As a representative on the Staff Council for Georgia Tech, I bring a multifaceted set of experiences, skills, and abilities that uniquely equip me to advocate for the interests and well-being of the university's staff community. I believe my current role as an Academic Program Coordinator for students has equipped me with advocacy skills that can be applied when collaborating with other staff members across campus to ensure everyone’s perspectives are considered in the decision-making process that Staff Council oversees. Here's how I intend to leverage these qualities to effectively serve as a voice for Georgia Tech staff:
1. Communication Skills: Effective communication is paramount in any representative role. I possess strong verbal and written communication skills, allowing me to articulate the concerns, needs, and aspirations of staff members clearly and persuasively. I can ensure that staff voices are heard and understood within the university administration.
2. Empathy and Listening: Understanding the diverse perspectives and challenges of Georgia Tech's staff requires empathy and active listening. I am committed to engaging with staff members from all backgrounds, departments, and roles, actively seeking out their input and feedback. By fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is valued, I can advocate for policies and initiatives across the university.
3. Problem-Solving Skills: The Staff Council often deals with complex issues that require creative solutions. With my background in [relevant field or experience], I bring a strategic and analytical approach to problem-solving. I'm adept at identifying root causes, evaluating potential solutions, and collaborating with stakeholders to implement effective changes that benefit the entire staff community.
4. Teamwork and Collaboration: Building consensus and working collaboratively with colleagues are essential aspects of effective governance. I thrive in team environments, valuing diverse perspectives and leveraging collective expertise to achieve common goals. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, I can help the Staff Council function as a cohesive and productive body, driving positive change for Georgia Tech staff.
5. Commitment to Service: Serving on the Staff Council is a privilege and a responsibility that I take seriously. I am deeply committed to serving the Georgia Tech community with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. By prioritizing the needs of staff members and advocating for policies that enhance their professional development, work-life balance, and overall well-being, I can contribute to a positive and supportive campus culture.
In conclusion, my experience, skills, and abilities uniquely position me to effectively represent Georgia Tech staff on the Staff Council. By leveraging strong communication, empathy, problem-solving, collaboration, and commitment to service. I am dedicated to advancing the interests and well-being of staff members and contributing to the continued success of the university.

There are many reasons why I would like the opportunity to serve on the Staff Council for Georgia Tech. But I will talk about three of my main reasons for accepting the nomination. The first reason for wanting to serve on the Staff Council would be to provide an opportunity to give back to the Georgia Tech community by representing the interests and concerns of staff members. The second reason would be because membership on the Staff Council facilitates collaboration and networking with colleagues from various departments and units across the university. This can lead to valuable connections and opportunities for professional growth. Lastly, the staff council plays a crucial role in advocating for staff members’ needs and interests within the university administration. Serving on the council allows individuals to be a voice for their peers and work towards positive changes.
Ever since my employment began here at Georgia Tech, I have takin the initiative to get involved in the many professional development opportunity that will help build my career goals and leadership skills. Within the two years that I have been here I have participated in the Mentoring Program and completed the 2023 Fall ASPIRE program. I will continue to seek opportunity to learn more and be a part of the Georgia Tech community that fosters growth. I am excited about the possible opportunity and look forward to meeting more like-minded individuals aspiring to be great.

I can offer a unique perspective and set of capabilities that can be valuable to the Staff Council at Georgia Tech. With over 10 years of administrative experience in the College of Sciences I have been fortunate to collaborate with many of my counterparts across the campus. These collaborations have helped me to understand the concerns of staff across the board. With my skills I would be able help in making informed decisions and advocating for staff interests.

Serving on the Staff Council allows for the representation of all staff members. It also ensures their voices are heard in decision-making processes and policies that affect them directly. Most importantly, serving on the Staff Council is a chance to actively contribute to the betterment of Georgia Tech and its staff members, while working towards a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community.

During my 15 years in higher education administration, I have developed skills in the areas of communication, collaboration, and coordination. I believe these skills will allow me to be a productive team member of Staff Council. Additionally, my skills allow me to connect with a wide variety of campus community members. These connections will aid me in advocating for staff members in all areas of our organization.

I have been volunteering with the Georgia Tech Staff Council for over five years and it is one of the highlights of my work life. I enjoy working with staff members from other areas of campus, meeting and celebrating staff members in different spaces, and seeing the goals and plans of the Council come to fruition. My work with the Georgia Tech Staff Council has helped me feel a part of the Georgia Tech community and I want to spread that feeling with others.

