What’s your title?
Occupational Programs Communications Generalist
Can you briefly describe what you do?
I am responsible for promoting Occupational Programs (OP) through our social media, weekly newsletter and annual report, as well as helping coordinate events put on by OP. I also serve as a point of contact for Facilities employees needing to file a workplace injury report, coordinate the shoe truck that comes to Grounds for employees and answer the main OHS number, so I also do a lot of customer service.
How long have you worked at Facilities Management?
I have been here for five years as of September 2021.
What do you feel was your greatest accomplishment at work this past year?
Thanks to COVID-19, the last year and a half have been radically different than the other years I’ve spent at Facilities. My job duties shifted to help keep employees informed and up to date on changing COVID-19 protections and requirements. I also briefly spent time helping the UVA Case Management team track close contacts of positive cases. I know none of this has been easy for anyone, but I really appreciate everyone’s cooperation to keep the spread of this illness at a minimum. It’s not completely my accomplishment, but I’m glad I was able to be a part of helping Facilities Management employees during this time.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in amazing Nelson County, Virginia, but I went to high school in Lynchburg and now I live in Charlottesville.
Did you have a dream job as a child?
My dream job as a child was to grow up and “make things.” Over time that meant everything from artist to data scientist. Now I’m here at Facilities helping the team make a great university!
What do you like to do in your time outside of work?
Outside of work I spend a lot of time with my family. It’s especially important now that we’ve had to be so careful about COVID-19 for so long. I also volunteer and help coordinate an off-road trail ride each spring for four-wheel-drive vehicles. We’re in the planning process now for 2022. That’s always a lot of work and a lot of fun. Last year alone we raised more than $26,000 for the American Cancer Society and a local healthcare nonprofit.
Who or what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by the good people surrounding me. I hope that we can all work together to do our parts to make the world a better, safer place for each other. I am inspired to take care of my family and make our home a comfortable place to take refuge from all the craziness that happens outside of its walls because everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Can you share a great piece of advice you’ve been given?
Someone I knew once told me that there’s something to learn from everyone you meet, so never discount anyone because of their appearance or how they sound. I try to follow this advice. You quickly find there are so many smart people in the world!
What is the best part of your day?
The best part of every day after I get home from work is taking our dog for a walk with my husband. There are walking trails in the woods behind our house and it’s so cool to see how nature changes every day. Plus, hanging out with my dog and husband is fun, too.
What’s one place in the world that you would like to visit that you haven’t before?
My husband and I planned to honeymoon in Spain and Portugal, but because of family and schedules, it kept getting pushed back until the pandemic started. We still haven’t gone, but it’s on our list in the next couple of years once everything calms down a little.