments to promote education, the arts, and volunteerism.