To view Executive Board Candidate Statements 2018-19, please click on their name below.
Candidate Statements
* indicates winner
Vice President
Secretary
Finance Officer-Elect
Co-Chair for Programs, Events and Outreach
Co-Chair for Communications
Juan Villegas De Santiago
Current Position Title
Associate Director of Admissions
Current Department
Admissions
Years of service with UC Merced
10
Years of service with UC
10
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
Associate Director of Admissions- Recruitment and Relations with Schools and Colleges
Recruitment Manager
Southern California Admissions Officer
Health Plan of San Joaquin Community Representative
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
Serve as the Chair of CAL-SOAP Merced for the third time
Serve on the UCM Staff Assembly as Vice President (on a 6 month capacity)
Serve on the Stanislaus County Arches Collaborative
Serve as the Delegate in the Admissions College Board group
Serve on the UC Counselors Content Committee
Serve on the UC Merced Campus Wide Events Committee
Member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors
Member of the Western Association of College Admissions Counselors
Member of the Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association
Participated the UC Admissions Directors Meeting
Participate in the AVC Dean of Students Search
Presented at the UC Merced CCC and HS Admissions Counselor conferences
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I been fortunate to serve on a limited term as Vicepresident for the Staff Assembly.
I'm currently the chair of the Staff Excellent Awards
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
During the short time as Vice-president I have been able to listen and learn how my peers have conducted business in the past months. I would like to empower and work with the Board to continue the great work that the SA has done specially in the areas of: Professional Development, Staff recognition and to continue the promotion of the interests of all staff in a respectful and high touch matter with administration. I think that my experience with recruitment and relations with schools and colleges have given me the skills to communicate different issues staff and administrators of all levels.
Priya Lakireddy *
Current Position Title
Financial Services Analyst
Current Department
SSHA
Years of service with UC Merced
3
Years of service with UC
3
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
I have been at UC Merced since September of 2014. During this time I worked as an Admin Assistant in BAS, an Admin Officer in EHS, and currently I am a Financial Services Analyst in SSHA. Before joining UC Merced, I took a break from the workforce for 8 years to raise my three beautiful children.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I have been active in Staff Assembly for the last two years. In 2016-2017, I was the Program, Events and Outreach, Co-Chair and currently, I am the Fundraising Co-Chair. One of the most memorable experiences of that year was personally delivering more than 300 toys from the Chancellor's Toy Drive to CASA in Merced. For the last two years, I volunteered at the Student Leadership Awards. I served on the School Site Council at Burbank Elementary two years ago.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
In the past year, I have been the Co-Chair for Fundraising. The fundraising team hosted a Staff and Faculty night to support UCM basketball team and collected non-perishable food items for UCM Food Pantry. We also sent out a staff assembly survey to get get feedback from all staff and we are going to share the results soon. The results will guide us in setting priorities for 2018-2019 and beyond.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
The last two years I spent on the board have been very meaningful and I hope to continue my service to Staff Assembly. If I had the privilege of being selected for the role, I would like to continue to be a strong advocate for issues relating to staff. I would also like to promote and improve communication with various stakeholders and organizations on campus.
Thank you for your consideration
Becky Mirza *
Current Position Title
International Student Visa Specialist
Current Department
Office of International Affairs
Years of service with UC Merced
6
Years of service with UC
6
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
My current position at UC Merced is as a Visa Specialist in the Office of International Affairs. I’ve been in the position for just over 6 years. My expertise is in the Department of Homeland Security visa regulations as they pertain to international students and scholars studying and researching here at UC Merced. As you can imagine, the need to remain educated and knowledgeable on visa matters is vital to the function of our office and mission of our university. Last year, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity of being Interim Director ofthe office.
Before coming to UC Merced, I was in a similar position at CSU Stanislaus for 8 years. I also served as the secretary on the General Education subcommittee At CSU Stanisaluswhere I took minutes and held similar job duties as I would for this position.
I thoroughly enjoy working in international education and at UC Merced.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I was President of the sports boosters club and served on several other fundraising committees for my children’s high school. As stated above, I was also secretary of the GE sub committee at CSU Stanislaus. I’ve wanted to get involved on campus for several years, but I haven’t taken the steps to apply until now.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I've participated in staff assembly events during staff appreciation weeks.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
My attention to detail, collaborative communication style, and organizational skills make me a good fit for the role of Secretary. In addition to the experiences noted above, I have a masters degree in Educational Leadership. I am a positive, energetic person who loves to not only empower colleagues at work but also my family and friends in my personal life.
