In November 2024, the Flint & Genesee Chamber honored Paula Nas with the prestigious Claire M. White Art of Achievement Award for her dedication to bettering the Greater Flint community through her career. In addition to her role as Director of the UM-Flint Office of Economic Development, Nas has been a lecturer of Economics at the University for 30 years, teaching thousands of students the power of economic thinking.
A proud Grand Blanc High School grad, Nas holds a BA in Economics from UM-Flint, an MA in Economics from Michigan State University, and a JD from Wayne State University Law School.
At UM-Flint, Nas teaches a variety of courses in the Economics program and the MPA course in Social Entrepreneurship. She is deeply involved in the community, serving on numerous campus committees and volunteering with various organizations. Additionally, she served on the Grand Blanc City Council for eight years. Passionate about community and economic development, Nas has worked to connect UM-Flint faculty and students with leaders in business, education and municipal government through innovative initiatives.
Outside of her professional life, Nas and her husband, Tevfik, are proud parents to Megan and Jonathan, who are the center of their world. During the COVID-19 lockdown, Nas turned her sweet tooth and obsession for baking into a side business, founding The Tiny Tart.
Want to know more about this accomplished community leader? Read on!
1. What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Always be willing to pivot. The career you planned on may not be the one that you ultimately pursue, and you may change paths many times along the way. I would tell myself to believe in myself, never be afraid to ask for help, and stop to smell the flowers along the way. There are a select few people in your life who will completely change the trajectory of your career, so foster and value those relationships, because you never know who those people might be.
2. What three items can you not leave the house without?
First, my cell phone – I don’t like to keep people waiting, so I try to respond to emails and texts as soon as possible. And, you never know when you might need a camera! When I have my phone, I can’t function without the second item: my earbuds. A few years ago, I was gifted with my first pair, and I don’t know how I lived without them as long as I did. Those little gems opened up a whole new world of multitasking opportunities! Third, I need a pack of gum for minty-fresh breath. I have been known to make an “emergency” gas station stop to prevent the anxiety of going without it!
3. Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled?
Istanbul, Türkiye is a breathtaking city! Spanning two continents, Istanbul is rich with history, culture, tradition and some of the best food and most hospitable people in the world. Walking the streets of the city, it is easy to get lost
in the sites and sounds and imagine what life must have been like so many years ago.
A truly magical city.
4. What is your ultimate comfort food?
Anything sweet – I mean, I am the “Tiny Tart” after all! Desserts bring back fond memories of baking with my grandmother, mother, my kids and friends. It’s the feel, the smell, the hot-out-of-the-oven deliciousness that you can only enjoy when you make it in your own kitchen. I also treasure a collection of recipes passed down through the generations and shared by very special friends. For me, baking truly is a labor of love and desserts symbolize this for me.
5. You’re driving your car – what are you listening to?
If I have a passenger, the conversation has my full attention. Car chats are great; people seem to share things they wouldn’t in other settings. If I am alone, I might be on my phone (hands-free of course). But otherwise, I listen to music that suits my mood and energy level. Music has always been a source of joy, motivation and stress reduction for me, and I often choose it depending on what I am about to do. If I’m preparing for my class lecture, I am sometimes just listening to my own thoughts, and a quiet car is a great place for that.
Paula Nas was presented with the Claire M. White Art of Achievement Award by Andrew Younger, Executive Director at Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Photo Courtesy Flint & Genesee Chamber
6. Who is your hero?
I would have to say my husband is my hero. He is the example of so many Americans who came from other countries, excited about the future but taking risks that most of us would not take, leaving family, friends and everything he knew for a future in the United States. After earning his PhD in Economics, he remained in the U.S. and eventually became an American citizen. He has always taught our kids the value of hard work, fiscal and personal responsibility, and compassion for others who are less fortunate. There has never been a day that he has complained about this journey, and I have so much respect for him for all that he has accomplished and contributed through his research, publications and education of thousands of economics students throughout his career.
7. What are you most excited about in your life right now?
Personally, I am thrilled that my two grown kids are living their best lives, have successful careers, and have found loving and caring significant others. Professionally, I am so excited for all of the new and future developments in Genesee County and the region. The stars seem to be aligning, partners are working together in ways that I have not seen before, and I am very optimistic about the future of Flint and Genesee!
