Tell us about yourself.
I have been a staff member at UCSC and the Psychology Department for eight years and began in my position as Psychology Graduate Program Coordinator in 2018. My professional journey has been anchored in an interest in psychology, particularly in areas such as mental health and well-being, cultural competence, and the psychological welfare of students. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology at UCSC and during my undergraduate education I served as a peer advisor within the psychology department. This experience significantly influenced my decision to pursue a career in higher education. Outside of my professional pursuits, I maintain an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being. I also find enjoyment in outdoor activities, exploring diverse musical genres and going to see live music, and cherishing moments with loved ones and family.
How do you work to foster a sense of inclusion and community in your role, either on campus or in the community?
I work to foster a sense of inclusion and community by recognizing and honoring the multitude of identities that individuals hold, many of which may not be immediately visible. I strive to approach all interactions and tasks with a DEI perspective, understanding that each person brings their unique background and experiences to the program, workplace, etc. This means actively seeking to understand and uplift the needs and perspectives of underrecognized groups, whether it’s in planning events, developing policies, or simply engaging in everyday conversations. By creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, I hope to cultivate an environment where individuals can thrive and contribute to the community authentically. I find it important to examine the current policies and procedures currently in place in higher education and challenge what, or whom, these policies are meant to serve. As UCSC begins to hold titles such as an HSI serving institution, it’s important to ensure that the policies and programming are serving students in these identities. Additionally, I hold value in being a perpetual student. I appreciate and take advantage of opportunities where I can continue learning and deepening my understanding of diversity perspectives and practices. This could be by attending diversity trainings and certifications and ultimately being open to feedback and opportunities to grow in this area as well.
What do you value about working at UC Santa Cruz and in particular, the psychology department?
I really value the content that is being taught and focused on in psychology courses, and especially the research being conducted in the department. I recall being an undergraduate student and taking UCSC psychology courses, and for the first time, seeing my identity and experiences being discussed and valued in educational spaces. As a Hispanic and first-generation woman, much of my adolescent experiences in education ignored these identities. At UCSC, and specifically the psychology department, I quickly recognized that the inclusion of marginalized communities was the focus of many psychology courses and the research being done in the department. I find so much value being in a community that fosters these ideas and is committed to social issues and culturally sensitive approaches to teaching and research. I greatly value supporting graduate students and faculty who are dedicating their time and efforts to advancing cultural understanding and addressing social issues through their research.
Additionally, my experience as a staff member within the department has been enriched by a culture of flexibility and understanding. There’s a genuine recognition that many staff hold multiple responsibilities outside of work. This understanding fosters a healthy work-life balance, crucial for avoiding burnout, staying motivated, and feeling valued as a staff member. I appreciate the department’s commitment to ensuring that staff needs are heard and addressed, demonstrating a true investment in our well-being and success.
What can the department/campus do to help sustain the DEI-related work that you do?
Sustaining DEI-related work requires ongoing commitment and collaboration from all levels of the department and campus. One way to support this effort is by providing resources and support for DEI initiatives, such as funding for diversity programming and training opportunities for staff. The campus has not offered the Diversity & Inclusion certification programming available to staff since before the onset of the pandemic. This is one of the few educational opportunities where staff were able to commit their time to learning and strengthening their approaches to topics related to DEI. It’s helpful when the campus and the department recognizes these resources as vital for the development of staff which in turn, benefits student success. It’s also crucial to work in a department where participation in DEI training is valued, ensuring that staff can fully engage in DEI efforts without having to manage additional responsibilities on top of their full workload. This ultimately contributes to the sustainability of our DEI-related work. Additionally, it would be beneficial for our department to demonstrate a commitment to examining our programmatic practices to better support the current needs of all students, particularly addressing the calls for more support around sharing resources, milestones, and mentoring for graduate students.
What action do you recommend to others in relation to DEI? What kind of advice would you give to others who want to get more involved in DEI related work?
I recommend taking a proactive approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by educating oneself on relevant issues and actively supporting marginalized communities. This can involve attending workshops, participating in diversity-focused events, and advocating for inclusive policies. Additionally, remaining open to ideas and feedback is crucial. DEI work requires ongoing commitment and perseverance, both individually and as a community. Start by connecting with individuals involved in DEI work, learn from their experience and how they got involved, and gradually getting involved in initiatives aligned with your goals.