Cougar Spotlight

The Staff Center highlights an employee from CSUSM so their colleagues can learn more about them and their role on campus. Jump to: Previous Spotlights. 

Erika Vasquez
Success Coach
Student Affairs

How long have you been with CSUSM?
I started right after received my undergraduate degree in 2009. It’s been 13 years.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be and why?
Dedicated - I take pride in my professional and personal work as well as supporting our students with their goals.

When you have downtime, how do you like to spend it?
My family enjoys spending time together in nature. It lets us unwind and relax. I also enjoy reading. Right now, I am reading Total Meditation: Practices in Living the Awakened Life by Deepak Chopra.

Let’s say you have 30-seconds in an elevator and are asked to describe your role on campus, what would you say?
I proactively connect with first-year students to support them in their transition to CSUSM and provide resources that are tailored to meet their academic, engagement, and holistic goals.  I address an array of success coaching topics that build on their academic success. Students self-assess on areas of growth and further development to find solutions to challenges and be on track to meet their SMART goals.  To engage, motivate and empower students, I share holistic resources for college success. In addition, students are provided with tools to plan, reflect, and learn effective strategies that allow them to thrive in and outside the classroom.  When needed, I refer students to our campus resources for additional support. I also work with my team on assessment initiatives and design thinking projects. And collaborate with our campus partners to expand on our programming efforts as well as shared goals.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I really enjoy working with a supportive and dynamic team. It is a family atmosphere that allows us to grow. It is also very rewarding to see our students grow and reach their goals.

Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
Be collaborative, spend time on professional/holistic development, network, and invest time on your wellness.

Previous Spotlights

• Kimberly Askew - Sponsored Projects Analyst - CSUSM Corporation

  

  How long have you been with CSUSM Corporation?
  I’ve been with the Corporation since September 2018. It’s hard to believe I’m working on my fourth year now.

  If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be and why?
  Assertive – I am comfortable expressing my thoughts and feelings most of the time. I am like two different people at home and at work, but I am assertive in both settings. I’m a direct person, sometimes to a fault, however, I think if you asked anyone that knows me, they would think this was a pretty fair assessment.

  When you have downtime, how do you like to spend it?
  I love to travel, experience new things and different cultures. My favorite destination to visit is the Caribbean because I love the water in the Caribbean- warm and clear. I try not to visit the same place multiple times because there is so much to see but I wouldn’t mind visiting Jamaica again. I really enjoyed my time there, but it doesn’t matter where I go, even domestic. It could be to Vegas or on a trip with my family, I just love to travel.

  The other thing I like to do in my downtown is spend time with my family. We (I) like planning stuff for us to do as a family even around the house. We are all pretty close and spend a lot of time together.

  Let’s say you have 30-seconds in an elevator and are asked to describe your role on campus, what would you say?
  Anytime someone gives money there’s usually strings attached. Principal investigators are faculty members who have secured external funding.  My role on campus is to help the Principal Investigators manage those funds. It is my job to ensure expenditures are in line with sponsor guidelines as well as our internal policies and procedures. I’m responsible for submitting financial reports required by the sponsor, reviewing contracts, issuing subawards, taking care of any invoicing for the project as well as re-budgeting as necessary. Of course, this is just a glimpse of a day in the life of the Office of Sponsored Projects.

  What do you enjoy most about your role?
  Professionally, I enjoy order. It’s nice to help others navigate the complexities associated with rules, regulations, and compliance; helping to bring order to what was once, or had the potential to be, chaos.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  Understand people have different perspectives and challenges than you may have. Being respectful and attentive goes a long way with building relationships and creating a positive environment.

• Rochelle Smarr - Director, Service Learning & Civic Engagement - Office of Undergraduate Studies

  How long have you been with CSUSM?
  I’ve been on campus since Nov. 2019, so a little over two years. 

  If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be and why?
  Resilient – I always try to bounce back and figure out a way to manage whatever is thrown at me. 

  You forgot that Monday is a holiday and have nothing planned, what would you do?
  I would go to the dog park. I could be outside in nature and spend time with my dog. 

  Let’s say you have 30-seconds in an elevator and are asked to describe your role on campus, what would you say?
  I connect students to opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and with the community. In my role, I connect students to community service projects to address local social concerns and connect them to local city governance opportunities to foster civic engagement. Service learning opportunities are different than internships because they connect academic learning with a meaningful related community project. Students reflect in-class and at their community partner sites on their understandings of social issues. Service learning completes 15-25 hours a semester, along with earning class credit. Academic Internships integrate the student’s academic study with hands-on, professional experience in a cooperating organization related to the student’s career interests. 

