Meet the Centre Daily Times’ new Town and Gown reporter, Paloma Pimentel
Hi there, State College. My name is Paloma Pimentel and I am the new Town and Gown news reporter for the Centre Daily Times.
As a native Floridian born and raised in Miami, I am excited to introduce myself.
Over the past four years, I’ve reported on the issues shaping Miami, most recently for one of the city’s leading publications, the Biscayne Times. I developed work that felt critical and important to contemporary issues such as educational funding cuts, environmental issues, government transparency and more.
However, I began publishing stories as a college student, attending Florida International University and contributing to their newspaper and newschannel, where I discovered a passion for telling meaningful stories and uncovering the issues that impact communities.
You may wonder why I left the beachside vacation town to cover news in Happy Valley, and it’s less about any specific reason and more a testament to the fact that I am a risk-taker and an adventure seeker. I believe stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new environments is a crucial opportunity for personal growth.
A fun fact about me is that I’ve traveled to approximately 28 countries, and I developed a passion for travel from a young age. Growing up with a parent who worked at an airport made international travel a natural part of my life.
I’ve lived in Turin, Italy for nearly four months, volunteering as an assistant English teacher and learning Italian. I also lived in Washington, D.C. for three months, participating in an FIU advanced journalism program.
With so many learning encounters with strangers and communities around the world, my sense of observation, curiosity and connection blossomed into a deep commitment to truth and a responsibility to amplify and empower voices. These principles have become the foundation of my journalism and continue to guide every story I pursue.
This is why I am thrilled to join the team, where I will be covering news related to Penn State and State College. I am eager to understand the dynamic between a such a prominent public university and the broader community, while also holding local officials accountable for decisions that impact the community.
In my free time, I love being outdoors — whether it’s stopping to smell the flowers, walking my dog, or finding any excuse to enjoy nature. With so many beautiful parks and scenic spaces, this truly feels like the perfect place for me. Lately, I’ve been especially motivated to get outside and train for the Beaver Stadium Run, something I’m excited about as a former cross-country runner.
As I continue getting to know the community, I invite you to be part of the conversation. Share your story, your experiences, or what matters most to you — I’d truly love to hear it. Feel free to reach out by email at paloma.pimentel@centredaily.com.
