Affiliate Groups are recognized staff-led organizations that represent shared identities, interests, and professional communities across UC San Diego. Affiliate Group Representatives serve as liaisons between their groups and the Staff Association.
Izzy Narvaez (she/her/hers) is the Assistant Director of Equity and Inclusion Education and Training for Academic Affairs at Cross-Cultural Center, she has been with the university for six years. A dedicated leader in AIIFSA, she strives to foster community among Native and Indigenous colleagues and to support students through efforts to indigenize the university. Her favorite campus spot is the Cross-Cultural Center library, where she enjoys its calm and cozy atmosphere. Outside of work, Izzy loves exploring San Diego, visiting the beach and local attractions, supporting small businesses, and indulging in her love of reality TV.
Izzy's advice to new staff:
"The quarter system impacts staff just as much as it does students. Please remember to take the time you need to rest and recharge—and know that you’re not alone. There are so many resources on campus to support your well-being, and your community within the staff associations and affiliate groups is here for you every step of the way!"
Connect with Izzy on LinkedIn!
Email: imnarvaez@ucsd.edu
Ahmed Al-Dulaimi (he/him/his/هو) is a Program Manager in the Division of Extended Studies and has been part of the UC San Diego community for 1 year. He joined the AAA to spread the Arabic culture among the campus community. His hobbies include working out and reading.
His advice to new staff:
"Learn as much as you can from your colleagues."
Connect with Ahmed on LinkedIn!
Email: ahaldulaimi@ucsd.edu
Davyda Johnson (she/her/hers) is a Talent Champion at Human Resources and has been with UC San Diego for 25 years. She joined the Staff Association Executive Board to influence, empower, and educate others while fostering a workplace rooted in inclusivity, equity, purpose, and growth. She is passionate about advocacy for both the seen and unseen, and considers it a privilege to represent the constituency of BSA and UC San Diego. Her interests center on anything that brings fulfillment, growth, creativity, and joy.
Davyda quotes Mahatma Gandhi as advice to new staff,
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Email:
davyda@ucsd.edu
Anthony Singleton (he/him/his) is the Chief Small Business Officer for Integrated Procure-to-Pay Solutions (IPPS) and has been with UC San Diego for 35 years. He joined the Staff Association to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and help build a stronger, more supportive workplace community. His favorite spot on campus is near Scripps Pier. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys family, music, and food.
Anthony encourages new staff to:
"Get connected, stay curious, and know that your voice matters here!"
Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn!
Email: asingleton@ucsd.edu
Taura (she/her/hers) is a System Administrator/Project Manager at Information Services, UCSD Health and has been part for 25 years. She joined BSA because of its vital role in uplifting and improving the experience of employees from all backgrounds through cultural programming, community engagement, and employee-centered wellness initiatives. She is deeply passionate about BSA’s mission and its impact across UC San Diego and UC San Diego Health.
Her favorite spots on campus include the School of Medicine lawn areas and its coffee shop. Outside of work, Taura is a dedicated Mayoral Commissioner and community service practitioner, and she enjoys running, football, and music.
Advice to new staff:
“Remember to resonate and embrace positive vibes, allowing you will fulfill your destiny well, carpe diem!”
Connect with Taura on LinkedIn!
Email: tsgentry@health.ucsd.edu
Julie (she/her/ella) is the Executive Officer at Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion. She has been with the university for 11 years.
Her advice to new staff:
"Get involved, build relationships, seek mentorship, and uplift others."
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn!
Email: efreeman@ucsd.edu
Hiroko Wilson (she/her/hers) is a Contract Administrator at Capital Program Management and has been with the university for 6.5 years. She joined the Faculty and Staff Christian Fellowship to connect with colleagues across UC San Diego and engage in the larger UC community with the shared goal of striving to be one of the best public universities in the world. Her favorite spot on campus is Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Outside of work, she enjoys volunteering, cooking, and walking with her dog, Beans.
