The HHD Staff Profiles Series recognizes the HHD staff and brings to light the many talents and skills it takes to attend to the details that keep our college’s departments, programs, centers and institutes running smoothly.
Lorena Calix is the Schedule of Classes (SOC) and Human Resources (HR) Lead Specialist for the College of Health and Human Development (HHD). She has been working in the Dean’s Office since July of 2022 and has served the campus since 2015.
Previously, she was Coordinator for the Department of Child and Adolescent Development, and before that, SOLAR Coordinator for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Lorena came to CSUN to obtain a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, which she completed in 2019. Lorena’s interest in human dynamics drives her performance as a staff member in HHD.
In addition to her day-to-day role, Lorena is also Chair of the HHD Staff Recognition Committee, which developed the idea for these staff profiles, so we wanted to get her input early-on in the series. At the 2023 Fall Welcome Back Faculty and Staff College event, Lorena presented about the ways the committee is working to enrich the experience of staff in the college, most recently through the College Wellness Program.
Throughout HHD, Lorena is known for her efficient, prompt attention to the many needs of the department staff and faculty, and her warm, friendly style. She works directly with Todd Oberson, the HHD Director of Finance and Operations, on the overall structural needs of the College community. She makes sure other areas of campus know that when they come to HHD with questions or issues, they will be handled responsibly, successfully, and with care. We asked Lorena to elaborate on the scope of her work.
HHD: Do you mostly interact with students? Other employees? Community members? Other areas of campus?
LC: I mostly interact with staff and faculty. I also work with other areas on campus such as, Human Resources, Academic Resources and Faculty Affairs. I am a liaison between groups; one minute I’ll be talking to a department coordinator about scheduling a classroom for the semester ahead, and next I’ll be responding to an email from human resources about personnel actions. In between, you can find me running to meetings and conducting trainings. That’s a small glimpse into my day.
Working with people in so many different areas has, in one way or another, shaped and supported my professional development. Their guidance and expertise have been both motivating and inspiring, and I feel fortunate to work alongside them. Likewise, the team in the Dean’s Office is comprised of exceptional individuals, and I deeply appreciate the mutual support and camaraderie we share.
HHD: What is most meaningful to you about your work?
LC: The most meaningful part of my job is that it supports students to pursue their career and educational goals. Ideally, when conditions are at their best, we are planning and strategizing to prepare the path ahead for the College to walk through each semester with purpose and direction.
HHD: What kind of input from others makes your day the best for you? What is the most rewarding thing about your job? What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
LC: I enjoy connecting with colleagues. Being allowed glimpses into a person's life is an honor to me. I seek ways to improve myself personally and professionally, so I value people's feedback. The most rewarding part of my job is that when I leave each day, I have a sense of accomplishment and I feel good about the people I’ve helped. But the job has its challenges. The most challenging aspect of my job is that there is no low-gear, it’s only go-go-go!
HHD: Would you like to say anything about your outside interests beyond work?
LC: Faith and family are the most important to me. I am living my best life when I’m on a trail run, enjoying nature. Otherwise, I am a dedicated homebody. I also love listening to music, reading, cooking, gardening and oddly enough, cleaning. Not sure my house reflects my love for cleaning but we’ll keep that in there.
HHD: Wonderful! It’s so great to get these insights into your work-life. Is there anything you would like to add?
LC: I’d just like to celebrate the work that staff do, day in and day out, to keep the College going. Thank you for using your skills and talents to fuel our mutual efforts! I’d also like to thank you for putting this together! I look forward to learning more about our colleagues in HHD.
HHD: You’re welcome. And thank you for making it possible through the HHD Staff Recognition Committee.
F 2023
Jean O’Sullivan with Lorena Calix