Briefly describe your job/role at UC Berkeley:
Communications Director at the Division of Equity and Inclusion. I serve as the strategic voice for the division and provide communications leadership on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ) priorities. My aim is to foster transparent, inclusive, and impactful communication practices.
How long has the nominee worked at Cal?
I’ve worked at UC Berkeley as a staff member for 11 years.
What does the nominee love about working at UC Berkeley?
I feel deeply connected to UC Berkeley. As someone born and raised in California and a Berkeley alum, I am proud to work and be part of the staff community who are dedicated to the public mission of UC Berkeley. It is also the people at Berkeley — they have been integral to my personal and professional journey. I have been fortunate to have many mentors and femtors during my time here, including other Berkeley communicators. Working at Berkeley has also supported my physical and mental health through programs such as WorkFitU, Berkeley Extension-sponsored tuition, and Berkeley People Management: Executive Coaching Program. These programs have helped me develop as a whole person, beyond my career development.
What makes the nominee a star, what sets them apart from their colleagues?
I spent a long time feeling that I did not look like a typical communications director. Perhaps it was my babyface, being a millennial, certain experiences as an Asian Pacific Islander (API) woman in the workplace, or imposter syndrome… I convinced myself that many great opportunities were not for me, that people recruiting for the role would never take me seriously. The times when I put myself out there and applied for leadership roles, being told I did not have enough experience was extremely hard but I persevered. Eventually, I found this really great role, and looked at my background and what I was able to bring. I had kept myself small, but support on campus helped me find my pathway to becoming the communications leader I am today, even if there were some dead ends along the way.
What tip would the nominee pass on to other staff to thrive on campus?
Definitely get involved in something! You could be an advisor at one of the student organizations or volunteer at events like Cal Day, graduation, or Homecoming. Some units offer fellowships to gain experience working in other departments across campus. I see these as opportunities to experience what it is like to be part of the number one public university and to explore the richness of the Berkeley campus, the resources available, and the people who are excited to be here. For me, staff organizations really helped me find community and extend my professional development. For example, by joining the Asian Pacific American Systemwide Alliance (APASA), where I was communications chair between 2014 to 2016, I found my path to exceptional people and resources that have helped me grow my Berkeley community and career.
What can we find the nominee doing on the weekends?
On weekends, you can find me cheering on the Lakers, trying new restaurants, or traveling. I’ll never turn down the opportunity to discuss one's upcoming travel destination or the latest TV/movie binge.
As members of the UC Berkeley community, equity and inclusion are an integral and important part of our work. What resources can people bookmark or read up on to help hone their skills on DEIBJ?
There are some great resources available from the Division of Equity and Inclusion, including the Read, Watch, Listen section where you will find books, articles, documentaries, podcasts, performances, and more on topics related to DEIBJ. The B4 Dialogue Series explores structural oppression and social justice issues and there is a whole section dedicated to Becoming an Anti-Racist Campus
I am particularly proud of the developing Thriving Initiatives. I think back to being a student 15 years ago and how helpful this kind of resource would have been for me, considering how siloed Berkeley can be. The Thriving Initiatives brings together all the different resources that are responsive to the different needs of various students, staff, or faculty populations in one place.
If this sounds like interesting work, please check out our open roles!
