Where are you from?
Born and raised in Modesto, CA
What do you do in your current role?
I specialize in coordinating and administering research projects, with a primary focus on data collection, analysis, and reporting. I play a crucial role in developing project goals, ensuring quality control, and presenting findings through visualizations such as graphs, charts, and reports. I also contribute to the creation and maintenance of collected data, providing technical support and enhancements for effective reporting purposes.
Can you share a bit about your educational and work experience?
Prior to earning a Master of Public Health degree from San Jose State University, I received a Bachelor's of Art Degree in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Health and Wellness from CSU Stanislaus. I previously worked in the public sector as a Health Education Program Manager for a high need, low resource, rural California county where I manage staff and health education activities related to epidemiology, informatics, an oral health program, CalFresh Healthy Living, and a mobile clinic to name a few. Prior to that, I worked as a Coordinator of Research Training for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) where I managed and oversaw events and opportunities to support the educational and career development needs of the CHLA research community members from high school students shadowing in research labs up to physician-scientists conducting groundbreaking research.
What compelled you to join the Community Engagement core group at SC CTSI?
What intrigued me most about this role and joining the Community Engagement core group, was the opportunity to merge my passions for working with and positively impacting community health with my interest in working with data and telling compelling stories with it. I always enjoy being able to show how effective efforts are or where lessons can be learned from information gathered from those doing the amazing working out in the community.
What does community mean to you?
Community is about people coming together for shared connections and support. It's a space where diverse individuals find common ground, offering understanding and unity with an open mind. Essentially, it's a practical and collective effort to make a positive impact on each other's lives.
What is most rewarding about your job?
It will always be that I get to help showcase the impact of the programs that the Community Engagement team coordinate and the incredible work they do for the communities. By being able to support what they do with the evidence and the data amplifies the effect they have on the people they work with.
What inspires you?
Working with a team that truly cares about the health and wellbeing of the community we work with. Being surrounded by passionate individuals and getting to see and hear about the impact the team has on the community always keeps me engaged.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy cooking, hiking with my partner and our rescue pup, and continuously learning skills of all types.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get involved in community work?
If you're wanting to get involved in community work, start by really listening and getting a feel for the community you want to help. Build genuine connections, team up with locals, and be patient – change takes time, but it's worth the effort.