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2021-22 Staff Association Executive Board

Meet the Members

  • Jen Bowser, Chair (Officer)

    Jen Bowser, Chair (Officer)

    Additional Staff Association service: Staff Sustainability Network Executive Board Member

    Home department: Sustainability

    Years with the University: 7

    Why I joined the Staff Association: To be better connected with staff and enhance the staff experience.

    What a typical day of work looks like: As Sustainability Engagement Manager I engage campus community members on a variety of ways that they can implement sustainable practices into their daily routines. The majority of my day is spent meeting with my interns on the many initiatives we’re working on, including our Green Labs and Office Certification programs.

    Favorite movie and why: What About Bob? because life can be scary sometimes and it's more manageable when taking baby steps.

    Hobbies: Hiking, playing golf, and crafting.

    Contact: jbowser@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-8266

  • Bryce Besser, Immediate Past Chair (Officer)

    Bryce Besser, Immediate Past Chair (Officer)

    Home department: Risk Management

    Years with the University: 7

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I wanted to leverage the experience and knowledge I possessed to help improve the employee experience at UC San Diego and increase my knowledge of UC San Diego’s mission and operations. I’m excited for the opportunity to partner with individuals who are passionate about their work, about the University, and about ensuring that UC San Diego remains a wonderful place to work.

    What a typical day of work looks like: I enjoy a very diverse role on campus. On any given day I can be working with departments on how to plan safe research trips overseas, analyzing waivers and special event proposals, corresponding with the Center for Student Involvement regarding Registered Student Organizations, creating training modules on employment law topics for managers and supervisors, reviewing subpoenas for employment and student records, and working with attorneys in the defense of employment and general liability lawsuits. I truly love distilling complex legal and Risk Management principles into easy to understand concepts so that our departments can focus on the world-class teaching and research that makes UC San Diego the preeminent research university in the world.

    Favorite movie and why: I love 80’s movies. One of my all-time favorites is Blade Runner. The story, music, and atmosphere were light years ahead of their time and often replicated today.

    Additional community service I am involved in and why: I served on the Governance Committee for the San Diego Youth Symphony and was a board member. The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS) believes every student deserves music education for the lifetime of joy it provides and the habits, skills and traits students acquire that will improve their academic, personal and professional lives. SDYS adopted a long-term vision of “making music education accessible and affordable for all” and has been instrumental in helping bring music education back into San Diego’s public schools. I serve because, as a former musician, I know firsthand the positive impact music has on child development.  It not only helps children develop a sense of accomplishment, it also teaches them how to push through adversity, work hard to improve in something, and public engagement.

    Contact: bbesser@ucsd.edu

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    Vacant, Chair-Elect (Officer)

  • Joanna Boval, Secretary (Officer)

    Joanna Boval, Secretary (Officer)

    Additional Staff Association Service: Veterans Staff Association at UC San Diego, Communications Coordinator

    Home department: Office for Students with Disabilities

    Years with the University: 12

    Why I joined the Staff Association: To learn from the diverse, talented staff members at UC San Diego and to mentor new staff members.

    What I'm most passionate about at UC San Diego: Working with individuals with disabilities and with veterans, and collaborating with others to create a campus that is accessible and welcoming to all.

    Hobbies: I enjoy hiking and rucking (walking with a weighted backpack) and am actively involved in the San Diego Triton Ruck Club.

    Contact: jboval@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-4382

  • Laura McElroy, Treasurer (Officer)

    Laura McElroy, Treasurer (Officer)

    Additional Staff Association service: Faculty and Staff Christian Fellowship, Chair 

    Home department: Financial Aid and Scholarships Office

    Years with the University: 13

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I consider it a privilege to serve in the Staff Association. It is a way to actively participate in our campus community.

    What a typical day of work looks like: Reviewing documents and specifications.

    What I’m most passionate about at UC San Diego: In a word, development. I like to see development happen, from the development and success of our business processes to the development and success of our students and staff. It is all meaningful and I enjoy learning about it and helping move forward towards success.

