In keeping with our tradition of interviewing new hires, we asked our new Outreach Coordinator, Angelica Rocha, a few questions so that you all can get to know her.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi Circulator Community! My name is Angelica and I was born and raised in sunny San Diego. I earned my bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State and am just one week shy of completing a Master of Science in Regenerative Studies from Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Environmental Design. I have worked in both the nonprofit and public sector supporting projects focused on improving green space, mobility, and the environment. I have experience in research, project outreach, external affairs, and grant management. I am most interested in the relationship between social equity and the built environment and my current academic research project explores the issues around urban development and changing demographics in Los Angeles.
Outside of Circulate, I spend my time doing just about anything that gets me outside; whether it’s riding my bicycle to different neighborhoods in San Diego, tending to my veggie garden, hiking in Mission Trails, or visiting our beautiful coastline!
How did you become interested in Circulate San Diego?
I met Sharon Singleton at ktua when I first moved back to San Diego in the fall. She was a great first contact in San Diego and made a few suggestions for organizations to get in touch with. Circulate San Diego was at the top of her list! I joined the Circulator mailing list and began reading the bi-weekly emails. When I began looking for a job, I knew exactly where I wanted to apply!
What’s your most memorable face palm moment? Or what is your biggest achievement to date? Choose one.
One thing I am most proud of was completing the 211 mile John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada’s. Walking the Sierra’s for 15 straight days, fully submerged by huge mountains and swimming in crystal clear water everyday was and still is one of the greatest moments in my life.
To train for our hike, my boyfriend and I walked to work a few times a week. Our walk was around 6 miles each way. This made Walk to Work Day really fun, because our morning commute put me in the lead for the longest walk! I was the contests front runner until the final hour, when someone’s walk home was just one mile further. I may not have won the contest, but I certainly enjoyed participating!
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
I would have to choose either Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Amanda Burden. Despite your political preferences, I think AOC is one of the most refreshing political figures of our time. As the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, I believe she sends a message that we can and should all be a part of the political process. I think this is especially beneficial for young Latina women, like myself, to see more Latina women in high offices. Second, I would choose Amanda Burden, Principal at Bloomberg Associates and the former New York City Planning Commissioner. I would love to hear all about her experience and lessons learned while working in New York during an era of major revitalization.
