Padilla also briefly worked at Michigan State University. Beginning in June 1969, she also worked in Michigan at the Comprehensive State Health Planning Commission, including as acting director beginning in January. She commuted between Michigan and New York City to visit her husband. Padilla directed doctoral studies at NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, but has since retired. She spent 1993 at St. Barnabas Hospital, and was a scholar in residence there until at least 2005.