  What do you enjoy most about your role and/or your time here at CSUSM?
  I enjoy working with people, on and off campus, who are passionate about community engagement.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  Reach out, connect and collaborate outside of your bubble, network outside of your department, and be open to new ideas.

• Kevane Coleman - Administrative Support Coordinator - Art, Media, and Design Department/Dance Studies Program - School of Arts

  How long have you been on campus? 
  My first day on campus was March 16, 2020. I completed my sign-in documents with HR and spent about a half day training in the CHABSS Dean’s Office and then about 30 minutes in my actual office before we were sent home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I was on campus a handful of times during the Fall 20/21 semester. Working remotely, in many ways, has been a blessing because it has allowed me to care for my mother who is in a memory care facility in Charlotte, NC with dementia and offer additional support to the rest of my family.

  If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would that word be and why?
  Caring – I understand the importance of possessing empathy- putting myself in someone else’s shoes provides me with a deeper understanding of what they are going through and it is something that is very meaningful to me. Being a caring and thoughtful person has allowed me to create and nurture relationships, so that I am better poised to adapt, approach, and support our faculty, staff, and students.

  When you find that you have some extra time in your day, how do you like to spend it?
  When I find extra time in my workday, I participate in CSU Learn trainings for professional development and explore the CSUSM website to familiarize myself with the campus, various departments/offices, and to learn more about how in my role and within the School of Arts, I can support student success in the best way possible. Family is one of the most important things to me and when I find that I have extra time outside of work, I utilize that time in the best way possible-nurturing and caring for my family members. I am also a professional actor, singer, and dancer and apart from being in a pandemic over the past two years, I perform throughout the country in musicals and plays. I have even had the incredible opportunity of dancing with the Boston Ballet for four years while I was an undergraduate at Boston College.  

  Let’s say you have 30-seconds in an elevator and are asked to describe your role in the School of Arts, what would you say?
  I am an ASC for the Art, Media, and Design Department as well as the Dance Studies Program in the School of Arts. I have also been temporarily supporting Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. I partner and collaborate with my Department Chairs and Program Directors to ensure that we are operating the departments/programs in the most efficient way possible and that our faculty have the resources that they need to provide our students with the best education possible.

  What do you enjoy most about your role and/or your time here at CSUSM?
  The familial nature of our campus. CSUSM is a family and even though I have only been on campus a handful of times, I feel that the organization really cares about me and appreciates the work that I am doing. I can also see that my work contributes to the overall mission of the university and it feels wonderful knowing that what I do every day makes a huge difference. Since coming to CSUSM, I have felt very accepted, acknowledged, appreciated, and heard and that goes a long way to making this community feel even more like a family.

  What would you say has been the most challenging for you given that much of your time here at CSUSM has been spent working virtually?
  It has been a challenge trying to understand and learn all the processes and procedures. Everyone has their own unique way of completing tasks. I’ve had to learn CSUSM processes from many people and then compile all that knowledge to figure out my own process/procedure. It is very important to me to have clarity with everything that I am responsible for. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge all of my colleagues- the other ASC’s within Academic Affairs because they have been a great resource and I have learned that they are always willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need and I truly appreciate that.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  CSUSM is a family and that’s important to remember. At the end of the day, we are all in this together. Lean on each other, collaborate, and partner within your departments and outside of your departments. Don’t be afraid to take on additional things outside of your job description, but at the same time, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Know your bandwidth and boundaries.

• Martin Leya - Project Rebound Coordinator - Student Support Services

   How long have you been on campus?
  I was a graduate student at CSUSM from 2016-18 and once I graduated, I then started my career as a lecturer teaching courses that I know well. This led me to my position with Project Rebound.

  What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t helping our students?
  I have lots of hobbies, but my favorite thing to do right now is power lifting. I am new to the sport and it is part of my self-care. I also enjoy creating art using different mediums like jewelry making and word working, painting, and installation art. 

  What is your favorite memory of CSUSM?
  My favorite memory is the day I graduated with my Master’s degree. My mom was there and after I walked across the stage, she handed me an eagle wing. The eagle is strong medicine that takes our prayers up to the Creator, it was such an honor having her hand that medicine to me. She always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and that day, I was able to make her proud. It was especially meaningful because she passed away a couple months later. I am happy she was able to be there that day. I was happy that she saw me go from Prison Uniforms to a master’s cap and gown.

