Title: Assistant Director, Fiscal Research Center & Domestic Programs, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Family: Single
How long at GSU: 13 years
Typical day
Every day brings new challenges. As Assistant Director, I consult with the Director regularly to identify critical issues that need attention, create and discuss strategy, and then implement a course of action. I manage a variety of administrative issues from financial management to personnel matters, cognizant of university, school, and department policies and procedures. I respond to inquiries from legislators, the Board of Regents, GSU leadership, Policy Studies colleagues, and students.
I enjoy new opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from across campus on GSU community issues. In my early years at GSU I served on the Staff Council and chaired the Benefits Committee where I worked on the continuance of the MARTA subsidy. As a member of the Staff Council Executive Committee, I worked on the Staff Senator Designations and Voting Membership in the University Senate.
Participating in the GSU Leadership Academy for Women has provided additional opportunities to serve the GSU community. For example, when I was a new member of the GSU Leadership Academy for Women my committee created and introduced Panther Tracks, the GSU New Employee Orientation program. More recently, as an Academy alumni, I worked alongside members of the GSU Advancement for Women committee to develop an Executive Professional Development program for management level employees at Georgia State.
I am excited to work on the frontline of staff advocacy and to be involved in discussions that bring visibility and empowerment to GSU staff.
Background
I relocated to Atlanta from Seattle, WA where I worked for the Puget Sound Regional Council managing transportation policy projects with legislators and senior government agency staff. Prior to Seattle, I lived in Los Angeles and worked as a federal contract manager.
I was raised in a military family and attended schools in 9 cities which is probably where I get my love of travel.
When not working
I am in the GSU MA/PhD program in Sociology. My research interest is in understanding ethnic identity. I was raised African American but as an adult I learned my heritage included Native American and Hispanic. I would like to better understand how ethnic identities are chosen and experienced by African Americans of mixed heritage.
When I am not working or studying, travel is my other interest. I travel as often as I can. I have learned so much by visiting and enjoying cultures and communities outside the United States. From the amazing history of Native American people in Mexico and Africans in the Caribbean, I am a more knowledgeable person. I am looking forward new cultural experiences in 2010. I enjoy documenting my travel experiences and recently started archiving photos online.
What is your favorite thing in your office:
I enjoy seeing the gifts from students and colleagues who have travelled. My favorite is the marble replica of the Taj Mahal. It reminds me that I want to travel to India one day.
What don't people know about you:
I went to elementary school in Rota, Spain and I am looking forward to one day returning to Spain to visit the continent and the Mediterranean region.
Ideal job
When I retire I would like to be a travel writer and consultant providing cultural insights and recommendations beyond typical tourist destinations.