Paola Camacho

Associate Attorney

Paola is responsible for legal research, Freedom of Information Act reviews, and comment letters for the Charleston office. She is inspired by the Southern Environmental Law Center’s work with so-called “forever chemicals.” Technically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, they are manufactured chemicals used in industry and consumer products break down very slowly if at all and build up in people, animals, and the environment over time. 

“They’re an extremely underrated environmental justice issue,” she says.

It is very exciting to be part of the movement to push PFAS into the spotlight and get more regulations passed to stop this pollution at its source.

Paola Camacho

Paola grew up in a Texas immigrant community on the United States border with Mexico that struggles with major pollution issues and economic disparities. “With systemic racism and unjust distribution of wealth always in sight, I grew up with a passion to work in public service. SELC interested me because of its legacy and its push to environmental justice work, equity, and inclusion.”

Prior to joining SELC, her law school years brought her to Charlottesville and one of her favorite parts of our region. “I still don’t think I have gotten over how there can be so much green in a place.” 

Previous experience

• J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, Dillard Scholar
• B.A., University of Texas at El Paso
• With SELC since 2020