  What is your elevator pitch for Project Rebound?
  Project Rebound is a necessity for our students. There is a stigma attached to those who have been marginalized most of their life, especially those of us who were in prison. We need a home and support from like-minded individuals who they can relate to. Our goal is to help our students graduate, move beyond their past challenges, like incarceration and addiction, and find success. We also offer them services and support that they may be embarrassed or not know how to ask for like financial support, mental and emotional support, mentoring, tutoring and help with record expungement. Our program helps our students build confidence, self-esteem and value.

  What would you say has been the most rewarding aspect of coordinating Project Rebound?
  The imposter syndrome is strong among many who are formerly incarcerated. They find themselves with a new set of challenges and don’t always believe that they can live up to expectations or even graduate. It’s hard to explain, but it is so rewarding to watch as their confidence grows, and they start to believe in themselves.

  What have you found to be most challenging over the past year?
  Usually the program has a 100% retention rate. This year, two of our students decided to take the semester off. A lot of our students have found the past 15 months challenging. At the beginning, it seemed easy for our students because this was something they were familiar with.  Though as time went on, our students started to feel lonely. Campus is a safety net for them. When they couldn’t leave their homes, it brought them back to those feelings of isolation and being incarcerated. We heard words like “lock-down” and those words have trauma attached to them.

  What have you enjoyed most over the past year?
  Virtual meetings are not always the best, but the conversations I am having with my students and future students are still making a difference. I have enjoyed finding creative ways to make my classes more interactive as well. Also, in these challenging times, with my own depression and anxiety, I have enjoyed getting to know a new me, a better me, and working on myself even more. Healing is so important, and it becomes a great teacher. And, spending more time with my daughter and pup is beautiful.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  We are all in this together. Learn how to take care, respect and honor yourself. We must be good to ourselves to be good for others. We deserve to treat ourselves well. So, do it. 

• Marilyn McWilliams - Administrative Assistant - Office of Inclusive Excellence

  How long have you been on campus?
  23 ½ years – Jan 1998 – Present
  
  Have you held any other positions on campus?
  Life at CSUSM started as an Administrative Assistant with the first preschool/childcare Early Learning Center (ELC) in Associated Students Inc. (ASI). During that time, we were not located on campus, but offsite about a mile and a half away. We then moved right off Barham, yet closer to campus but still offsite. I then left ASI ELC to become the Administrative Coordinator, still within ASI but now I was on campus working directly with the students. Once the Office of Diversity, Educational Equity and Inclusion was established in 2011, I became the first Administrative Assistant, in support of the office which is now named the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

   What is your favorite memory of CSUSM?
  A memory that I can really remember, that turned into an embarrassing moment, was when I serenaded the Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Neal Hoss on his 50th birthday. As I finished singing “Happy Birthday Mr. Vice President”, Marilyn Monroe style, I noticed that the President of the University, Dr. Karen Haynes was standing in the crowd. Oh my, all I could do was exit quietly and then proceed to let my supervisor know just what had happened. Needless to say, that is a memory that will never leave me. Although fun, at the time, it was an embarrassing moment, and believe me, there have been many more throughout my 23+ years at CSUSM.

  If you had to describe your role on campus in one word what would that be? Why did you choose that word?Teamwork - I strive to be the best team player I can be. I will roll up my sleeves and assist wherever I can to make sure an event, a program, a meeting, a student, and even visitors feel supported.

  What is your favorite thing about working in OIE?
  The inaugural All People’s Luncheon that was held in October 2015. Our keynote speaker was Dr. Shirley Weber who was then the 79th Assembly District Member and now appointed to become California’s first Black Woman Secretary of State. The theme was Diversity Matters and she spoke from the heart and touched many students, faculty and staff. The ASI President, during that time, was Tiffany Boyd and after she graduated from CSUSM in 2016, she became a Fellow in Dr. Weber’s office. She was then hired as a Legislative Aide and then promoted to Dr. Weber’s Deputy Press Secretary.

  That was definitely a moment of pride being the catalyst that introduced Tiffany to Dr. Weber.

  What are you looking forward to most about returning to campus?
  Being connected back with colleagues and students. Shaking up the campus halls and offices with my booming and boisterous voice making sure that everyone is alert. Creating a campus climate that is inclusive, equitable and an enjoyable experience for all.

  Do you have a favorite place to go or favorite thing to do during the summer?
  Spending time with family and going to Disneyland with the grands. I also loved to go to the movies, alone for some me time, but not sure when I’ll pick that back up.