I've worked as a lab manager and fabricator on campus for 12 years. In that time I've had the pleasure of meeting the breadth of the Georgia Tech staff, facilities, EHS, Construction and Design, Administration, Finance, Faculty, fleet, legal, etc. I've worked in both teaching and advising roles for Students in courses, and in production and facilities roles managing the day to day of a facility and its needs. I would like to bring that collaborative experience that I have to bear on issues for the Staff of Georgia Tech.

Last year I wanted to organize a cross departmental lunch and learn series for staff working in and around makerspaces and shops. These staff are normally 1-2 in a department and are underserved in terms of advancement and development, and I assumed a monthly get together would build that community on campus. I was dismayed to find that the staff council could not help with that effort, and when I brought it up my faculty Advisor(The Secretary of the faculty) said that funding shouldn't be an issue... until I told him it was for staff, not faculty or students. He said that there are no budget allocations for the staff council to create programs for enhancing the staff experience. Based on that experience I decided to run for staff council to help with initiatives of that nature and to help foster a better community for staff on campus.

As an elected member of the Staff Council, I would bring a wealth of experience in fostering employee well-being and community engagement. My tenure on various committees, including the Employee Health and Well-Being Committee, has honed my leadership skills and ability to collaborate effectively. I possess strong communication skills, which enable me to advocate for the diverse needs of Georgia Tech staff. Additionally, my dedication to serving others and my passion for creating positive change make me well-equipped to represent the interests of our campus community.

I am deeply committed to enhancing the experiences of Georgia Tech staff and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. My journey on the Staff Council has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to witness firsthand the impact of our collective efforts on the well-being and development of our colleagues. I am driven by a desire to do more, to advocate for meaningful resources and support systems that empower staff to thrive professionally and personally. Serving on the Staff Council provides me with a platform to amplify the voices of my fellow staff members, address their concerns, and contribute to building a stronger, more connected Georgia Tech community.

I am a seasoned financial professional with exceptional technical and methodical skills and experience in various administrative and senior executive-level positions. Successfully skilled in achieving departmental and organizational goals through learning new concepts swiftly, working well under pressure, and effectively communicating ideas. Proficient in implementing strategic initiative projects to further strengthen and improve the foundational business needs of the organization. Focus on initiatives that will impact how to educate, advocate, and promote a more cohesive environment. Vital and dexterous work ethic in identifying more efficient, effective processes to promote a more collaborative, prosperous culture and campus community.

I have a unique ability to identify and create ways to foster and build partnerships, a broad reach Institute-wide through the use of my skills and abilities, and the ability to support from so many different aspects of the campus environment. My reach is broad and deep, and I can provide a positive, motivational attitude to help boost team morale and make the workplace a more enjoyable environment.

My Georgia Tech experience varies widely over the last nearly seven years. This encompasses areas in student services and event planning, to department operations and building management, to financial administration and Human Resources. As such, I truly believe I'd be able to collaborate with staff from all areas within the Institute. My knowledge of Georgia Tech systems spans quite broadly, and continues to grow regularly. I enjoy the ability to communicate resources and opportunities available to GT employees, share tips with commonly used systems like OneUSG Connect and Workday, and serve as a conduit and connector of people. I believe my ability to forge professional relationships and partnerships will represent Georgia Tech Staff and Staff Council well.

It would be an honor to serve on the Georgia Tech Staff Council for several reasons. First, as a current committee member, I've witnessed and participated in the great work Staff Council provides to the Georgia Tech community. This may be by way of energy booths, staff appreciation days, professional development and networking support, as well as the general care and support cascaded to GT staff. Secondly, I have a strong interest in wanting to give back to the GT community in ways it's given to me. Whether that's by coaching and mentorship, sharing knowledge and information, or through active engagement with leadership on campus-wide efforts and initiatives. And finally, I find the work enjoyable and rewarding, and work that I'd like to be part of and involved with.

I bring 10 years of experience working in higher education and human resources at Georgia Tech. I have extensive knowledge of employee benefits to include healthcare, retirement and employee perks and programs. Through counseling, information sessions, employee orientations, and the benefits fair; I've collaborated with several departments. faculty and staff across campus and the USG which Georgia Tech falls under. I serve as a Mentor in the MentorTech program and have completed the ASPIRE Leadership program offered by Georgia Tech's Workplace Learning and Development (WLPD). I possess a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office products and communication platforms (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.).

I am currently a committee member for GT Staff Council and would like to continue to serve. In addition to serving our staff on all levels whether it's benefits, well-being, or compensation, I would like to be able to vote on initiatives and ideas brought to Georgia Tech's executive leadership. I believe I can help effect change in making Georgia Tech one of the best places to work.

