Meet Julie Paradiso!

Julie Paradiso is the new Executive Assistant to the Department Head of Forest Biomaterials. However, Julie is not new to NC State and prior to this role, she served the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in various capacities, including HR Specialist. Welcome, Julie!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself both personally and professionally.

I was born in Argentina and came to the US with my husband after finishing graduate school. I’ve lived here almost half my life now. I wanted to be a foreign language teacher so I graduated with a Master’s degree in English and Spanish. However, when I came to the US I was hired to work as a translator and copy editor for the largest independently-owned advertising agency based in Coral Gables, FL. I worked on some prestigious accounts, such as Ford Motor Company and JPMorgan Chase. After 12 years and looking for a slower pace of life, we left Miami Beach and came to North Carolina. It is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

What do you enjoy most about the College of Natural Resources and/or NC State University?

I’ve been at NC State for almost 6 years now. There’s a real sense of community and I truly believe this is a great place to work. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met along the way, both colleagues and students. I transferred to the Department of Forest Biomaterials from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in October 2020. It was not easy to start a new job amidst a pandemic when we were for the most part working remotely. However, I am fortunate to work with such a terrific group of people, both in the College of Natural Resources and in the department. I just love what I do and enjoy every bit of it.

What do you do for fun?

Lots of things. In my free time, which is not much, I enjoy travelling, hiking or visiting nearby towns with my husband and dog. I love to read, too. Growing up, I was the kid who was always in a corner reading quietly. At the moment, I’m re-reading the Anne of Green Gables series; a childhood favorite, but full of insights that can be applied to everyday life. I recently took up quilting and I’m working on my first quilt using the grandmother’s flower garden pattern, which is a lot of work, but it’s an outlet to my creativity. Last but not least, I just love to sit in my yard that backs up a wooded area and watch the birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer that are always nearby. I take great joy in being able to connect with nature. 

What is your favorite TV show/movie/ and/or musical artist? 

My latest favorite TV series is Virgin River on Netflix, adapted from Robyn Carr’s popular book series by the same name. I haven’t read them all yet, but so far the TV show has done them justice. I also like detective series like Vera and Shetland, also based on books that I’ve read.

Favorite ice cream flavor? 

I don’t remember the name of my favorite ice-cream flavor because I get to eat it once in a blue moon. The last time I had it was during my last trip to the Patagonia region in the south of Argentina back in 2019. It’s made with milk chocolate, white chocolate, praliné, peanut butter and dulce de leche, which is like caramel, but Argentine style. It’s delicious. My middle brother lives there and when I visit, which is not very often, the first thing we do is drive to Villa La Angostura, a ski resort, for a cone of this ice-cream.

What is something people may not know about you? 

It’s not very interesting, but it’s always a good ice-breaker… I have three nationalities and speak four languages. Also, but I think this comes as no surprise to those who know me a little, I love animals and am always trying to help them – whether it’s an injured turtle, bunny or squirrel.