Jose Martinez
Current Position Title
Academic Advisor
Current Department
School of Natural Sciences
Years of service with UC Merced
2
Years of service with UC
3
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
Prior to Academic Advising at UC Merced, I first served at UC Merced in October 2016 as a Resident Director for Valley Terraces, supervising 14 Residential Assistants, overseeing the Gender Inclusive Housing community, and ensuring the well-being of 600+ first year students. Prior to working at UC Merced, I worked in the community with Valley Crisis Center as a crisis counselor for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking and as a youth educator, working with local youth at continuation schools and juvenile detention centers to teach healthy relationships and sexual education. Before UC Merced, I worked at UC Berkeley through their Public Service Center as a post-grad equity fellow, coordinating one of the largest after-school literacy programs in the Bay Area to bring one to one literacy services to k-5 students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to private tutoring.
My previous work experiences all influence my current work as an advisor, from implementing trauma-informed and client-centered care to living the values of public service. I believe my passion for supporting communities, commitment to UC Merced, and past program coordinator experiences will lend themselves well to a Secretary position for UCM Staff Assembly.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I currently serve on the leadership for Staff and Faculty of Color Association as Co-Secretary, as a committee members for the Queer Ally Program that provides LGBTQ+ education to the campus, as a producer and creative team manager for the production of The Vagina Monologues for 2017 and 2018, a Lead Advisor for Sigma Tau Gamma, and a facilitator for the two-day Diversity Awareness Workshops. In the community, I had the pleasure of serving on the board for the Merced LGBTQ+ Alliance as Secretary and continue my work with Valley Crisis Center by answering the 24 hour hotline two to three nights a month.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I have not played as active a role as I would have liked to for Staff Assembly, but our values and priorities align. In my other roles, I have also facilitated communication between campus employees (often in conversations around life experiences, diversity, equity, and inclusion), referred employees to appropriate resources (BIRST reporting, Insight/EAP, etc.), and encouraged colleagues to engage in professional development opportunities.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
My greatest contribution to the executive board would be advancing UC Merced Staff Assembly’s commitment to nurturing the diversity of backgrounds and contributions of staff. It is only when we holistically engage our staff and honor their lived experiences in a safe environment that we can identify and address their needs. Through Staff and Faculty of Color Association, I’ve seen how our colleagues from historically marginalized identities navigate our campus differently and strongly believe a Staff Assembly that must actively seek to engage those unheard voices. I would like to intentionally reach out to our stellar custodial staff and our campus service workers to include them in the UCM family.
Steven Lerer *
Current Position Title
Associate Director
Current Department
Office of Leadership, Service and Career
Years of service with UC Merced
6
Years of service with UC
10
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
Associate Director, Margo F. Souza Leadership Center and Student Government, Office of Leadership Service and Career (2017-2018)
Associate Director, Margo F. Souza LeadershipCenter and Student Government, Office of Student Life (2016-2017)
Assistant Director, Student Government and Leadership Development, Office of Student Life (2012-2016)
Resident Director, Housing and Residence Life, UC Riverside (2008-2012)
Graduate Hall Director, Bowling Green State University (2007-2008)
Graduate Assistant, Bowling Green State University (2006-2007)
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
UCR Staff Assembly, President and Vice President
CUCSA Junior and Senior Delegate from UCR Leadership Merced Class 33, County Chamber of Commerce
City of Merced Bicycle Advisory Commission, Vice Chair
UC Merced General Education Implementation Team, Member
National Society of Leadership and Success UCM Chapter, Advisor
UC Merced Campus-Wide Emergency Operations Center, Situation Status Lead LeaderShape Student Conference, Cluster Facilitator
USTU Student Success Course, Instructor
UC Merced Food Pantry, Board of Directors
UCR Chancellor’s 2011-2012 Cabinet, Member
UCR Chancellor’s Taskforce on Protest and Assembly Policies, Member
UCR Student Organization Network Advisor Team, Recreation Club Advisor
National Society of Collegiate Scholars UCR and UCM Chapters, Advisor
NASPA Excellence Awards, Area Awards Chair
NASPA 2015 National Undergraduate Pre-Conference Committee, Member
NASPA 2014 Western Regional Conference Planning Committee, Coordinator of Volunteers NASPA Region VI Advisory Board, Knowledge Community Coordinator
NASPA 2012 Western Regional Conference Planning Committee, Knowledge Community Liaison
NASPA Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community, Team Leader and Region VI Representative
NASPA Men and Masculinities Knowledge Community, National Awards Chair
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
Aside from participation in Staff Appreciation Week I have not participated in staff assembly in the past year.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
If selected for this position I bring years of experience working with financial management and financial stewardship. I have an strong belief that when giving money from the university to serve staff, we have to use every penny to its fullest potential. This is what I try to teach to the students with whom I work, and I can bring that to bear as a finance officer.
