Candidates
2024-25 Staff Assembly Candidate Profiles and Bios
The candidates for the 2024-25 board are listed below. The tabs below list each board positions and the candidates running for them. Candidates are listed in random order.
Paige Mejia
Incumbent Director of Outreach
Financial Operations Manager, EMN Administration
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
I have had the opportunity to serve on the executive board for Staff Assembly for two years and presently the Black Faculty and Staff Association. Being on the board for both orgs has granted me the opportunity to see the challenges staff face on a daily and it has sparked a passion in me to continue fighting for our staff. I want to be able to be the voice for those who do not have one or not in the position to speak up without retaliation. Staff Assembly has laid the foundation for the staff affinity groups on campus and has created the space for us to be heard. I would like to continue being the voice and helping this org evolve.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
My plans for this position, like many before me, is to continue to find ways to make it evolve. This role is expected to meet regularly with the key campus administrators and my goal is to make sure we continue stressing the importance of staff issues whether it is an issue of unequal pay, gender inequality, the microaggressions the BIPOC staff face in their units, and etc. Simply put, my goal is to make sure all staff are heard.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
The work climate has changed since the pandemic and there are many things that have evolved like flexible work schedules and other issues. I would like for us to see if we are able to get more support when it comes to flexible work schedules. Currently the campus supports it but is left to the individual units and some are faculty lead. Would like to have more support from the senate for staff to have more flexibility so we can retain staff on campus instead of losing them to other institutions.
Biography
Paige serves as the Financial Operations Manager in the UCR EMN Administration unit within the college of CNAS. She is a UCR alumni who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History and is pursuing a M.B.A with a concentration in Accounting from California Baptist University. In addition to the scholarly activities, she is serving her fifth term on the Black Faculty and Staff Association Executive board and second year on the UCR Staff Assembly Executive Board as the Director of Outreach. Paige is passionate about supporting the retention of staff, faculty, and students and finding ways to effectively serve the UCR community.
Sarah Dillon
Incumbent Director of Professional Development
CNAS HR Director, CNAS Personnel Service Center
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
One of the best parts of UCR is the community and Staff Assembly plays a big part of creating a great campus environment for the staff at UCR. I am running for a position on the board so I can continue working to advocate for staff, create amazing programming that develops staff, and recognize the contributions staff make across our campus.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
We have amazing people on the Staff Assembly board and working as volunteers on our many committees. As Vice President/President Elect, my primary goal will be supporting everyone affiliated with Staff Assembly in being able to complete their roles as well as expanding in areas where they see opportunities. The Vice President is involved in all areas of Staff Assembly and I would work closely with the board to find out where they need support. I would also work on creating more opportunities for staff across campus to become involved with Staff Assembly, either through attending events, volunteering on one of our committees, or sharing their feedback on the big issues impacting staff across campus. UCR can't function without every role on campus and every area has its own needs to create a successful work environment. It would be part of my role as Vice President to make sure that people from all areas are given an opportunity to voice their needs and be part of the campus community.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
In the upcoming year, Staff Assembly will need to focus on continuing to advocate for staff growth. Making sure staff are supported in the personal and professional growth is vitally important to Staff Assembly's mission. We can do this with increased programming on resources available to staff as well as working with other groups and departments across campus to find additional resources in our community that address the needs of staff. We can also advocate at the UCOP level to gain additional benefits for our staff that meets their needs.
Biography
I am the HR Director for CNAS and current Director of Professional Development for Staff Assembly. I have a BS in Psychology from UCSD and a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University. I have 10 years of HR experience, with almost 8 years at UCR. I participate in a number of cross-campus initiatives, including the New Highlander Welcome event, Chancellor's Making Excellence Inclusive program, and the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. I aim to celebrate the great parts of working at UCR in every aspect of my work and work to improve where staff need additional support. On a personal note, I have five cats and if you've ever been on a zoom call with me, you have likely seen at least one of them as they love dropping in on meetings.
Penni Ebina
Incumbent Director of Finance
Purchasing Specialist, Auxiliary Services Budget & Finance
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
I am running for a 10th year as the Director of Finance position because I have always supported Staff Assembly's purpose to enhance the functioning of UCR, by promoting the interests and welfare of all staff career employees. I want to continue to be an active part of this organization
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
If re-elected, I will use my financial skills to continue to maintain fiscal control and compliance of the Staff Assembly funds. I would also like to see some ways we can enhance fundraising and impact the largest number of staff members in the most exciting ways
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to prioritize in 2024-25?
