Paola Cossermelli Messina joined ZUMIX in 2026 and, as Radio Program Coordinator, supports youth-produced radio programming at ZUMIX Radio, 94.9FM. Her previous experience as Project Manager at Sound Thinking NYC and as a mentor for young writers, musicians, and media makers deepened her commitment to arts education initiatives that give young people the space and tools to share their stories, express themselves creatively, and connect with their communities.
While earning her M.A. in Sound Studies (The New School) and Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology (Columbia University), Paola received grants and fellowships to conduct an oral history of Iranian musicians, research Arab music in Brazil, and produce radio plays by Palestinian playwrights. Outside of academia, she has worn many audio-flavored hats – previously as a radio producer in her home country of Brazil and a film sound designer – and remains an avid bassist.