    Favorite movie and why: The Truman Show. I like Jim Carey and the premise of the movie speaks to me about looking deeper than the polished image we sometimes live for.

    Hobbies: Reading and listening to podcasts.

    Passions: Time with my kids, helping people.

    Special interests: Family, travel.

    Favorite quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    Proudest achievement: Raising kind children.

    Contact: lmcelroy@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-7762

    Link for Faculty and Staff Christian Fellowship Blink site: https://blink.ucsd.edu/sponsor/christian/index.html

  • Vanessa Hollingsworth, Ambassador Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Vanessa Hollingsworth, Ambassador Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Coordinates the various community outreach opportunities in the UC San Diego community through presentations, Town Halls, and other collaborative opportunities.

    Home department: Bioengineering

    Years with the University: 6.5

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I joined because I can appreciate the need for staff to have a voice and place on campus, and I wanted to be a part of an association whose mission it is to serve that need. In addition, I enjoy helping others, and I thought this would be an excellent way to do that.

    What a typical day of work looks like: As a graduate coordinator my day can involve anything from prospective and current student advising to coordinating funding for Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) and TAs in the department. I often have to do something in UCPath, the Grad Student Database, or DocuSign (so many forms!) everyday. But my favorite part of any work day is getting to interact with students! It’s wonderful to see the next generation of great leaders and thinkers earning their degrees.

    Special interests and hobbies: I love traveling and going on “food adventures,” which mainly consist of some friends and myself trying every new restaurant we hear about. Reach out if you have food recommendations! I also love to craft! I love making handmade cards, doing embroidery, and making fun things out of felt.

    Contact: vkhollin@eng.ucsd.edu, (858) 822-0006

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    Vacant, Basic Needs Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Addresses staff basic needs issues through campus collaborations and initiatives; leads Staff Association response to the changing landscape of basic needs for staff. Apply for this open position.

  • eeman agrama minert, Marketing & Communication (Marcom) Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    eeman agrama minert, Marketing & Communication (Marcom) Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    eeman agrama minert (she/her/hers)

    Role: Manages and coordinates the Staff Association marketing, social media, content creation and communication strategy.

    Home Department: Human Resources

    Years with the University: 12 

    Why I joined the Staff Association: Outside of my UC San Diego day job, I am a visual artist and photographer. Naturally, this inspires my approach to marketing, communication and design.  I believe in unlocking the authentic narratives of our dynamic staff at UC San Diego and I am determined to help illuminate our stories through imagery and authentic connections and storytelling. Through my work as the Marcom chair of the Staff Association,  I am committed to communicating out our Staff Association’s shared vision while guiding changing work culture and shifting how we communicate and engage with staff. I believe it is critical that communication flows from the grassroots (employees) to leadership and back… especially as we innovate towards a new, post-pandemic, work-life balance and being in community together and stronger this time!

    Favorite movie and why: Most recently -  “In the Heights” as it speaks to the experience of children of immigrant parents and First Gen college student experience. (It's a musical and I love to sing!)

    Hobbies/Passions: Music (Karaoke/singing/a capella), Ukulele, the Ocean, Photography, Interior Design, DIY and all things crafty!

    Favorite quote (lyrics): I illuminate the stories of the people in the street. Some have happy endings. Some are bittersweet. But I know them all and that's what makes my life complete.” Lin Manuel Miranda as Usnavi from In the Heights.

    Contact: eeman@ucsd.edu
  • Cyndi Meeves, Staff Education/Development Chair

    Cyndi Meeves, Staff Education/Development Chair

    Role: Coordinates scholarship processes as well as broad oversight of training and development-related items for the Staff Association.

    Home department: Housing/Dining/Hospitality

    Contact: cmeeves@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-0236

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    Shannon Milligan, Assessment Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Collaborates with assessment-related constituents, tracks assessment related to the Staff Association, and ensures active use of data to improve the Staff Association.

