At Convera, our strength lies in the diverse experiences, passions, and skills of our people. This month, we shine a spotlight on Paulina Santana, Senior Business Development Manager in our Global Employer Services team. Though she’s only been with Convera for a year, Paulina’s energy, multi-cultural background, and drive to create meaningful connections are already leaving a mark.
From Fort Lauderdale to New York City
Paulina was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by her Mexican mother and Brazilian father which meant she was immersed in different languages, traditions, and perspectives from a young age. Today, she is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, a skill that not only connects Paulina with her roots but also strengthens her professional edge in a global business.
In 2021, Paulina made the move to New York City, a place that matches her dynamic energy and global outlook. For Paulina, the city’s constant motion mirrors her own curiosity and determination. “New York is home but I love to travel,” Paulina says. “Especially to Mexico and Brazil where I get to connect with my roots, explore new places, and spend time with family.”
Drawn to the people at Convera
When asked about why she chose to join Convera, Paulina’s answer is simple yet telling: the people and leadership teams. For her, it was an opportunity to work with a collaborative team inside a company that’s a true leader in global payments.
“I was excited by the chance to be part of an amazing team and contribute to a company making a significant impact worldwide,” she says. “That spirit of collaboration and ambition fuels me at work each and every day.”
Connecting people and possibilities
In her role as Senior Business Development Manager – Global Employer Services, Paulina spends much of her day engaging with prospective clients. Her focus is on understanding the real-world challenges that businesses face when managing global payments, from freelancers and contractors to large scale contingent workforces, and identifying how Convera’s solutions can address those needs.
“It’s about listening first,” Paulina explains. “By truly understanding the goals and obstacles that clients face we can connect them with payment solutions that empower their workforce and support their long-term vision.”
Recently, Paulina has been leading initiatives to expand Convera’s offerings for modern workforces. She has worked on developing tailored solutions for freelancers and contingent workers, groups that are becoming increasingly vital in today’s flexible economy.
She’s also helped to build strategic partnerships with Employer of Record (WOR) providers, ensuring that Convera continues adapting to the shifting dynamics of global employment. For Paulina, these projects aren’t just about delivering technical solutions, they’re about enabling businesses and workers to thrive in the rapidly evolving workforce landscape.
The skills that shape success
What does it take to succeed in a role like Paulina’s? “There are three key areas behind successful business development; strategic thinking, relationship building, and industry knowledge,” she says. “And layered onto that is strong communication internally and externally.”
“Whether I’m articulating a complex payment solution to a client or collaborating with the marketing, account management, and partnerships teams, communication is at heart of what I do.”
Lessons from the volleyball court
Paulina’s career approach is also influenced by her athletic background. As a multi-sport athlete in high school, she played soccer, volleyball, tennis, and even wrestled. “I was captain of the volleyball team, which instilled discipline, teamwork, and agility into me. These are all skills that I draw on in my role today.”
“Sports taught me how to stay quick on my feet, both off and on the field which is a mindset that has helped me be adaptable, think strategically, and lead with confidence.”
Paulina’s story is one of connection, between cultures, and between client needs and solutions. At Convera, Paulina isn’t just building business relationships, she’s helping to shape the way people around the world get paid to do their best work. We’re thrilled to have Paulina on the team and can’t wait to see the impact she will continue to make.
Are you interested in shaping the future of commercial payments at Convera? Visit our careers page to find a role near you.
