Tell us about your role.
In my current role as Director of People and Culture, and Business Process Transformation, my primary goal is to cultivate an inclusive and engaging workplace for our IT staff that resonates with their personal values as well as the mission of UCSF. I am deeply committed to a supportive environment where everyone feels that their contributions are valued, and their voices are heard.
My personal journey as an immigrant from South Africa, where I grew up in the shadow of apartheid, has deeply influenced the way I see and move through the world. It’s shaped my values, my approach to life, and the way I connect with others. The injustices I witnessed have instilled a lifelong passion for restorative justice and creating opportunities for those who traditionally might not have them. I see my career at UCSF as a privilege that allows me to fulfill this purpose, focusing on enhancing human experiences as the heart of my work.
What have you been focusing on for staff engagement?
Recognition. One key area we've focused on is recognition. UCSF has awards for major contributions, but what about those who push beyond their own limits or those who consistently do the small, unseen things that make a difference? How can we shine a light on these unsung heroes, who quietly and steadily shape our community? And what about our neurodivergent colleagues, whose unique perspectives and efforts are often overlooked? We need to find ways to celebrate their contributions too, because recognition should reflect the diverse, quiet strength of all who make UCSF what it is.
Recognition not only boosts engagement and retention but also helps us from a business perspective to ensure our numbers reflect positive outcomes. More importantly, it ensures that the personal stories of our staff are honored and celebrated.
I participated in a restorative justice workshop at UCSF. This experience reinforced the importance of transitioning from punitive measures to a mindset of restoration and support. I believe in second chances.