I was elected in the last election, but I was prevented from serving. A standing meeting time was chosen during the only time I simply could not attend. Without any accommodation, I've been in limbo wondering if I would be able to start my term this time, but it seems that I will need to be elected again.

Prior to the previous election, I was elected once before and served on the Staff Council December 2016-2019. I was in the room representing staff when we first presented to the VP of A&F about expanding STRAP to include certifications and acquiring support for it. I was one of the members that elected an electrician, David Brown, as Staff Council Chair. The same David Brown that went on to be included in the presidential search that yielded us President Cabrera. I served as chair of the Campus Physical Environment Committee under the Staff Council from December 2017-2019, and have been trying to push for substantial changes for staff, inside and outside of the council.

This includes helping co-chair the new OIT Culture Committee. With our inaugural year under way, we are creating our charter in collaboration with senior leadership as well as being an active part of the interview process for our new CIO. We are working to improve culture within our unit.

Previously when I was elected in 2022, I had the intent of trying to make substantial changes for staff, especially concerning the #1 issue staff have voiced since the GT Staff Council's inception, parking. Since I was prevented in starting my term in 2022, we may have missed an opportunity in influencing the Campus Master Plan which was rebranded as the Comprehensive Campus Plan. It was unveiled last November, so we may still have time.

Why should we care? This plan determines what is built and where, including parking decks, that we as permit holders are on the hook to foot the bill for its building costs. We've already missed out on saying no to the Dalney Deck, which is ~300 feet from another parking deck, North Campus Parking Deck, which is underutilized. At the same time, we lost parking lots near central campus that we've already paid for and have far lower maintenance costs. These are the decisions that we need to have influence over since it affects our already high parking costs. It is my firm belief that staff should not have to use ~10% of their take-home pay to park where they work.

There is an idea I've strived to gain support for to further address this. The idea is a staff subsidized fund. Basically there are some of us that are willing to pay more for others to pay less. If we can gain support from leadership to establish and manage a fund, we can help our fellow staff that are having hard decisions to make regarding how to simply get to work. If we can't get GT to help their staff to afford parking to come to work, then I say we as staff can help our colleagues share the load.

Lastly, I would like to see the creation of a scholarship program for the children of staff. While many of us as full time permanent staff qualify for tuition assistance, our children do not. I believe as an educational institution that we not only support the education of our students, faculty, and staff, but also the children of those that are working hard to make this institute one of the best schools in the world. Let’s create the next substantial change for staff at GT!

Prior to Tech, I was in legal. My skills include organization, creative solutions, leadership, teamwork, writing, presentations, situational analysis, communication, empathy, compassion, & more. In 2022, I became a registered Mediator, which helps w/difficult conversations. Being in theatre & my outgoing personality makes me comfortable public speaking. I worked w/Georgia Power Co. for years & during that entire time held offices on the Board of their volunteer org. Over my career, I have led events of all sizes, socials, classes & seminars, & many fundraisers to benefit the community. As Executive Director of the Cobb Bar, w/ the GPC Citizens, & for RBI, I have both led & assisted w/ communications & Newsletters.

Service to others has always driven me. I believe the staff council serves as the voice of the staff. The idea of making the lives of the staff better makes me very excited. I am passionate about offering my many varied skills & vast experience to make work life more fun & efficient. I am told that my ability to train & herd cats is an important skill to have when working in higher education. I have enjoyed every minute of being at Tech & am so happy to be a Jacket! I have been searching for ways to serve both the community at large & groups on campus (Yellow Jacket Roller Derby, PRIDE ERG, DramaTech, RCE Greater Atlanta & SCORE so far) & I believe the Staff Council will round out my service to the Tech community perfectly.

Having worked at Georgia Tech for over 6 years and within multiple departments and roles, I've gained an understanding of the campus culture and operations. I’ve worked closely with various units, IRIs, and labs, fostering relationships across the institution. This experience has helped me understand staff needs in different areas with the goal to continue to learn, seek feedback, and help identify areas for improvement.

I believe it’s important for Georgia Tech's diverse staff community to feel heard, and my aim is to help create an inclusive environment that effectively represents and advocates for the full spectrum of our community.

I’m interested in serving on the Georgia Tech Staff Council because I would like to contribute to creating a supportive work environment for staff members. Serving on the council would provide an opportunity to be an advocate, to make an impact on our day-to-day experiences as staff and help shape the direction of our campus community.

I enjoy engaging with diverse groups of people and care about the well-being and success of fellow staff members. Serving on the Staff Council would be a chance for me to grow in leadership and contribute meaningfully to our working environment.