  What are your favorite movies to watch?
  I love oldies, like When Harry Met Sally. That infamous “lunch scene” was my favorite part of the movie. A good horror is also on my list, like Candyman. I used to scare my daughter all the time by saying his name in the mirror three times. I also love a good thriller, drama, and comedy. Nothing is off limits. I’ll watch just about anything.

  What have you enjoyed most about working for CSUSM for over 23 years?
  The people. I have been able to meet so many different people through the years and many of them have become family. When I first started on campus in the ASI Early learning Center, I really enjoyed having fun with all the kids. Then, when I moved to campus, I was able to meet our students and watch how they flourished during their time with us.  There are so many different people on our campus and I enjoyed meeting as many as I could.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  Make sure to laugh and be supportive of one another. Always remember to stay positive and know that we are all in this together. Life is about what you make it, so make the best of every opportunity you have to help someone. Smile if you can’t laugh and just see the joy in someone else’s achievements, accomplishments, milestones, and face when you do. 

• Rosa Solorio - Custodian - Facility Services

  How long have you been on campus?
  In December, it will be three years.

  What is your favorite thing to do when not working?
  I love to hike and spend time with my family. One of our favorite places to hike is Daley Ranch in Escondido.

  What is your favorite memory of CSUSM?
  My favorite memory is when I worked Commencement in 2019. I helped direct students and parents away from the pathway that leads to McMahan House. I really enjoyed working with all the CSUSM staff as one big team.

  If you had to describe your job in one word, what would that be?
  Active. I am always moving around and willing to help however I can. My phone keeps track of my steps and I usually reach close to 10,000 steps before I go home.

  It’s Commencement Season, what is your favorite thing about this time of year?
  I really enjoy watching all of the graduates come to campus to take their photos. It is fun watching them celebrate with their families and reflect on their accomplishments.

• Perla Rivas - Counselor - TRIO Support Services

  How long have you been on campus?
  If you include my time as a student assistant, I have been on campus for 18 years.

  What is your favorite memory of CSUSM?
  Commencement is my favorite. Every year, we celebrate the resiliency and success of our students. It is a big deal, especially for our first gen students who are not only fulfilling their own dream of finishing college but of their parent’s as well.

  And I love seeing the diversity of families celebrating student success, student’s honoring their parents, and I love how our students decorate their caps to share their challenges and successes. 

  If you had to describe your role on campus in one word what would that be? Why did you choose that word?
  Passion. It was between four words, but I went back to my life’s purpose which is to empower, mentor, and help our student’s find their own passion and accomplish their dreams.

  You have many different roles on campus. You are a TRIO Counselor, a CSUSM Corp and Student Affairs staff member, the Secretary for LAFS and a Staff Center Committee member. What do you like most about your many different roles on campus?
  I love how each role allows me to work with different people and enhance the resources and knowledge I have to help my student. It also helps me be a better ambassador for our campus and our mission.

  What do you enjoy most about working with students?
  It is very rewarding contributing to their academic path and getting to know their stories. I learn about their challenges and am able to help them individually because I know what they are going through.

  With most of us working from home, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced?
  I miss not being on campus the most and being able to make more personal connections with my students and colleagues. I am embracing the time I have with my 3-year old while I can though. I know that this will not last forever.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  It is so very important that we are taking care of ourselves. Mental health and self-care are sacred. Don’t be ashamed to take a day off to recover. You can’t pour out of an empty cup. Take care of yourself.

• Sonia Perez - Faculty Mentoring Program and Faculty Center Coordinator

  How long have you been on campus?
  I’ve been on campus since 2003. I started in the Office of Biomedical Research & Training (OBRT), Now OTRES. Then in 2007, I stepped into the role of coordinator for the Faculty Mentoring Program and in 2010, the coordinator position for the Faculty Center was added to my role.

  What is your role and how do you support our campus?
  I really love what I am doing here. I never know what my day will be like because it’s always different. I need to be really organized though. My two roles are very different and can be quite complex because I am balancing so many different areas at the same time.

  My role with the Faculty Center includes supporting a large group of people including the director, associate director, four faculty fellows and three to five Faculty Learning Community Leaders. There is a lot of coordination needed to support the faculty fellows and leaders because they are managing so many tasks at the same time. Also, the fellows are only in their position for two years and leaders for one semester or a year. It is so important that I maintain the information needed to continue their work.
  
