Nadia Padilla
Hello!
Founder
Hello! I am a passionate advocate and a graduate of San Francisco State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Philosophy (with an emphasis in law) and Liberal Arts, along with a minor in Labor and Employment Studies. While I was initially drawn to the legal field, my journey truly began to take shape during my internship with JusticeCorps, where I gained hands-on experience in family law, domestic violence cases, and restraining orders.
During my senior year, I had the opportunity to expand my perspective as an intern with the Judicial Council of California’s public affairs department, contributing to initiatives led by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. After graduating, I continued exploring the legal field as a paralegal at a law firm in Pleasanton. However, it was my work with a nonprofit serving homeless individuals and low-income families that truly ignited my sense of purpose and belonging.
I went on to earn my Master’s in Public Administration with a focus on Policy Analysis and Management in May 2025. Currently, I am attending law school and pursuing my long-time dream of becoming a prosecutor. I am deeply committed to driving meaningful change through policy creation, systems reform, and community empowerment.
My advocacy is not only professional, it is deeply personal. I am a survivor of sexual assault, and I have faced my own mental health challenges, including being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2014. My journey toward healing required finding the right balance of medication, therapy, and self-understanding. Through resilience and determination, I have grown stronger and now use my lived experiences to guide compassionate and equitable advocacy.
I believe deeply in the power of community and connection. Through my work and involvement with SAMA, I strive to create spaces where survivors feel seen, heard, and supported. To me, SAMA is more than an organization—it is a platform to extend a helping hand and remind others that they are not alone. I aim to inspire hope and foster solidarity among survivors and individuals navigating mental health challenges.
Since 2015, I have participated in and led over 15 community drives supporting homeless individuals, women, and low-income families. These efforts have included distributing hygiene kits, collecting new and gently used clothing, and providing holiday gifts to families who might otherwise go without. This work reflects my long-standing commitment to dignity, care, and justice for underserved communities.
