Why work in workforce development?
I’m actually pretty new to the workforce development field. I have a background in international education/development and public diplomacy, so professionally I’m very mission driven, which aligns well to my new home here at the Workforce Partnership. The more I learn about this field, the more I think my response to this question is “Why NOT workforce development?!” There’s something so fundamental about our work that extends to so many aspects of an individual’s life and well-being, which in turn has ripple effects on the health and future of our community. I feel really lucky to be a part of driving change and impact.
What's one thing you really love about living in San Diego?
Ohhh, I definitely cannot choose just one! I’d say my love for San Diego is based on a collection of loves, like it’s diversity, weather, California burritos, beaches and abundance of outdoor space, tacos (okay, basically San Diego’s entire food scene), and proximity to other parts of California and Mexico.
What's life like outside of your work?
Life definitely looks different right now during the pandemic, however, spending time with my family and friends is still central. It’s just happening virtually! If you know only one thing about me, it’s that I love to travel (I’ve visited 40+ countries) and explore places through its people, history, culture and food. When I’m not traveling or scheming of travel, I try to get to the beach several times a week, walk around my neighborhood or do a local hike and do a Peloton ride. I’m not gifted musically or artistically, so my creative outlet tends to be in the kitchen–cooking or baking. I honestly thought I’d have baked more bread by this point, so that’s a goal of mine!