Academic Climate Program Director
How long have you been at Berkeley?
I have been at Berkeley for almost six years.
What do you love most about working here?
The people! I am lucky to have an opportunity to work with a lot of different people in varying types of roles, from graduate students to postdocs to faculty to staff, etc., across academic and administrative units. I love how work–for me at Berkeley–is a combination of being able to share my passions, strengths and what I’m good at, plus continuing to learn every day while also collaborating with some really talented and caring people who are mission-driven. I also have an opportunity to be part of different working groups and committees like AAPISC, APASA, FFSA, and CACWF, where I can celebrate my culture and advocate for better experiences, and promote the well-being of various communities and all those who work at Berkeley.
What's your job?
I work primarily with academic units/departments to support their diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and climate efforts, and I manage a program called Blueprint for Healthy Departments. My work may include collaborating with department leaders and committees to create and launch a climate survey; facilitating the action planning process; exploring and establishing departmental mission, values, and priorities; providing ideas, tools, and resources to support their efforts; coaching individuals or groups through conflict or change; and facilitating workshops or retreats. I collaborate closely with Amy Scharf and Gadise Regassa, Graduate Division, the Center for Teaching and Learning, PATH to Care, and other campus partners.
What's a great day at work look like for you?
A great day at work for me looks like a sunny day in the spring or the start of a new academic year in the fall, where everyone is out and about in Sproul or Memorial Glade. When I arrive on campus, I grab a mocha from the Free Speech Cafe. Say hello to Luis when I enter Cal Hall and others in our hallway. Have a quick chat with my office mates. Get working on a project. Have lunch with a work friend. Meet with a couple of departments about the positive progress of their climate efforts. Go to a reception or talk to close out the day and learn something new. I’m an extrovert, so it’s likely a day where I get to interact with a lot of people from various areas while getting something done!
Where's your favorite place on campus?
I bike to work on my e-bike, so I appreciate coming onto campus from the West Gate entrance during the various seasons. I especially love it when trees are blossoming in the spring, and students are taking graduation pictures there. To me, West Gate, with its energy and the intersection of people walking, biking, driving, scootering, symbolizes what a dynamic place we work and learn in, and the possibilities of what our work can do to change or positively impact lives.