Meet The Team

Meet the small but mighty operations team that keeps Black People Will Swim flowing smoothly. As a Black woman-owned and operated business, the BPWS team is like the Black Avengers, determined to help beginner swimmers go from fearful to fearless.

 

Interested in joining our team?, send us an email. 

Paulana Lamonier

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

Paulana Lamonier is the founder of Black People Will Swim, a purpose-driven organization working to smash the stereotype that Black people don’t swim. 

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After learning how to swim with the help of coaches in 2009 at CUNY York College, Paulana nurtured her love for swimming and became inspired to teach others how to conquer their fear of water. For over a decade, she has shared her passion for swimming by working with swim clubs, teams, and gyms to build a community with her students.

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She's also a multimedia journalist who has made a career out of telling compelling stories. She's written for Fast Company, Forbes, Complex Magazine, and interviewed the likes of Queen Latifah, Loni Love, Venus Williams, and more. 

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Paulana Lamonier smiling in pool
happy African American woman relaxing in

Make the promise

Sometimes, all you need to do is take the first step. Make the promise to yourself and your loved ones that you will learn how to swim.

Let's Do It!