  I really enjoy being able to build relationships with our new faculty through everyday interactions and some of the events the Center holds. The New Faculty Institute is a 2-3 day training session during the summer. It gives me the opportunity to really engage with our faculty and get to know them.

  I feel like I am much more involved with my other role as the coordinator for the Faculty Mentoring Program though. I work with both the faculty and our students by answering questions and really supporting them by ensuring everyone receives the information they need. I am very proud of how the faculty mentoring program has grown over the years. When I moved over in 2007, there were about 40 students in the program. There are now 150-200 students enrolled in the program and more than 100 faculty mentors!

  What is your favorite restaurant and/or TV show?
  I was actually introduced to my favorite restaurant by a coworker. When we wer eon campus, I would go almost every Friday. It is a family-owned restaurant called Darunee Thai Cuisine, and I saw CSUSM staff and faculty there all the time. And I would say that Everybody Loves Raymond is my favorite TV show. Anytime it is on, I watch it. 

  What is your favorite memory of CSUSM?
  Every year, the Faculty Center holds a Research Colloquium Dinner. It is one of my favorite events all year because I have the opportunity to really get creative in how the event is decorated. I try to base the theme each year on the keynote speaker for that year. It’s funny because people often ask me to what the theme is, but I like to keep it a surprise until the day of the event.

  This one year, I decided to decorate the McMahan House with 50 balloons. The idea was that we would let them deflate overnight and clean up the morning after the event. Turns out, there was an event the morning after, and we had to remove all of the balloons before we left. It wasn’t easy, but we really had a lot of fun trying to figure out how to remove all of these balloons that were floating on the ceiling. We were all laughing so hard by the time it was over. We had to get creative, but we managed to remove them all. It will be the last time I use them to decorate an event though!

  Another favorite memory is when I was told by a coworker that the President called and asked that I call her back. I was nervous because I thought she was going to ask me about NCHEA, a program that I was helping coordinate at the time. I was trying to prepare for the questions she was going to ask me. I was so worried and completely surprised when the President shared that I had won the Zomalt Award. It was very emotional for me and really meant a lot to be recognized for my work.

  With most of us working from home, what has been the biggest change you have had to make?
  It has been a really tough year. Everything is virtual. It is much more difficult to build relationships through Zoom. I really miss being able to catch up with one another in the hallways or before meetings. I was also diagnosed with cancer in May and am now in treatment for five years. I am thankful to be able to be at home, but still miss being able to connect with everyone on campus.

  Is there any advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
  It is really important to keep a positive attitude and be grateful for what we have. Put your whole heart into your job and do it with a smile.

  We want to thank Sonia for taking the time to be our spotlight this month.

• Angela Sanchez - Administrative Analyst & Specialist - Procurement Operations

  How long have you worked on campus?
  Since December 2018. I started the day right before our two-week holiday vacation.

  What is your favorite book, TV show, movie or restaurant?
  My husband and I love trying new restaurants and food in general. One of our local favorites is 264 Fresco in Carlsbad.

  What is your favorite memory of CSUSM?
  It is hard to limit it to just one favorite, so I will share my Top 3. The first was graduating with my master's degree in Sociological Practice. The second was hosting our wedding reception on campus at the McMahan House. The third was beginning my career here at CSUSM.

  Describe your role. What are a few tasks or processes that you are responsible for. 
  My position has changed drastically over the past few months. I transitioned from the Travel Office to Procurement and Contracts. I am grateful for this opportunity and have learned a lot from my new team. Prior to this transition, I didn’t realize just how integral procurement is in the day to day operations of the campus. In my new role, I am reviewing and updating certificates of insurance. I have also been able to work closely with the student placement agreements. Since starting we have been able to streamline that process via Adobe Sign.  

  With most of us working from home, what has been the biggest change you have had to make?
  One of the biggest changes for me is being unable to simply get up and walk over to one of my colleagues with a quick question, or to get their insight on a matter. Also, simply connecting with your colleagues, whether grabbing a quick lunch or taking a walk around campus, has been a change. Thankfully I have become familiar with Teams and that has seemed to bridge the gap in the interim.

  What is your funniest Zoom story?
  I was on a call with the VPFAS Office. That's when my two parakeets decided to become very local. What made the whole situation even funnier was someone else on the call had a cat who really wanted to meet my birds.

  Do you have any advice you would like to share with our other staff?
  We are all going through a transition right now and change can be highly intimidating, especially when it is beyond our control. I think that it is important for all of us to be flexible and open to change. My advice is to view change as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a setback.