About Paula

I Have Deep Community Roots

I'm the 4th generation of my family to live in the Minnetonka-Wayzata community. My great-grandfather came to Wayzata in 1912 and established the Ramaley (later Minnetonka) Boatworks. I live in my childhood home and within 2 miles of my great-grandparents’ home.  My children - the 5th generation! - grew up in Minnetonka and went to Minnetonka Schools. I'm deeply connected to our community's past and care just as deeply about its present and future.

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My Family is Pretty Terrific

I've been married to my wonderful husband, Reed Holiman, for 25 years.  He's a Senior VP with a commercial real estate firm and has overseen award-winning projects in our area while also coaching Minnetonka youth softball and baseball teams. Our daughter Lizzy works in the regenerative wine industry in California and our son Alek studies Computer Science at the University of Minnesota. Our Tibetan Terrier Dalai (as in Dalai Lama) has been our faithful companion for 12 years and is still going strong!

 

I Come with a Diverse Professional Background

I have a B.A. from St. Catherine University (go Katies!), an M.A. from Georgetown University and worked in the fields of International Education & Culture for 20 years -- in NYC, Washington DC, Moscow, St. Petersburg (Russia) and here in Minnesota.  I come from a family of small business owners and have owned two myself - so I understand their key role in sustaining a vibrant community. This varied background provides both a broad perspective and deep appreciation for my hometown. 

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I Have a Commitment to Community & Service

My grandfather, father and other family members were in the military - I'm proud of them and strive to carry their tradition of service forward.  As a working parent, I did typical school and local volunteering. During the pandemic, I published A Good Local Life, a community newsletter. I've also served as chair and vice-chair of volunteer non-profit organizations including Siberian Bridges (aiding orphanages and libraries in Zabaikalye) and East-West Connections (international citizen-to-citizen diplomacy & education).  Most recently, I've volunteered time to help Ukrainian refugees and am a Co-leader of the SEED-MN Giving Circle. 

 

For nearly two years, I've been an active member of Braver Angels. This non-partisan organization started in Minnesota but is now nation wide - its mission is to help foster civic renewal by working to bridge political divides and find common ground through respectful, fact-based conversations. This experience has further strengthened my ability and commitment to be a positive bridge-builder in my family and community.