Paola Moya, a Colombian-American entrepreneur, is known for founding MOYA. As CEO and Creative Director, she plays a multifaceted role of overseeing the design content and business direction of the companies. Her entrepreneurial ventures span diverse design fields including urban design, architecture, interiors, experiential design, communication strategies, digital media, and graphic design. Her approach to business and design is holistic, rooted in diverse perspectives and international influences, a philosophy that resonates throughout her team at MOYA.
In her leadership capacity, Paola Moya places a strong emphasis on the value of a diverse and interdisciplinary team with a global outlook. She advocates for design excellence, and her companies are distinguished by their dedication to social causes. This is particularly evident in their work on affordable housing, support for non-profits, and organizing events like Art After Dark, which champions artists of color and tackles homelessness.
Paola’s portfolio includes several high-profile projects in the Washington DC metropolitan area. These range from the site selection study for the Latino American Museum and American Women Museum to the renovation of the historic Howard Theatre, Audi Field, MGM National Harbor, public schools, thousands of affordable and market rate units and more. Her graduate thesis, awarded the highest award by the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), was presented at the United Nations-sponsored World Humanitarian Summit as a solution for internal displacement in Istanbul. Her work has been acclaimed by numerous organizations, including AIA, NOMA, the International Design Awards, and Built by Women.
Her career is decorated with numerous honors. The Washington Business Journal recognized her as one of the “Power 100 Playmakers” and a “Minority Business Leader of the Year.” She has been acknowledged for her firm’s impact on the city’s architecture and was part of the “Woman Who Mean Business” class in 2020. Additionally, she received the Milton F. Clogg Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award from Montgomery College, and in 2022, the international WAN Female Frontier Awards. Her achievements have been spotlighted in Architect magazine, Huffington Post, Fox News, and CNN. In 2021, Paola was honored for her contributions to the economy and community during a discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán, which focused on supporting Latina entrepreneurs and addressing systemic issues through the Biden-Harris Administration’s infrastructure bills.
Paola’s journey began when she moved to the United States at 19 and completed her architectural studies while supporting her family. She earned her Bachelor’s and master’s in architecture from the Catholic University of America, and a finance certification from the Wharton School. Paola’s leadership extends beyond her professional achievements, as she emphasizes the importance of investing in family, friends, and self. She divides her time between Washington DC, North Carolina, and Medellin, alongside her husband and dog Charlie.
