margarita padua, LSW

President & CEO
440-281-8535

director@LeadershipLorainCounty.com

About Margarita:

Margarita Padua brings both expertise and heart to her role as President & CEO of Leadership Lorain County. A bilingual licensed social worker and grant writer, she has devoted her career to advancing child welfare, strengthening mental health initiatives, and empowering nonprofit organizations.

Raised in South Lorain, Margarita attended Lorain City Schools and graduated from Elyria Catholic High School. Inspired early by her mother’s example as a social worker, she grew up immersed in community service, a commitment that continues to guide her today.

She earned her Associate of Arts from Lorain County Community College and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Akron before becoming a licensed social worker in Ohio. Her work has always been rooted in social justice, often saying, “Purpose is front and center in my career.”

Margarita’s connection to Leadership Lorain County began in 2019 as an intern placed at El Centro de Servicios Sociales. That experience ignited her passion for the organization’s mission, making her return as its leader especially meaningful. Beyond LLC, she also serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Lorain County’s Hispanic Fund, advancing opportunities for the Hispanic community.

As President & CEO, Margarita is focused on strengthening alumni engagement, cultivating new partnerships, and ensuring the next generation of leaders has access to the same transformative experiences that shaped her own path. Under her leadership, Leadership Lorain County continues to inspire, develop, and connect people who are committed to making a lasting difference in Lorain County and beyond.