Professor
Sociologist Researcher WriterWhen I asked for money to take an Advanced Placement exam, my immigrant mom was confused. There was no equivalent test back in our home country.
At the beginning of my educational journey, I was a low-income, community college student. Not only was I the first in my family to attend college in the US, but I was also an international student. My international student status meant I was ineligible for federal and state aid–I had to find alternative funds for my education. I was ignorant of the long-term impacts of my educational choices on my career and financial future. Through sheer will (and some desperation), I learned how to maximize my investment on higher education the hard way and graduated college with minimal debt from a $50,000/year school.
Pamana is here to help you and your family make the most informed financial choices about college and beyond.
Dr. Daniela Pila is an Assistant Professor in Sociology (Critical Race Studies) at Southern Connecticut State University and an Assistant Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut, Storrs (the Asian and Asian American Institute). She was previously a Postdoctoral Fellow in Critical Race Studies at Fordham University.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Organizations that have funded and recognized her work include the American Association of University Women, the Mellon Faculty Diversity Project, the Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship, and the Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship. Daniela’s research is informed by her extensive experience as an advocate and service provider—including internships with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants, and the American Bar Association.
Click here for Dr. Pila’s latest CV/resume.





Dr. Pila is based in Connecticut and offers virtual services nationwide. In-person trainings, speaking engagements, and coaching are also available in the Northeast.