Hiroko encourages new staff to:
"Having curiosity and looking up to see the bigger picture always help in any stressful situations."
Email: hwilson@ucsd.edu
Alison (she/her/elle) has been part of UC San Diego for 10 years and joined JSAFTA to connect with colleagues across campus and foster a supportive community. She is a Continuing Lecturer & Supervisor of Teacher Education, Education Studies, School of Social Sciences. Her favorite places on campus are anywhere surrounded by trees, and outside of work she enjoys camping, hiking, and trail running.
Alison's advice to new staff:
“Lead with the heart. Seek common ground. Be yourself.”
Connect with Alison on LinkedIn!
Email: jsafta@ucsd.edu
Veronica Phair (she/her/hers) is a Financial Services Analyst in the Division of Extended Studies and has been part of the UC San Diego community for nearly 10 years. She joined the Staff Association to support fellow staff and connect with parents across campus. Her favorite spot on campus is the Women’s Center, and she enjoys practicing yoga and pilates as well as spending time at the beach with her family.
Advice to new staff:
"The university has so many great tools and opportunities for staff to develop their skills, take advantage to help your career!"
Email: vphair@ucsd.edu
Kristen Weidler (she/her/hers) is the Associate Director of Logistics and has been with the university for 10 years. She joined the Staff Association to provide a voice for PSA members on a broader scale platform. Her favorite spot on campus is the hammocks on the Price Center lawn, along Library Walk. In her free time, she loves traveling and playing soccer, and enjoys all forms of arts and crafts.
Kristen encourages staff to:
"Imagine big – the world is your oyster at UCSD. Finding a community where you fit in might seem daunting at first. Keep going and don't give up - your people are out there waiting for you!"
Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn!
Email: kweidler@ucsd.edu
Roxy Haji (she/her/hers) is an Assessment Lead at the Library Student Success Program and has been with the university for 3 years. She joined the Staff Association to represent PSA and collaborate with the other staff associations on campus. Her favorite spot is too hard to narrow down but if she had to choose one it would be Geisel Library (though she admits she may be biased as she works there). Roxy loves American history from the Gilded Age to the 1960's and listening to music, singing, cats, museums, and taking road trips to the unknown.
Roxy encourages new staff to:
"Take advantage of everything on campus—from the views and eateries to the plays, concerts, and the Library. There’s so much happening and something for everyone. If you like walking, strolling around campus and exploring the different areas is a great way to discover cool new spots and offerings."
Connect with Roxy on LinkedIn!
Email: rhaji@ucsd.edu
Diana Henderson (she/her/hers) is the GIS Program Manager at the GIS Department and has been with the university for over 6 years. She joined the Staff Association as she embraces the community spirit and connecting with a variety people, pursuits, and outcomes energizes her. Diana's favorite spot on campus is Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, and she enjoys rugby, yoga, and spending time with her dogs.
Diana's recommends new staff to:
"Lean in to building relationships with those around you, positive relationships with a wide network yields rewarding experiences, now and in the future."
Connect with Diana on LinkedIn!
Email: dlhenderson@ucsd.edu
LaWana Richmond (she/her/hers) is the EV Program Manager at
Transportation Services and has been with the university for over 20 years. She joined Staff Association to be a part of a cooperative community. Her favorite spot on campus is SIO Pier. Her hobby includes afrofuturism.
LaWana advises new staff to:
"Build relationships."
Connect with LaWana on LinkedIn!
Email: lrichmond@ucsd.edu
Carlos Martinez (he/him/his) is an IT Support Manager at the Social Sciences Computing Facility and has been with the university for over 16 years. He joined Staff Association to be an active member in the community. Carlo's favorite spot on campus is Sun God Lawn and his passion is his children.
Carlos encourages new staff to:
"Engage. Connect. Thrive."
Connect with Carlos on LinkedIn!
Email: c3martinez@ucsd.edu
