Briefly describe your job/role at UC Berkeley:
Haas Scholars Program Manager and Advisor.
How long has the nominee worked at Cal?
23 years.
What does the nominee love about working at UC Berkeley?
I love the collaborative atmosphere between staff members. I love my colleagues at the Office of Undergraduate Research, some of whom I’ve worked with for more than 20 years. We love each other and we stick together and we lean on each other for advice. Of course, I adore the students at Berkeley. They are motivated, interesting, creative, and incredibly resilient—even when they are sometimes forced to face hardships that I think the campus could do more to address. The students are also deeply appreciative of any and all support that they receive. In my desk drawer I have three folders overflowing with thank you notes from students that I’ve received over the years. They are incredibly inspiring and I have learned so much from them. The campus itself is a vibrant place where all these creative and energetic people come together in a beautiful synergy. I’m delighted to see that energy beginning to come back after the pandemic.
What makes the nominee a star, what sets them apart from their colleagues?
Leah doesn’t hesitate to go the extra mile for her students and colleagues alike. She is always willing to put in extra hours outside of work to write letters of recommendation, to check in with students who are struggling, and to stay in touch with the more than 500 Haas Scholars alumni. A student once called Leah a “combination of drill sergeant/secretary/and mom,” an appropriate description. Masterful doesn’t even begin to describe how incredibly adept Leah is at Google Spreadsheets, running hybrid events, and YAMM (Yet Another Mail Merge).
What tip would the nominee pass on to other staff to thrive on campus?
Connect with your fellow staff members (in person if at all possible!). The campus is chock full of staff members who are very experienced, resourceful, collaborative, and generous with their time. Enjoy your interactions with students even if you have a role that isn’t student-facing. They are all involved in so many different activities, and have amazing life stories to share. When you can, try to attend events where you can really feel the energy of this campus!
What can we find the nominee doing on the weekends?
At a swim meet or swimming in the bay or maybe taking a long walk with a friend.
