When we create spaces where people can be vulnerable, share their stories, and discuss the challenges we face in our day-to-day work, we discover the common threads that unite us.

Marliz Copado (she/her)
A‌nchor Institution Mission Procurement Lead, 
Strategic Sourcing Professional, 
FAS PRIDE Advisory Committee Co-chair‌
UCSF Finance‌‌‌

Christina Houston (she/her) ‌
Clinical Application Analyst, 
FAS PRIDE Advisory Committee Co-chair‌
UCSF IT ‌

Marliz and Christina's PRIDE 

Tell us about your roles. 

Marliz: I lead efforts that support small businesses, aligning programs from UCOP, state, federal, and local agencies with UCSF’s mission to advance health worldwide for campus goods and services purchasing. My roles leverage procurement practices, sourcing strategy, and compliance to steward resources responsibly while building partnerships that benefit both UCSF and our local community.‌

I help shape procurement strategies that go beyond traditional cost-saving measures. I take an analytical approach to assess the impact of our buying practices, supporting UCSF's Anchor Institution Mission and commitment to responsible procurement as a key pillar.

Christina: I’ve been working in healthcare for over 10 years, focusing on Health IT, specifically our electronic health record (EHR) system, APeX. My role as a Clinical Application Analyst is centered on Radiant, which manages the radiology side of APeX. My main goal is to ensure the system is accessible, inclusive, and accurate for patients and their families while also providing our UCSF users with the tools and support they need to navigate it effectively.

Thank you for being FAS PRIDE Advisory Committee Co-chairs. Can you tell us more about the committee?

Christina: This is our first year as co-chairs, and we’re so excited about the opportunity to step into these roles. Our committee is small but filled with passionate people who are making a big difference. Like any leadership transition, we’ve had our share of challenges—new administration, new policies—but we’re pulling together, regrouping, and feeling energized for what’s ahead. Our goal this year is to really strengthen and highlight our PRIDE Values, while also creating spaces where everyone, whether it’s our committee members or the larger FAS community, can connect, collaborate, and feel supported. 

Marliz: The work of the committee aligns closely with my role at UCSF as a small business advocate. Just as I advocate for small businesses to ensure they have a voice and opportunity in our procurement practices, the committee focuses on representing the diverse cultural backgrounds and collective community that make up UCSF. Our mission is to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. ‌

What has been a favorite moment so far?

Marliz: My favorite moment so far has been the Leading with Empathy and Empowerment event we held during International Women’s Week at the UCSF Faculty-Alumni House (attendee photo above). It was incredible to see so many remarkable women leaders in the room, sharing their stories and experiences. The event felt like a delightful experience for me and a proud moment for our team—Christina, Christine Sweet, and Klint Jaramillo. I vividly remember us smiling throughout the event, in awe of the powerful stories we heard and the sense of connection we felt.

Through incredible panelists—Senior Vice Chancellor Erin Gore, LaMisha Hill Weller, PhD, Maria Jaochico, EdD, and Connie Calderon-Jensen—I gained insights into their journeys that amplified themes of courage and empowerment in ways I hadn’t known before. 

The event was a powerful reminder of the strength we gain from community. When we create spaces where people can be vulnerable, share their stories, and discuss the challenges we face in our day-to-day work, we discover the common threads that unite us.

Christina:  I couldn’t agree more; it was truly an incredible moment for all of us. Our FAS PRIDE Committee is all about creating spaces where people feel vulnerable, supported, and empowered to connect and build community together.

FAVORITE COOKIE JAR TREAT:

Marliz: Ube cookie from small local business Hungry Crumbs (handcrafted stuffed cookies) and Mexican Choco flan 
Christina: Chocolate chip cookies and S’mores

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