PCRC Staffing Updates: Promotions and New Opportunities
July was a busy month for staffing updates. Several associates found exciting new opportunities at partner nonprofits where they will continue to impact local communities. We’ve also been thrilled to promote several employees from within and adjusting a few roles to better fit our teammates’ expertise.
New Opportunities
Katalina Tameilau, Family Engagement Associate, accepted a position with Innovate Public Schools. Her new role advocates for better education for children of color and lower-income families in the public school system. Katalina has worked with PCRC for about four years and her last day with us was July 24th. “I'm super grateful for the opportunity and growth I've made at PCRC,” says Katalina. “I've really enjoyed the opportunity to work with staff, partners and the community.”
Adriana Fernandez, Community Engagement Associate, accepted an opportunity with Nuestra Casa in East Palo Alto, focusing on her passion areas of environmental justice and housing issues. Adriana worked at PCRC in 2017-18 and returned this year to serve another six months. Her last day with us was July 10th. Adriana’s work at PCRC bridged the gap between law enforcement and the Latinx and immigrant community of unincorporated San Mateo County. She began an annual hike to Edgewood Park for Spanish speaking mothers and their young children in partnership with Star Vista, Friends of Edgewood and the San Mateo County Parks Foundation. At PCRC, Adriana enjoyed, “Being surrounded by other women of color in leadership positions who have a passion and commitment to our underrepresented communities in the county.”
Mercedes Rodriguez, Director of Operations, recently moved to Colorado with her family where she is attending law school. Mercedes came to PCRC in 2018 after working for many years at the International Committee of the Red Cross. As Director of Operations, Mercedes supported strategic decisions, drove organizational effectiveness, cultivated partnerships and developed outreach strategies.
Internal Promotions
Celia Benavides has become Director of Finance and Operations after serving as Director of Finance. In her previous role she managed payroll, benefits, and HR-related systems. Over the years, Celia supported the Office Manager, IT and other areas of operations. “We are excited that Celia will be serving in this adapted role and feel confident that she is the best person to move these areas of our organization forward,” says PCRC Executive Director Michelle Vilchez.
Patty Diaz had been serving as PCRC’s Interim Director of Operations. In July, she accepted our offer to become Director of Development and Communications after she fell in love with our organization. She brings years of nonprofit leadership and fund development expertise with her. “We are equally confident that she is the best to expand our donor stewardship plan, marketing and communications reach,” says Vilchez.
Talavou (Vou) Aumavae, Community Engagement Specialist, has agreed to become our Development & Communications Associate. Vou was critical in the success of this year’s Pacific Islander Census work. He started with us in October of 2019 and shares, “It’s been such a humbling experience to be able to serve my community and elevate their voices through our agency’s census outreach efforts.”