As the Vice-President and President of the UC Riverside Staff Assembly and the chair of two committees for CUCSA, my role was always to revise and streamline structures and processes so that the organizations could work to their fullest potential. As the finance officer elect and then finance officer I can do that by working with the other Executive Officers to plan for the best use of the resources provided to us. Additionally, during my time in Staff Assembly at UCR we re-envisioned the entire organization, created many new programs, and found new ways to fund the organization. Many if not all of those programs are still in existence today.
Finally, my work with NASPA and the City of Merced have helped me to learn how to work effectively with volunteers locally and nationally and this skill set will help me work with the all the volunteers who work to serve staff on campus. I believe that staff continue to need strong advocates who can be innovative in the way we create community and a sense of belonging as the campus grows. I hope that I can contribute to that mission.
April Graves *
Current Position Title
Executive Assistant
Current Department
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Years of service with UC Merced
6
Years of service with UC
6
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
As the Executive Assistant to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, I provide executive administrative support to the Provost/EVC. I manage an extremely busy calendar using independent judgment about priorities; coordinate complex travel arrangements; and process travel reimbursements, check requests and other transactions. I write, edit and proofread correspondence and reports. I analyze correspondence/emails and ensure that follow-up actions are completed. I work under minimal supervision and act as the EVC’s liaison and primary communications contact. Complete discretion, confidentiality, sensitivity, and professional judgment are maintained at all times.
This position is part of the core team in the Merced office and responds to public requests for general information about UC Merced on the telephone and in person. The position involves interaction with UC Merced senior staff, faculty, and other administrators including those at the campuses and at the Office of the President.
Prior to the working with the Office of the Provost/EVC, I held positions with the Office of Research and Economic Development as well as Academic Affairs.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
Staff Appreciation Week Committee Member since 2013
Commencement Committee Member
Lead for WSCUC Accreditation Visit Logistics
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I have participated in Staff Appreciation Week preparation meetings and serve as the lead for the Staff Appreciation Breakfast. I also volunteered for the Fall Commencement downtown as well as organized meetings between Staff Assembly leadership and Provost and EVC Peterson.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
If I was selected for this opportunity, I feel I can contribute my experience and networking to further enhance the goals and mission of the University and Staff Assembly. I enjoy being part of something so rewarding for staff and would love to be able to share my knowledge and experiences to this great organization. My past experiences have allowed me to become experienced in policies and procedures for the University. It has allowed me to become skilled at event planning and execution as well as provide excellent customer service. Leading such campus wide events, have increased my skills with communication, outreach, community partnerships and attention to detail and I plan to utilize these skills to the best of my abilities within Staff Assembly. I also have had great fortune to be a part of many rewarding teams and would love the opportunity to continue to advocate for Staff Assembly to my colleagues. Thank you for considering my nomination.
Ariel Banda *
Current Position Title
Operations Financial Analyst
Current Department
Office of Research & Economic Development
Years of service with UC Merced
7
Years of service with UC
7
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
I am currently the Operations Financial Analyst in the Office of Research & Economic Development. In conjunction with my supervisor, John Jackson, I oversee financial management, recharge, and the overall budgeting needs of all departments under ORED. Prior to this position I was the Lead Procurement Officer for ORED and also oversaw General Services.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
Research Week
Supply Chain Redesign Planning Committee
Build Your Network Ambassador
Previously coached cheerleading for local youth football team
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I was the Staff Assembly Representative for the Supply Chain Redesign Planning Committee and I am currently serving as an Ambassador for Staff Assembly's Build Your Network Program
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
If I was selected for this role I believe I could bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to this organization that has such a large impact on staff for this campus. As a staff member for almost 8 years I believe I can have a knowledge base for what staff members at UC Merced would be interested in having available to them (programs, training's, and social activities). I would like to partner with our staff to identify unique opportunities that promote networking and opportunities to engage with individuals we wouldn’t otherwise know. I would also serve as an advocate for Staff Assembly within my immediate organization by engaging staff in discussions about the impact of Staff Assembly and how they can contribute to Staff Assembly's overall mission.
