Paula Scanlan is a 26-year-old Taiwanese American former NCAA swimmer and outspoken advocate for women’s rights and fairness in sports.
She gained national attention in 2023 for her testimony against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.
She is a University of Pennsylvania graduate, she now works as Executive Director of Early Vote Action and advises organizations focused on women’s advocacy.
Who is Paula Scanlan?
Paula Scanlan is a former NCAA Division I swimmer, product analyst, legislative liaison, and currently serves as the executive director of Early Vote Action.
Throughout her career, she has combined her athletic background with work in technology and advocacy.
She first gained national attention as a competitive swimmer for the University of Pennsylvania, where she also studied computer science.
Her experience as a sexual assault survivor and discomfort with sharing locker rooms alongside transgender athletes brought her story into the public eye.
In 2023, Paula testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee, speaking out for policies that protect female athletes and ensure fairness in women’s sports.
Following her testimony, she worked with the Independent Women’s Forum and Independent Women’s Voice as an advocate for women’s rights.
Now, as executive director at Early Vote Action, Paula leads efforts to boost voter registration and political engagement, especially within the Republican Party.
Paula Scanlan Early Life and Family
Paula Scanlan was born on April 20, 2000, in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA. She is an American with a rich cultural heritage combining Irish and Taiwanese ancestry.
Her diverse background stems from her parents, who played a significant role in shaping her values and ambitions.
Her mother, Cynthia Chang, is a Taiwanese-American and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s College of Arts and Sciences, class of 1984. Cynthia’s
Paula’s father, Brian Scanlan, is Irish-American and an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, graduating in 1984.
Growing up in a family deeply connected to Penn and infused with multicultural values, Paula was nurtured in an environment that emphasized academic excellence and personal integrity.
Paula has a brother, Kevin Scanlan, who also upheld the family’s tradition by graduating from both Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences and Wharton School in 2015.
The Scanlan family’s multi-generational association with the University of Pennsylvania highlights their commitment to education and achievement.
For her early education, Paula attended Greenwich Academy, in her hometown, where she graduated in 2018.
During her time there, she shows a strong commitment to both academics and athletics, especially swimming, which became a central passion for her.
In 2018, Paula matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and Computer Science in 2022.
Throughout her university years, she managed to balance a challenging academic program with her role on the university’s NCAA Division I swim team.
Paula Scanlan Age
Paula Scanlan is 26 years old as of 2026 because she came into the world on April 20, 2000, in Greenwich, Connecticut, United States.
According to her birthday, she falls under the Taurus zodiac sign, which is often associated with traits such as determination, reliability, and a strong sense of purpose.
Early Career
Paula Scanlan’s professional journey began with a strong academic foundation at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering, majoring in Computer Science, in 2022.
While at Penn, she quickly proved her aptitude for both technical subjects and mentorship.
In August 2020, she joined the Computer and Information Science Department as a Teaching Assistant for CIS 262, a course focused on automata theory and computational complexity.
Her responsibilities included leading recitations, grading, and offering academic support to students navigating advanced theoretical concepts.
Her leadership skills and deep understanding of the material led to a promotion as Head Teaching Assistant in August 2021, a position she held until May 2022.
In this role, she managed a team of teaching assistants, coordinated coursework, and worked closely with faculty to improve the learning experience.
After graduation, Paula applied her analytical and technical skills in the financial technology sector, joining MarketAxess in 2022 as a Product Analyst.
There, she worked on product development for electronic bond trading platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experience and deliver data-driven product solutions.
Her time at MarketAxess equipped her with real-world experience in software development cycles, product management, and the application of tech in high-stakes financial environments.
Public Advocacy and Leadership
In parallel with her technical pursuits, Paula Scanlan emerged as a national advocate for women’s rights, fairness in athletics, and civic integrity.
Her advocacy was catalyzed by her experience as a former competitive swimmer and sexual assault survivor, particularly during her time on the University of Pennsylvania’s swim team.
After speaking publicly about the psychological impact of sharing a locker room with transgender athlete Lia Thomas, Scanlan became a leading voice in the national conversation about privacy, safety, and fairness in women’s sports.
In 2023, she joined the Independent Women’s Voice as a Legislative Liaison, where she worked directly with lawmakers, testified before Congress, and promoted policies to protect the rights and dignity of female athletes.
Her growing influence and commitment to civic engagement led her to a broader leadership role in 2024, when she became the Executive Director of Early Vote Action, a nonprofit organization focused on mobilizing early voters and promoting election transparency.
In this position, Paula oversees organizational strategy, public education campaigns, and voter outreach efforts, all while continuing to advocate for policies that uphold the integrity of democratic participation.
From academia and tech to political advocacy and nonprofit leadership, Paula Scanlan’s professional journey illustrates a remarkable blend of resilience, intellect, and public service.
Social Media Appearance
Paula Scanlan actively uses social media platforms like Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to share her advocacy for women’s rights, political views, and updates on her professional work.
She engages with her audience while promoting causes she cares deeply about.
Paula Scanlan Net Worth 2026
Paula Scanlan has an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2026. She earns her income through a combination of professional roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors.
This role provided her with valuable industry experience and financial stability early in her career.
More recently, Paula has focused on advocacy and leadership roles, serving as a legislative liaison and now as the executive director of Early Vote Action.
While nonprofit leadership positions sometimes offer modest salaries compared to the corporate sector, these roles provide her with a platform to influence public policy and drive civic engagement.
Her income likely combines her nonprofit compensation with consulting or speaking engagements related to her advocacy work.
Paula Scanlan Boyfriend
Paula Scanlan has chosen to keep her personal life private and has not shared information about her current relationship status or romantic partners publicly.
Her focus remains on her professional career and advocacy work. In April 2025, she addressed rumors on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that she is not married.
Aside from this, she has not revealed any details about past or present relationships. Scanlan keeps her private life separate from her public persona.
She focuses on her work and activism rather than sharing details about her personal relationships.
Paula Scanlan Height and Weight
Paula Scanlan stands about 5 feet 4 inches which is equal to 162 centimeters or 1.62 meters tall and has a slim, athletic build shaped by her years as a competitive swimmer.
While she weighs around 55 kilograms which is equal to 121 pounds, her fit and toned physique reflects the discipline and conditioning typical of elite athletes.
In public appearances, she presents a polished and confident image, often dressing in professional or casual styles that highlight her poised and approachable demeanor.
Final Line
Finally, Paula Scanlan continues to make an impact through her advocacy, professional work, and outspoken voice on women’s rights and fairness in sports.
While she keeps her personal life private, her dedication to promoting equality and civic engagement remains at the forefront of her public journey.
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