I think that during the upcoming year, Staff Assembly needs to continue they ways we have brought staff more involvement, Recognition, Development and staff connection even in this Hybrid situation, and expand our Virtual Bingo to more Campuses to hopefully have hybrid sessions!
Biography
My name is Penni Ebina and I have been on the UCR campus for over 21 years. I am currently a Purchasing Specialist within the Auxiliary Services Budget & Finance Unit. I have made strong relationships with colleagues that I value throughout my time here at UCR. This is my chance to be active in an organization who recognizes all that staff does for us here at UCR. Please vote for me as Director of Finance. Thank you.
Cierra Covarrubias
Incumbent Director of Fundraising
Human Resources Generalist, FAST
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
I have enjoyed spending the last year on the board and would like to continue to work with Staff Assembly. It has been a wonderful experience getting to meet and engage with so many staff at the various events.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
I would like to continue to grow my position as the Director of Fundraising to be able to secure more funds for Staff Assembly to be able to host additional events for Staff. Our staff work incredibly hard and deserve to be appreciated!
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
Staff Assembly does a wonderful job in advocating for and celebrating staff!
Biography
Cierra has worked within the UC system for 7 years, spending her first two year at UCOP before coming to campus. She has enjoyed working with Staff Assembly during her first year on the board and is looking forward to continuing on her journey as the Director of Fundraising.
Kourtney Luke
Incumbent Director of Marketing & Communications
Lead Academic Advisor, CNAS
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
As someone who enjoys advocacy professionally and personally, joining Staff Assembly is an excellent opportunity for me to contribute to a meaningful impact on campus. I am interested in continuing in this role for Staff Assembly because I like being a part of an organization that promotes the interests of staff, provides opportunities for personal and professional development, and fosters communication among staff and faculty.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
My goal is to continue to enhance communication and engagement among UCR staff, focusing on strengthening Staff Assembly's digital communication presence. This involves crafting a comprehensive strategy incorporating updates from Staff Assembly alongside relevant content from across the UC Riverside community. I would like to also highlight the dedicated staff on our campus that contribute to making UCR a wonderful community.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
In the upcoming academic year, I believe Staff Assembly should continue its advocacy and support of staff and faculty on campus through various initiatives. This entails prioritizing programing that addresses the diverse needs and concerns of our community, facilitating meaningful connections, and fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, investing in scholarships can further empower individuals to pursue professional growth and academic endeavors, contributing to a more enriched and dynamic campus environment. Moreover, providing ample professional development opportunities tailored to the evolving landscape of higher education is essential for equipping staff and faculty with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their roles.
Biography
This past year I've enjoyed working in my role as the Director, Marketing and Communications for the 23-24 academic year for Staff Assembly. It has been a fulfilling experience, allowing me to leverage my skill to contribute to the efforts of fostering meaningful connections within the UCR community. I'm genuinely passionate about continuing to evolve in this position, eager to contribute to the organization's objectives while embracing opportunities for growth and development.
My journey into marketing and communications began six years ago when I created a social media cooking channel for my son, aimed at raising awareness about food allergies among kids and families. This endeavor provided me with invaluable experience in digital media, storytelling, and multi-channel marketing, underscoring the importance of creating engaging and relatable content. Complementing this practical experience, my academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Art with a concentration in photography, offering me a unique perspective on visual storytelling and design. Additionally, I hold a Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, which has deepened my understanding of effective communication strategies and collaboration within academic environments. As I aspire to contribute my diverse skill set to the Staff Assembly, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in furthering our collective goals.
Sarah Dillon
Incumbent Director of Professional Development
CNAS HR Director, CNAS Personnel Service Center
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
One of the best parts of UCR is the community and Staff Assembly plays a big part of creating a great campus environment for the staff at UCR. I am running for a position on the board so I can continue working to advocate for staff, create amazing programming that develops staff, and recognize the contributions staff make across our campus.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
If elected for this position, I would continue to find unique opportunities for staff to learn about new things through our Lunch and Learn series. I would also continue advertising our scholarship program to increase how many staff are aware of and can take advantage of the benefit offered. I'll also continue working on the UCR Staff Conference and Highlander Mentor Connection boards to help expand those programs for our campus. I would love to see participation in those two programs grow even more in the coming year.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
In the upcoming year, Staff Assembly will need to focus on continuing to advocate for staff growth. Making sure staff are supported in the personal and professional growth is vitally important to Staff Assembly's mission. We can do this with increased programming on resources available to staff as well as working with other groups and departments across campus to find additional resources in our community that address the needs of staff. We can also advocate at the UCOP level to gain additional benefits for our staff that meets their needs.
