HDAE Highlights V6N2
Micro-articles about Our Staff & Communities
HDAE Staff Recognized for their Excellence!
Campus Dining Executive Director, Jill Horst was recognized by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies as the 2024 Top Operator. "Campus dining at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) has long been known as a foodservice leader in the college and university segment.
That makes Jill Horst’s elevation of the program that much more impressive as she continues to move the needle even further at UCSB while also influencing campus dining across the country. (continue reading).
University and Community Housing Services Assistant Director, Jenn Birchim was featured in The Current's recent article about her support of students. "When four rental apartments in Isla Vista were evacuated briefly after heavy rains caused a deck collapse in early 2024, Jennifer Ja Birchim made her way to the site almost immediately. Although the units are landlord-owned and only partially occupied by UC Santa Barbara students, she made a quick decision. “It was better for me to have an eye on the scene,” said Birchim, a long-term staff member of the University and Community Housing Services Office (UCHS). “A huge part of my work is wanting to be there and supporting the students.” (continue reading).
Performance Management and Bilingual Training Specialist for HDAE, Gracie Huerta was the featured keynote speaker for the 31st Professional Women's Association Conference, Amplify! During the conference, Gracie was also awarded the Unsung Heroine Award for her dedication to empowering others, amplifying voices too often unheard, and making space for all to come together for learning and growth. Gracie was recognized at the conference and will also be recognized at the Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, May 7.
The Work Life Balance Work Group is seeking your feedback!
In Fall 2022, Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Enterprises (HDAE) invited all staff to engage in a survey administered by McLean & Company. This survey provided insight around staff experiences across their roles in HDAE and how well the department is doing in creating an engaging place to work.
The Work Life Balance Work Group is asking for more information to help ensure the many voices of HDAE are heard. This will help us provide recommendations that positively and effectively impact HDAE employees.
We are committed to ensuring anonymity within this survey, and as such, you will not be asked to provide any personally identifiable information. The survey consists of 12 scaled questions and 3 open-ended questions. The feedback collected in this survey will be reviewed by the work group and HDAE leadership to take action to best support the employee needs of HDAE. We thank you in advance for your participation!
Work Life Balance Work Group: Alejandra Orozco, David Sanders, Gracie Huerta, Hugo Rios, Jared Martinez, Jarrod Colvin, Lori Nicolaides, Martina Ubaldo & Yasmin Quigley