    Home department: VCSA

    Years with the University: 2.5 years

    Why I joined the Staff Association: To become more involved with UC San Diego and to help advocate on behalf of my fellow staff members, using data to help inform this advocacy.

    Favorite movie and why: Probably “Mean Girls,” because it’s consistently relevant and incredibly quotable.

    Favorite quote: “In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that…In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” - Albert Camus

    Contact: smilligan@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-4872

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    Diana Kim, Campus Community Relations & Inclusion Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Actively supports collaboration between the Staff Association and Staff Affiliate groups and champions equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives for the Staff Association.

    Home department: Research Compliance and Integrity

    Years with the University: 2

    Why I joined the Staff Association: To connect and serve as a bridge of resources / support the equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts for the Staff Association

    Contact: dianakim@ucsd.edu

  • Danielle Melman, Outreach & Engagement (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Danielle Melman, Outreach & Engagement (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Manages and coordinates Staff Association goals to drive staff engagement.

    Home department: Intercollegiate Athletics

    Years with the University: 10

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I love bringing people together. The Staff Association is a great way to meet new people, connect with long time colleagues, collaborate with others, and learn about resources available to UC San Diego staff. I joined the Staff Association to help bring people together through outreach and engagement and to continue building this strong, powerful community we call UC San Diego.

    Hobbies: Water Polo 

    Favorite quote: “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”

    Proudest achievement: Becoming a mom to Madison and Ella.

    Contact: damelman@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-3186

  • Jason Andrews, Special Projects & Campus Collaborations Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Jason Andrews, Special Projects & Campus Collaborations Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Maintains connections with important UCSD constituent groups, Vice Chancellor areas, and oversees the election processes of the Staff Association.

    Home Department: Housing, Dining, Hospitality (HDH)

    Years with the University: 12 Years

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I want to contribute to making this premier institution the best place to work and have us succeed through empowered teams.

    Hobbies: I love cycling & flying. Committing to a min. of one coastal ride after work and flight training once a week for my own joy and wellness.

    Passions: I am a passionate member of Triton Toastmasters.  It is incredible the degree of improvement members make in our club as public speakers and leaders. 

    What I’m most passionate about at UC San Diego: I adore the Stuart Art Collection and all of the “secrets” of campus that one only discovers with years on this campus.  17 years on campus, I graduated college but never left. 

    Contact: j1andrews@ucsd.edu (858)534-2031

  • Lauren Hazewski, Staff Recognition Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Lauren Hazewski, Staff Recognition Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Staff Recognition Chair, Supports the ongoing recognition of staff contributions to the UC San Diego community within the Staff Association and in collaboration with other UC San Diego units.

    Home Department: Department of Family Medicine

    Years with the University: 5 months (I’m new!)

    Why I joined the Staff Association: This is a great way to network and meet lots of great, passionate people and learn more about UC San Diego and all it has to offer.

    Hobbies: Reading, especially historical fiction; Road trips; Attending drag shows (Fun fact: I was a drag queen assistant for several bars in Northern California!)

    Favorite quote: “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” –John Wesley

    Proudest achievement: I’m a proud AmeriCorps NCCC alum (Corps Member, Team Leader, staff person). I’ve built houses with Habitat for Humanity, planted trees in the Okefenokee Swamp, and coordinated a congressional visit while assisting with Hurricane Katrina relief work.

    Contact: lhazewski@ucsd.edu, (619) 543-5475

  • Kelvin Huang, Social and Networking Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Kelvin Huang, Social and Networking Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: The Social Events and Networking Committee host on-campus events that allow staff to meet and get to know each other outside of the office. Events can either be staff only or include friends and family. Also, promote community engagement activities such as San Diego shows, ice cream social, festivals, movies night, and other off-campus events where staff may want to congregate or receive a discount to attend due to group sales.

    Home Department: Environment, Health and Safety

    Years with the University: 10 years: 

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I joined Staff Association because I wanted to make a difference on campus and foster sister and brotherhood amongst staff.

