March 8 marks International Women's Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. First celebrated in 1911, International Women’s Day has since been recognized annually by people across the globe to honor women’s achievements and to create a more gender equal society.
To celebrate this year, Administration and Finance is highlighting some of the outstanding women who bring positive change to the Cal Poly community.
Elizabeth Williams, University Budget and Fiscal Planning
Elizabeth Williams has been with University Budget and Fiscal Planning since 2016, but was on campus many years prior, as a student, student assistant and staff member. As a budget planning manager Williams is recognized by her peers for going out of her way to help others, and for operating as a significant resource both internally and to others across the campus who rely upon her deep knowledge and willingness to be honest about issues. Transitioning from student to staff member was a challenge, but after having transparent conversations with her peers she was able to communicate her needs. “It taught me that open communication is something that needs to be present in any workplace for everyone to succeed,” Williams said. She is now commended by her peers for her openness and willingness to solve problems in her position. “She is forthcoming and cares deeply about this campus and doing what is right,” colleague David Valadez said. “She also looks out for others and is supportive of campus peers and will bring it up if it looks like someone else is being overloaded.”
Leslie Galli, University Financial Services
Leslie Galli started working at Cal Poly in the Summer of 2018. She spent her early life on the Central Coast and currently lives in Paso Robles. She works as a system analyst and was originally drawn to Student Accounts because she wanted to help students navigate and understand their financial accounts. But as she grew her knowledge of the processes and systems that are used to keep the department running, she discovered she enjoyed helping by improving system processes and working alongside her peers to make the Cal Poly student experience better and more efficient. “Technology, and how we use it, is always changing and I like being a part of a great team that strives for improvement,” Galli said. She is faced with challenges daily, trying to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible so that she can continue to be an asset to her team.
Milly Barizo-Malta, Performing Arts Center
Milly Barizo-Malta is the guest and volunteer services manager at the Performing Arts Center and has held this position for roughly four and a half years. Originally from Long Beach she moved to SLO in 2009 when she started attending Cal Poly as a Music Major. Barizo runs a team of 180 volunteers. This includes dealing with the venue’s COVID-19 policies and managing vaccination and negative test checks. The pandemic has created new challenges at the PAC but, according to PAC Director Ryan Gruss, Barizo has been a huge part of keeping the PAC’s doors open throughout the pandemic. She helps with vaccine scheduling for community members, test scheduling and cancellations for students, and vaccine checks before events in addition to her regular responsibilities. “I'm really proud of what we contribute to both the Cal Poly community and the Central Coast community,” said Barizo. “We host lots of performances and the community members don't need to leave SLO for high-quality entertainment, but we also host conferences, luncheons, presentations and banquets for various departments on campus.”
Genae Jenkins, Administration and Finance Operational Business Support
Genae Jenkins is originally from Southern California but has been a part of the Cal Poly community for about 14 years. She currently serves as an analyst for Administration and Finance Operational Business Support, and previously for the Performing Arts Center Ticket Office as a student employee for four years. Jenkins enjoys working for Administration and Finance because she feels that there is no shortage of things to learn or challenges to overcome. “I love working with people and hearing about their unique challenges and skills and partnering with them to make their jobs easier whether it be by rolling up my sleeves and doing the work alongside them or building something that can help do it for them,” Jenkins said. “Genae is awesome because she is a great listener and because of that she understands your needs,” colleague Amy Voorhies said. “She is not afraid to dig into issues to help you solve them- big or small. I know I can call Genae for anything and she'd be there to help.”
Cindy Lowe, Facilities Management and Development
Atascadero native Cindy Lowe has served in the Cal Poly community since 2005. She currently works as a zero waste technician. "Cindy is the only woman in a laborer crew of six employees, and they’re continually looking to her for her extensive historical knowledge as well as her resourcefulness,” colleague Casie Hill said. “She is humble but confident and a role model to all.” Lowe’s job is similar to having three rolled into one so time management can be somewhat of a challenge. She helps the zero waste coordinator manage all the trash, recycling and compost on campus. She also assists the custodial laborers with event items, coordination, coverage work and whatever else that comes up. “I enjoy that every day is different, I never know what might come up, sometimes it can be frustrating, but it keeps it interesting and at times challenging (in a good way),” Lowe said. “My co-workers are great support as well.”
Bernadette Monterrosa, Strategic Business Services
Bernadette Monterrosa has been at Cal Poly for four years as the director of Procurement Operations. Her parents are originally from El Salvador, but Monterrosa grew up in the Bay Area as a first-generation Latina student. She earned degrees from Cal Poly as well as Michigan State. “Monterrosa has taken our Distribution and Payment teams to the next level,” colleague Stephanie Albright said. “She does a lot and doesn't get much recognition because she focuses on empowering her team and doesn't take the credit for their accomplishments even though she often drives them.” Monterrosa’s favorite parts about working in Strategic Business Services are her teams. “They work hard, always look for opportunities to learn and grow, and support each other,” Monterrosa said.
Carla Brown, Facilities Management and Development
Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Carla Brown currently serves as a senior project manager in Planning and Capital Projects. Brown is currently managing the multi-million-dollar construction of the new Frost Center. “This project has had it challenges and unique roadblocks; Carla has found a way to push through the challenges and make the project a success,” colleague Casie Hill said. Brown is also leading the Planning and Capital Projects team towards new efficient ways of managing projects with a new software program that will help them stay on scope, schedule and budget. “I love that my job creates amazing spaces for our Cal Poly community to learn and grow,” Brown said. “Our projects support our community in so many ways, from creating jobs for people in our county to creating innovative spaces that support our polytechnic mission of learn by doing. Being a woman in construction can be challenging - many times, I am the only woman in the room. However, my team in FMD is amazing. Everyone I work with is passionate about Cal Poly, willing to share their knowledge and supporting of each other,” she said.