Ger Xiong
Current Position Title
Program Coordinator
Current Department
Calvin E. Bright Success Center
Years of service with UC Merced
2
Years of service with UC
2
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
As Program Coordinator for the TRiO Student Support Services 'STEP Scholars Program, I provide support for assigned caseload of ~200 students in the areas of 1) academic support, 2) financial aid literacy, and 3) career exploration and graduate school preparation. Resources I coordinate within the program include skills building workshops, student-centered internships partnered through community agencies, field trips to regional educational and cultural arts conferences, career focused roundtables/panels, and graduate school admissions exam seminars.
I have previously taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an associate lecturer.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
Member, Staff Appreciation Committee, Calvin E. Bright Success Center
Hiring Manager, Search Committee for Administrative Assistant, TRiO SSS Program, Calvin E. Bright Success Center at UC Merced
Member, Search Committee for Associate Director of Transitional Programs, Calvin E. Bright Success Center at UC Merced
Content Developer, Success Website Content Development Team, Office of Undergraduate Education at UC Merced
Club Advisor, Hmong Student Association
Member, Staff and Faculty of Color Association
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
Staff Appreciation Games
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
All resources, events, and opportunities within our SSS program are informed by students’ needs assessments and interest. In similar vein, programs and events coordinated for campus-wide professional staff would be informed by the interests and needs of professional staff. If selected for this role (Co-Chair for Programs, Events, & Outreach), I would contribute creative ideas, individualized outreach, and programming that fosters a collegial environment. Moreover, I would aim to coordinate campus wide events/programs that are inclusive and offer opportunity for staff to engage in learning through engaging activities and/or community service/enrichment activities.
Myra Fernandez
Current Position Title
Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Career Specialist
Current Department
Center for Career and Professional Advancement
Years of service with UC Merced
4
Years of service with UC
4
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
As the Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Career Specialist, I advise SSHA students in regards to their career and professional development through one-on-one appointments, programs, and events by internal and external collaboration with campus and community partners.
Prior to the SSHA role, I worked as the Transfer and Returning Career Specialist for the DARTS program.
Additionally, I have worked at California State University, Fresno within various student support services and Fresno City College’s Transfer Center.
Lastly, I have experience working in the K-12 system at Le Grand Elementary and High School.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I am a member of the UndocuAlly Committee on campus, and I recently started to attend meetings and socials hosted by the Staff and Faculty of Color Association.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
In the past year, I have participated in Staff Appreciation Week, the annual toy drive, and the 2018 Climate Survey.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
If selected for this role, I believe I would bring innovative and engaging ideas to increase staff participation for programs and events. I have strong program development and event planning skills that I have enhanced through my role as the SSHA Career Specialist. Participating in Staff Assembly would further support my professional development by enhancing my leadership skills and connection to campus.
Taylor Fugere
Current Position Title
Program Coordinator
Current Department
CARE
Years of service with UC Merced
3
Years of service with UC
3
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
Nearly three years at UC Merced in the CARE Office as the Program Coordinator focusing on Outreach, Marketing, Events, and Curriculum Development around Sexual Assault, Dating Violence and Stalking Prevention
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I currently Serve as a Member of The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Queer Issues, am a Committee Member for the Queer Ally Program, and have served on multiple hiring committees on campus. I also have helped facilitate workshop on social justice issues that Staff Assembly has encouraged people to go to in the past.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I have attended some Staff Assembly Events such as last year's Staff Appreciation Week and have led my office's participation in activities such as decorating contests. I have attended a couple of Staff Assembly meetings during the years as well.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
I feel my proven experience with outreach and event planning with my position will serve me well in this role on the Executive Board. I am an extremely creative individual that thrives on creating strong relationships for people to connect deeply around important issues. I am also committed to social justice issues and want to use this role in Staff Assembly to share that information with others in a fun and accessible way. Additionally, in my experience, Staff Assembly has not deeply engaged with students and collaborated with relevant organizations and initiatives and my experience and relationships with students would enable collaborations like that to happen in the future. I also have a lot of experience with marketing, social media strategy, design and outreach that may be beneficial to promoting events and initiatives on the Executive Board.