    Favorite movie:  Armageddon- love Armageddon because of the cinematography and the directing.  The soundtrack was amazing.

    Hobbies: DJ, Backpacking, Beach Bum, Dragon Boating, Gym

    Favorite quote: “One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember” – Avicii

    Contact: K4huang@ucsd.edu, (858) 583-1588

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    Desiree Hennon, Wellness Chair (Elected Executive Board Member)

    Role: Actively supports wellness through various collaborations and initiatives to meet the needs of UC San Diego staff.

    Home department: Central Core Payroll

    Years with the University: 9

    Why I joined the Staff Association: To support staff engagement, health, and wellness.

    What a typical day of work looks like: My typical days are anything but typical now. I am currently going into the office on Monday and Friday and working from home Tuesday - Thursday. At first, working from home was a bit of an adjustment, but now I love it. My favorite part? The commute is a dream! From my bed to the “office” in 30 seconds. I also do some of my work outside which I never did in an office setting. I get some fresh air and sunshine while sitting on the deck and completing my daily tasks.

    Hobbies: I love to read, do jigsaw puzzles, knit, and crochet. I have been a volunteer for the San Diego Humane Society for nine years and have clocked over 700  hours of service. I work with the Community Engagement team doing events in which we promote animal welfare programs and facilitate off-site animal adoptions. I also love spending time with my nephews Owen and Ollie, playing basketball, jumping on the trampoline, and playing UNO. Our most recent task was starting a chia pet for Ollie, who just turned 7. He is going to let it grow on his desk where he can see it while doing remote learning this fall.

    Proudest achievement: I am almost done completing my certification program to be an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. It is a side passion project of mine and I hope to use all I have learned in that program to better the health and wellness of the UC San Diego staff in my Wellness Chair position.

    Contact: dhennon@ucsd.edu, (858) 543-3242

  • Anthony Keen-Louie, Internals Operations (Special Appointed Executive Board Member)

    Anthony Keen-Louie, Internals Operations (Special Appointed Executive Board Member)

    Anthony Keen-Louie (he/him/his)

    Role: Assists the Officers with internal operations, including data collection and succession documentation.

    Additional Staff Association Service: functional board reorganization coordination, former elected member

    Home Department: Housing-Dining-Hospitality HDH

    Years with the University: 6

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I wanted to connect with staff across the campus to feel more connected to the campus as a whole and be of service to our staff community.

    What a typical day of work looks like – no such thing! I always tell my team that we are in the business of people so it’s unpredictable but very rewarding to support students in Graduate and Family Housing.

    Hobbies: Baking, woodworking (though I’m still very new to this), hiking, dog parenting

     

    Additional community service I’m involved in and why: I serve as a Community Mediator for the National Conflict Resolution Center, serving the broader San Diego community.

    Contact: (email and phone) cakeen@ucsd.edu 858-246-2797

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    Luis Legaspi, Ex-Officio

    Home department: Study Abroad

    Years with the University: 7

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I aspire to represent, support, and advance the relationship between the students, faculty, and administration with the staff. I have served on the SAEB for the past four years, two of them as the Chair of the Staff Association, and another two as the Chair of the LGBT Staff and Faculty Association (LGBT SFA). In these experiences, I've been able to serve on numerous committees and workgroups on our campus and UC-wide to communicate and share experiences from the staff to create a more affirming, supportive, and inclusive work experience to enhance the dynamic environment that is UC San Diego.

    Through my work at UC San Diego, I was motivated to apply for a master's at CSU Dominguez Hills in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace-building. This has been an uplifting experience to learn about negotiation tactics, theories of conflict, and ways to create cooperative and supportive group dynamics. I have been able to apply what I study in my work within the Staff Association. I hope to continue to share this knowledge in my career at UC San Diego to bring greater civility and respect in the workplace around topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion, in particular to addressing conflict-centered on gender, sexual orientation, and race.

    Hobbies: Staying active including practicing yoga, biking, running, and swimming. I have been an indoor cycle (spin instructor) for FitLife on campus.