Biography
I am the HR Director for CNAS and current Director of Professional Development for Staff Assembly. I have a BS in Psychology from UCSD and a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Arizona State University. I have 10 years of HR experience, with almost 8 years at UCR. I participate in a number of cross-campus initiatives, including the New Highlander Welcome event, Chancellor's Making Excellence Inclusive program, and the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women. I aim to celebrate the great parts of working at UCR in every aspect of my work and work to improve where staff need additional support. On a personal note, I have five cats and if you've ever been on a zoom call with me, you have likely seen at least one of them as they love dropping in on meetings.
Kate Dorff
Incumbent Director of Events
Manager of External Relations, Strategic Initiatives School of Medicine
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
I feel passionately about providing opportunities for staff to be engaged in their work environment and get to know one another.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
I would like us to facilitate more hybrid events for staff to attend from any location.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
I would like to see staff assembly continue to provide staff with opportunities to connect across colleges and departments as well as provide them with valuable resources for their own wellbeing and professional development.
Biography
Kate Dorff is the manager of external relations and protocol in the Strategic Initiatives unit of the School of Medicine. In this capacity she provides strategic communications support and manages public facing events. She has previously worked for CHASS ARTSbock and Undergraduate Admissions at UCR. She is the recipient of the School of Medicine’s Values in Action Award and is a member of the School’s Staff Professional Development committee. Kate has worked in academic events for more than 10 years. She is a mother of four young children and enjoys spending her free time with her family.
Annalicia Garcia
Assistant Director of Programming and Career Development, Office of Alumni Engagement
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
Having recently celebrated my one-year anniversary at UCR, I am deeply invested in our staff community and eager to contribute to its continued growth and success. As a current member of the Recognition Committee, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of our staff members. It has been a rewarding experience, and I am excited about the opportunity to expand my involvement by taking on a leadership role in promoting staff involvement and recognition across the board. I am particularly drawn to this position because of its focus on creating opportunities for staff involvement and ensuring that all members feel valued and appreciated. From recruiting members for various committees to facilitating recognition efforts, I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and appreciation within our community.
My experience on the Recognition Committee, coupled with my organizational skills and dedication to teamwork, has prepared me well for the responsibilities outlined for the Director of Involvement & Recognition. I am confident in my ability to effectively recruit committee members, chair the Recognition Committee, and coordinate recognition efforts to ensure that every staff member feels recognized and affirmed for their contributions. I firmly believe that fostering appreciation and support is crucial for cultivating a positive work environment, and I'm enthusiastic about being part of these initiatives. My candidacy for this position stems from my strong belief in the significance of staff engagement and recognition. I'm deeply passionate about contributing to the ongoing success of our staff community at UCR. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve in this capacity and would be honored to have the chance to make a positive impact in this role.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
If elected as Director of Involvement and Recognition, I plan to build upon the existing framework of the position while also introducing new initiatives to further enhance staff engagement and recognition at UCR. Here are some of my proposed plans: (1) Strengthen Committee Recruitment - Implement targeted recruitment strategies to ensure diverse representation on all Staff Assembly Committees by organizing information sessions during staff meetings to encourage participation and provide insights into committee roles and responsibilities. (2) Expand Recognition Efforts - introduce new forms of recognition, such as specific award categories, peer-to-peer recognition programs, and departmental shout-outs. (3) Enhance Volunteer Engagement - implement a structured volunteer program such as developing an orientation session for new volunteers, covering committee expectations, communication channels, and resources necessary to excel in their roles. (4) Developing a Comprehensive Survey - create a survey to gather insights into staff involvement, collect info on staff members' specialized skill sets and including questions about recognition preferences.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
(1) Developing a Comprehensive Survey: (A) Create a survey to gather insights into staff involvement, including reasons for participation or barriers to engagement. (B) Collecting information on staff members' specialized skill sets to match them with suitable committee roles or perhaps a one-time project. (C) Include questions about recognition preferences to ensure that appreciation efforts align with staff preferences. (D) Incorporate inquiries about desired professional development and personal development opportunities to identify areas of interest and skills development needs among staff members. After conducting the survey, the next steps would involve analyzing the data gathered and taking action based on the insights obtained.