Armando Contreras *
Current Position Title
Academic Advisor
Current Department
SSHA
Years of service with UC Merced
3
Years of service with UC
3
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
As an Academic Advisor I advise all SSHA students, more specifically students majoring in Economics and Management and Business Economics. Advising students consists of providing guidance from orientation through graduation; services from one-on-one advising sessions to providing academic intervention strategies.
Previously, I worked at CSULB as a Graduate Student Assistant for the Center for International Education as I completed my Masters in Education.
Additionally, I've worked in outreach for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund which involved traveling the country promoting higher education and scholarship opportunities to Hispanic/Latino students.
Furthermore, I began my professional career as an Academic Counselor for an Upward Bound program (TRIO Program), providing college access to high school students in the Los Angeles area.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I am part of the executive board for the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Queer Issues (CACQI).
Additionally, I am the Co-Chair for Outreach for the Staff and Faculty of Color Association of UC Merced.
I also serve on the Queer Ally Program committee, which promotes Safe Space trainings to all campus constituents.
Finally, I serve on multiple advising committees representing SSHA across the campus including: Campus Academic Advising Assessment Workgroup, Professional Development, Orientation Committee, Campus Academic Advising Communications Committee and SSHA Communications Committee.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
Unfortunately, I have not been involved in Staff Assembly committees due to time constraints related to my day to day as an advisor. Through my time at UC Merced I have been actively involved various committees that work towards providing open spaces for marginalized groups on campus, including students and staff. While doing this work I've known that the next step is to make time to be more involved in a committee that affects me as an active staff member. I know that my lack of experience in participating in Staff Assembly committees or meetings will be made up with my passion to learn and provide a unique insight to the group.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
If selected for this role, I hope to learn more about the impact of Staff Assembly on our campus and continually provide a diverse and open mind to issues at hand. My past experiences, both personal and professional, will allow me to comprehend the current campus climate and provide a diverse perspective on how we can continue to provide support for staff. I strongly believe I have a voice and plan to work tirelessly to ensure ALL voices are represented in Staff Assembly.
Sauci Xiong
Current Position Title
Academic Personnel Specialist
Current Department
SNS
Years of service with UC Merced
3
Years of service with UC
3
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
2015 - 2018: Academic Personnel Specialist
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
2016: Community program/dance coordinator "Tso Siab" community program
2013 - present: Merced Ambassador for Hmong Women Today community group
2011: Lead coordinator, Back-packs for Back to school fundraiser
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
no
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
I believe I can be a successful as co-chair of communications simply because it is a strong passion of mine to want to contribute to our campus staff members. I want to bring more awareness to staff and motivate the staff community to get engaged and make an impact to at UC Merced.
Taylor Fugere *
Current Position Title
Program Coordinator
Current Department
CARE
Years of service with UC Merced
3
Years of service with UC
3
Provide a brief history of your work experience, beginning with your present position
I am the Program Coordinator of the CARE Office where I do the education and outreach around violence prevention education for the UC Merced Campus.
List any UC, committee, community service, or other major volunteer commitments, including the name of the organization and your role (especially leadership roles) therein
I serve on the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Queer Issues, leadership team of the Queer Ally Program and have served on other hiring committees on campus.
In the past year, how have you played an active role in Staff Assembly? This can include committee work, participation in events or attendance at Executive Board meetings
I attended staff assembly events such as Staff Appreciation Week, participated in decorating competitions and attended a couple of staff assembly meetings over my time at UC Merced.
If you are selected to fill this role, what do you feel would be your contribution to the University of California, Merced, staff, and the Executive Board? How have your past experiences given you the knowledge and skills to provide this contribution
I have experience with social media marketing and strategic outreach through my work at UC Merced. I also do a lot of graphic design and web editing in my position and am familiar with several programs in Adobe Creative Cloud. I am committed to helping build relationships with folks through this position through clear, transparent communication, making meetings and actions of Staff Assembly more accessible and engaging people in new and creative ways. My commitment to social justice will also ensure that a broad range of stories are represented in Staff Assembly communications.
