Paula Scanlan is a former swimmer for the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) who has become a prominent advocate for women’s sports, particularly concerning the inclusion of transgender women in female athletic competitions.
During the 2021–2022 season, Scanlan was a member of UPenn’s women’s swim team when Lia Thomas, a transgender woman, joined the team after transitioning from the men’s division. Scanlan and her teammates were required to share locker room facilities with Thomas, which led to significant discomfort and concerns among some female athletes. Scanlan, a survivor of sexual assault, reported experiencing trauma from these interactions. She described being forced to undress in front of Thomas multiple times per week, a situation that led some teammates to seek alternative changing arrangements.
Scanlan’s advocacy has coincided with significant policy changes. In July 2025, following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education, the University of Pennsylvania agreed to revoke swimming titles awarded to Lia Thomas and issue formal apologies to female athletes who were affected by her participation on the women’s team. The university also adopted “biology-based” definitions of gender under Title IX, prohibiting biological males from participating in female athletic programs and using women-only locker rooms.
Beyond her written advocacy, Scanlan has actively participated in public discussions and media appearances. She has spoken at various universities and events, sharing her experiences and perspectives on the issue of transgender inclusion in women’s sports. In February 2025, she attended a White House ceremony where President Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, a policy she supports as essential to protect future generations of female athletes.
Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Heritage
Born on April 20, 2000, in Greenwich, Connecticut, Paula Scanlan is 25 years old as of 2025. She hails from a multicultural background, with a Taiwanese-American mother, Cynthia Chang, and an Irish-American father, Brian Scanlan. Both of her parents are alumni of the University of Pennsylvania, having graduated in 1984. Her brother, Kevin Scanlan, also followed the family tradition, earning degrees from both Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences and Wharton School in 2015.
Family Values and Upbringing
Raised in a family that emphasized academic excellence and personal integrity, Scanlan was taught to approach challenges with resilience and a strong sense of honor. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work and the importance of contributing positively to society. These principles have guided her throughout her personal and professional life.
Education and Athletic Career
Academic Pursuits
Scanlan attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she pursued a degree in computer science at the School of Engineering and Applied Science. As a member of the class of 2022, she balanced the rigorous demands of her academic program with her athletic commitments. Notably, she was the only female athlete in her class enrolled in the engineering school, highlighting her determination and ability to excel in a challenging field.
Swimming Career
During her time at UPenn, Scanlan was a member of the women’s swimming and diving team. She competed in various events, including the 100 and 200 backstroke, and participated in six meets during the 2021–2022 season. Her athletic achievements contributed to the team’s success and demonstrated her dedication to the sport. In high school, she served as captain of her swim team in both her junior and senior years and was part of the NEPSAC Champion 400 Free Relay team in 2017.
Professional Journey
Early Career
After graduating from UPenn, Scanlan began her professional career in New York City, working in the financial technology sector. Her role as a product analyst allowed her to apply her technical skills in a real-world setting, providing valuable industry experience. However, her passion for advocacy and public service eventually led her to pivot to roles that align more closely with her values.
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Advocacy and Public Speaking
Scanlan’s advocacy work gained national attention in 2023 when she testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee, sharing her experiences as a sexual assault survivor and the challenges she faced as a female athlete sharing a locker room with a transgender woman. Her testimony highlighted issues related to fairness and safety in women’s sports and sparked widespread discussions on the topic.
In addition to her testimony, Scanlan has spoken at various universities and events, sharing her perspectives on the importance of protecting single-sex spaces for women and advocating for policies that ensure fairness in athletics.
Leadership Roles
Currently, Scanlan serves as the Executive Director of Early Vote Action, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing voter participation and promoting election integrity. In this role, she leads efforts to mobilize voters and educate the public on the importance of civic engagement. Her work with Early Vote Action reflects her commitment to fostering a more informed and active electorate.
Personal Life and Relationships
Marital Status
Scanlan is married, though she maintains a relatively private personal life. She has occasionally shared aspects of her relationship on social media platforms, offering glimpses into her life outside of her professional endeavors.
Interests and Activities
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Scanlan enjoys engaging in activities that promote personal well-being and community involvement. She is an active user of social media platforms, where she shares her thoughts on various issues, including women’s rights, politics, and current events. Her online presence allows her to connect with a broader audience and engage in meaningful discussions on topics she cares about.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Paula Scanlan’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million. Her income is derived from her professional roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors, as well as her involvement in advocacy and public speaking engagements. Her diverse career path reflects her multifaceted skills and dedication to her causes.
Conclusion
Paula Scanlan’s journey from a dedicated student-athlete to a prominent advocate for women’s rights and civic engagement showcases her commitment to fairness, integrity, and public service. Through her experiences and leadership roles, she continues to influence discussions on important societal issues, striving to create a more equitable and informed society.
FAQs
What is Paula Scanlan’s educational background?
Paula Scanlan graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in computer science from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
What role does Paula Scanlan currently hold?
She is the Executive Director of Early Vote Action, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing voter participation and promoting election integrity.
What is Paula Scanlan’s stance on transgender women competing in women’s sports?
Scanlan advocates for policies that protect single-sex spaces for women and ensure fairness in athletics, based on her experiences as a female athlete.
Has Paula Scanlan been involved in public speaking?
Yes, she has testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee and spoken at various universities and events on topics related to women’s rights and civic engagement.
What is Paula Scanlan’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $1 million as of 2025.
Is Paula Scanlan married?
Yes, she is married and occasionally shares aspects of her personal life on social media.
Where is Paula Scanlan from?
She is from Greenwich, Connecticut, USA.
What is Paula Scanlan’s ethnic background?
She has a Taiwanese-American mother and an Irish-American father.
