Paloma Soto-Castillo has been playing the social game
her entire life, one of the skills necessary to succeed
in the game of SURVIVOR. Her parents were both
missionaries, causing her to move around a lot during
her childhood. Growing up with this lifestyle taught her
to adapt to any environment and she became a stronger
person as a result.
Soto-Castillo was born in Chile and lived there for a
large part of her life before moving to Tennessee,
Virginia and then settling in California. One day, on a
whim, she decided to leave everything behind and move to
Kenya…alone, without any group or organization. She
lived among the natives and wild animals for three
months without any support from family and friends or
any modern conveniences. After witnessing the people's
suffering first-hand, she says it changed her life and
she's certain she'll go back and help change their
lives. Soto-Castillo is motivated to win SURVIVOR so she
can open an orphanage or elementary school for the
children of Kenya.
Soto-Catillo has a B.A. in communication studies from
California State University, Long Beach and continues to
go to school. She is currently working on her single
subject teaching credential and works part time as a
waitress. Her hobbies include traveling, camping and
reading. In her free time, Paloma loves staying
competitive and keeping her mind sharp by playing Texas
Hold 'Em.
Soto-Castillo is single. She currently lives in Downey,
California with her Shitzu, Sam. Her birth date is
August 24, 1984.