Staff Assembly
2023-2025 Terms OPSA Steering Committee
Meet your 2023-2025 OPSA Steering Committee Member!
Danielle Gunkel, Sr. Business Systems Analyst (UCOP)
Why do you want to be a member of the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee? (Your statement of contribution)
Prior to joining UCOP, I worked for 14 years at Indiana University where I had many opportunities to engage with, contribute to, and benefit from employee-led organizations similar to OPSA. Examples of committees and groups that I had the privilege to serve on while at IU include Women in IT, Professional Development Committee for the Enrollment Management department, Continuous Improvement Committee system-wide, and IUB Staff Council Networking events. I saw firsthand how participation helps connect employees to the university mission, each other, and the value provided to our constituents. Through policy discussions, program development, and advocacy OPSA has a significant impact on influencing our institution. When I joined UCOP a year ago I knew I wanted to continue to give-back in this capacity at my new professional home, while learning more about the university community and my colleagues.
Giselle Jose, Coordinator and Training Specialist (UCOP)
Why do you want to be a member of the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee? (Your statement of contribution)
I’m interested in joining OPSA because of the opportunities it provides to make an impact, to
build community, and to grow professionally and personally. I want to make a difference at
UCOP beyond my work responsibilities and being involved with OPSA and its subcommittees
will allow me to do that.
Rosalva Lepe, Benefits Associate (UC Path)
Why do you want to be a member of the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee? (Your statement of contribution)
I would like to be part of the OP Staff Assembly because I have taken the time to attend some of their meetings and I enjoy the discussions that take place. As a UCPath employee that is non-represented I think it is very important to speak up regarding issues or concerns that we see as employees daily. Contributing to this committee would allow me to bring forward any concerns that arise and be the voice for my department.
Tom Myers, Employee Experience Analyst (UC PATH)
Why do you want to be a member of the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee? (Your statement of contribution)
My interest in becoming a member in in OPSA is primarily to help give the staff a voice to leadership regarding policy, work environments, and UC values of inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. While I genuinely believe UC already demonstrates its commitment to these values, my concern is that our current culture and internal infrastructure need to be more aligned to ensure that the values describe the organization from top to bottom. While I need to be realistic about how much OPSA can make an impact in the areas, the opportunity for OPSA to collaborate or partner with other groups and initiatives within UCOP, could be one of the best ways to collectively realize the values UCOP is trying to embody.
Lisa Smith, Payroll Supervisor (UC PATH)
Why do you want to be a member of the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee? (Your statement of contribution)
Over the past two years, I have been honored to serve as Vice-Chair in OPSA. I have seen the commitment that this group has to all staff at OP. I would love to continue for another term to help provide the staff with a voice and to represent us all as we address the challenges of FOW, equity, anti-racism, etc.
Angela Porras-Weydemuller, Benefits Analyst (UC PATH)
Why do you want to be a member of the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee? (Your statement of contribution)
I would like to join the OP Staff Assembly Steering Committee to contribute and improve the community and culture for all staff members. I have a proud history of serving my schools, community, and personal interest groups in a variety of roles. I enjoy working with my peers in finding solutions to better the workplace experience.