When Paula Pennington de la Bretonne was a child, her grandfather, C.B. “Doc” Pennington, posed a question that would shape her future: "What do you want to do to help people when you grow up?"

Raised by her mother and grandparents following her father's tragic death, Paula pursued her dream of becoming a nurse, with Doc and Irene Pennington providing essential support.

Doc Pennington, an optometrist turned oilfield worker, made a fortune investing in land rich with oil and gas. He used his wealth to establish, the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation to support charitable endeavors, with a specific interest in promoting good nutrition. Doc and his wife, Irene, granted $125 million to establish the Pennington Biomedical Research Center 40 years ago. It conducts essential research into diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, 

Paula served on the board from its inception and has remained involved ever since. Through the Pennington Family Foundation, Paula continues to grant funding to numerous organizations, with a special interest in programs that support children and the arts. With her family's legacy, Paula brings her vision and passion to continue the Pennington mission of philanthropy.