    Additional Community Service: I'm also very proud of my participation in AIDS LifeCycle in 2016 and 2018, a fundraising bike ride from San Fransico to Los Angeles. AIDS LifeCycle has been a wonderful outlet and opportunity to ride my bike, meet wonderful and committed folks, and raise funds for a cause which is important to me - to see the end of HIV/AIDS. This ride has given me confidence in my own emotional and physical strength and reminds me how far we have come and how much more work needs to be done. 

    Contact: llegaspi@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-0188

  • Davyda Johnson, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Davyda Johnson, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Chair, Black Staff Association (BSA)
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    Anthony Singleton, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Co-Chair, Black Staff Association (BSA)
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    Mario Garibay, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Chair, Chicanx/Latinx Staff Association (CLSA)

    Home department: Muir College Student Affairs

    Years with the University: 6

    Why I joined the Staff Association: As the Chair for the Chicanx/Latinx Staff Association, it is important to connect and build community with other Chicanx/Latinx staff on campus so we can collectively support and advocate for our community at UC San Diego.

    Favorite movie and why: Garden State. It came at the right time in my life. And the soundtrack is amazing.

    Hobbies: In normal times, going to the movies or Disneyland. Overall, spending time with my little two-year old is my favorite thing to do and it's getting me through this remote life.

    Contact: magaribay@ucsd.edu

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    Claudia Pena, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Vice Chair, Chicanx/Latinx Staff Association (CLSA)

    Years with the University: 4

    Home department: Muir College

    Why I joined the Staff Association: I joined the Chicanx Latinx Staff Association because of the passion I have to support other minority staff members that need that community.

    Hobbies: I love experimenting with coffee recipes, singing, and running.

    Proudest achievement: My children.

    What I’m most passionate about at UC San Diego: I am passionate about helping students find their why and show them they are exactly where they need to be. To help students believe in themselves.

    Contact: c6pena@ucsd.edu

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    Shana Wright, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Chair, Parents, Guardians & Caregivers Association (PGCA)

    Home department: Pediatrics

    Contact: smwright@ucsd.edu

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    Margaret Rattanachane, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Co-Chair, Pan-Asian Staff Association (PASA)

    Margaret Rattanachane mrattana@health.ucsd.edu 

     

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    Brandon Chulaluxsiriboon, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Co-Chair, Pan-Asian Staff Association (PASA)

     

    Brandon Chulaluxsiriboon bchulalu@ucsd.edu 

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    Mae Brown, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: President, Retirement Association

    Home Department: Assistant Vice Chancellor, Admissions and Enrollment Services (retired)

    Contact: retireelink@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-4724

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    Daniel Carrillo, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Transportation Chair, Staff Sustainability Network (SSN)

    Home Department: Teaching & Learning Commons

    Contact: d6carrillo@ucsd.edu, (858)534-4366 

  • Rhett Miller, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Rhett Miller, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Visual Arts Group

    Home department: Auxiliary Business Services Unit

    Contact: r2miller@ucsd.edu, (858) 822-2785

  • Rebecca (Jan) Noz, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Rebecca (Jan) Noz, Appointed Executive Board Member

    Additional Staff Association service: Chair, Veterans Staff Association

    Home department: Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD)

    Years with the University: 6

    Why I joined the Staff Association: To connect with others on campus, build community, and stay connected with current events within the UC San Diego community.

    Favorite movie and why: The Breakfast Club because it reminds me of what it was like growing up in the 1980’s. It has great messages throughout the movie such as never judge a book by its cover. It demonstrates that although others may look or act different than you or hang out with other crowds that we all have a lot to offer as people. You never know about others until you take the time to get to know them.

    Favorite quotes: "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." and "Be the change you want to see." - Mahatma Ghandi

    Additional community service I’m involved in: Various capacities of working with veterans, military service members, and their families with ongoing community service.

    Contact: rnoz@ucsd.edu, (858) 534-4382