Biography
Annalicia Hernandez Garcia (she/her/ella) is a dynamic Latina millennial and First-Generation Professional with over a decade of experience in Higher Education. Celebrating her recent one-year milestone with the Office of Alumni Engagement at UCR, Annalicia is committed to maximizing skill sets for impact. Embodying the motto, “Empowering Dreams, Cultivating Futures,” she focuses on unlocking potential, igniting passions, and embracing purpose to empower individuals for success. With a dedicated passion for educational leadership, career development, and impactful initiatives, Annalicia has driven her career in higher education.
Recognized as a problem solver, innovative thinker, and transformative leader, Annalicia possesses strong emotional intelligence. Excelling in analytical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, creativity, organization, and time management, she is on a mission to inspire, empower, and amplify the voices and stories of first-generation professionals who are living their dreams, making an impact in communities, and opening doors for the next generation.
Whitney Hadiwono Ibarra
AAPI Data Programs and Special Initiatives Coordinator, School of Public Policy
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
I am interested in in being the Director of Administration (Secretary) because I am interested in being more involved with the UCR Community. At my previous institution, I was involved with the Asian Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Association and the Council of Academic Advisors. Now that I am approaching my one year anniversary at UCR, I would like to be more involved with the Highlander campus. I enjoy being involved and being a part of creating a stronger campus culture and community with the campus I now call home. I look forward to serving in any capacity!
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
If elected, I want to continue the great work of previous Director of Administrators and provide additional organization to the role. For staff assembly board meetings, I will make sure to send board meeting agendas and minutes in a timely manner on iShare.ucr.edu. I will also update folders and files. I will communicate timely and effectively to the rest of the board members and the UCR community.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
I think Staff Assembly needs to focus on creating community in various ways. One thing I think would be nice is to connect with the Staff Assembly board members directly through a Meet the Board event. It would be nice as a general member to meet the board directly, via in person or Zoom event. Also, as a remote staff member, it would be nice to do a virtual mixer/networking event with breakout rooms and allow folx to connect with others they never met.
Biography
Hello Highlanders! My name is Whitney Hadiwono Ibarra (she/her/hers) and I am honored to be considered as your Director of Administration. As a virtual staff member to the UCR community, I have benefited from the events and programs put on by Staff Assembly. Now, I want to give back to the Highlander community by serving as the Director of Administration. I am the one on Zoom meetings that enjoys taking notes, so I know I will really enjoy serving in this role. I also have experience as a legal secretary, programming, and academic advisor and I will utilize my skills to support the Staff Assembly board in all ways I can. I want to be the best support for the staff community, so please feel free to reach out to me at whitney.ibarra@ucr.edu if you have any questions or just want to connect. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Briana Ellico
Academic Affairs Analyst III, CHASS Deans Office
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
To ensure operations run smoothly, communications and data are accurate and timely; to engage with Staff, continue to learn and help others grow.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
To look for efficiencies and tools to best interact with staff and stakeholders supporting.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
Celebrating small wins, finding efficiencies and providing tools to staff, with focus on development and prevention.
Biography
I am a proactive problem solver always looking for efficiencies and opportunities to improve processes and staff experiences. I have over ten years of experience in public administration in legal and education administration. I enjoy working with people, hiking, traveling, animals and love Disney. As a former Art student, I am a big picture person who thinks out of the box. My educational background includes Public Administration, Human Resource Mangement and Paralegal Studies.
Vanessa Blaylock
Resident Director, Residential Education
Why are you running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board?
I am running for a position on the Staff Assembly Board because of the personal and professional support I have received from the Staff Assembly throughout this academic year, and I would be thrilled to deliver that same energy and presence for other staff members at UC Riverside.
If elected, what are your plans for the position(s) for which you are running?
If elected, I plan to push the programming and Staff Assembly initiatives and opportunities through creativity and increase outreach to ensure more of the UC Riverside staff is aware and able to participate in more of the SA events.
What do you think Staff Assembly needs to Prioritize in 2024-25?
I believe Staff Assembly does great work with providing awesome events for staff like the UCR Staff Conference and holiday parties. To me, a big focus should be on expanding the participation from staff for more attendance at programs and even with volunteering opportunities to build on the staff community at UC Riverside.
Biography
Vanessa Blaylock is a dedicated Resident Director in the department of Residential Education and is passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive communities within our UC Riverside educational settings. With a strong background in education and a commitment to service, Vanessa actively engages in volunteering with Staff Assembly committees and initiatives along with mentorship programs through LEAD, aiming to empower and uplift individuals within and beyond her community. Her approach emphasizes outreach and collaboration, believing in the power of collective effort to create positive change. Through her work, Vanessa strives to cultivate environments where all staff members feel valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.