What is your role at SJW?
As a Fleet & Facilities Worker II, my main responsibilities include supporting workplace services and capital projects. I thoroughly enjoy supporting capital projects because it provides me with an opportunity to express my creativity and interact with many different work groups and individuals. In addition to my main duties, I perform certain Fleet duties for the company.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to interact with so many of my fellow San Jose Water coworkers, as well as our contractors.
When I first started working at SJW, I was in Maintenance (now known as the DS department). I was working on the trucks, which involved having to change angle stops live. I didn’t like it because — if you know anything about them — changing angle stops live means you’re basically working blind as you put in the new one. You’re hoping it will catch and you won’t have to struggle with it for too long. At first it was scary, but I never let it stop me from doing it. After a while, I got pretty good and could change them quickly and turn the angle stop off with my hand. I’m proud of the fact that even most guys couldn’t do that!
What’s your connection to San Jose? And where are you from originally (if not San Jose)?
My main connection to San Jose is through work with San Jose Water. San Jose has been a place where I could develop professionally and work to support myself and my daughter. The city I would consider myself from is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I grew up in the Midwest and if there’s one thing I miss, it’s the summer festivals and the beautiful snowy winters.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do for fun?
When I am not at work, I love to cook and bake. I make a great pasta sauce and cinnamon swirl bread. I love to dance. My favorite type of music to dance to is Bachata and Cumbias. I’m very crafty. I make wreaths and gift baskets for all kinds of occasions and holidays. I also like to do unique makeup design. Most of all, I love to spend time with my family and friends.
Do you have a favorite sports team?
I am a huge Green Bay Packer fan – a proud cheesehead! I have been since I was a little girl. January 2022, I went to the frozen tundra (Lambeau Field) to see Aaron Rodgers’ last game in Green Bay. I was interviewed while I was there and ended up on the local Green Bay news station! That was such a memorable experience.
I also love baseball and my favorite team is the San Francisco Giants.
Do you have a motto you live by?
No matter how much someone tries to bring you down or tries to make you look bad, just keep your head up, keep walking forward, and never look back. There is nothing back there left for you! Remember, what somebody does in the dark will always come to light.