March 2009 marks the third time Maryland’s Daily Record has named Paula Singer one of “Maryland’s Top 100 Women.” Singer’s status as a three-time honoree means the Walden University Board of Directors chair will be inducted into the Daily Record’s Circle of Excellence. Singer also is president and CEO of the Laureate Higher Education Group, where she leads Laureate Education’s campus-based and online higher education businesses.

The award recognizes successful female professionals throughout Maryland who give back to their communities through mentoring and personal involvement.

Business Success that Educates
Singer began her work at Laureate in 1993. Under her leadership, the online higher education business, which began in 2001, has grown to serve more than 43,000 students.

“Her vision, business acumen and determination have helped Laureate Education achieve success as a leader in providing access to higher education, not only in the United States, but throughout the 20 countries where we operate,” wrote Douglas L. Becker, chairman and CEO of Laureate Education, in his nomination of Singer for the award. “She has also made an indelible mark as a leader in higher education.”

Singer began her career as a teacher, where she focused on improving the academic performance of struggling students from disadvantaged urban and rural communities. At Laureate, she has continued to work toward the goal of bringing education to those who lack conventional access.

Singer cites her ability to build strong businesses at all levels of education—especially within underserved populations—as her most significant professional achievement.

Community Outreach that Inspires
Singer also continues to serve as a mentor in her community through Network 2000, a Baltimore women’s leadership program dedicated to mentoring and promoting women in business. Singer works with her mentees, both at Network 2000 and at Laureate, once a month on management issues and planning for a successful career track.

“[Singer] is relentlessly committed to inspiring people to achieve the highest standards,” said Becker. He added that she has enriched the community in which she lives and works through her devotion to charitable and business organizations.

A Celebrated Leader
Singer earned a B.S. in Education from the University of Connecticut, where she was the first education major to be selected for the prestigious University Scholar program. She also holds an advanced certificate as a Montessori teacher from the American Montessori Society.

In 2004 the Baltimore Business Journal recognized her as one of five “Enterprising Women in Maryland,” and in April she will be named one of the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland’s Distinguished Women of 2009. 

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