(SDCLA)

I am currently assigned to the office of Behavioral Health Services/HHSA in the Prevention and Community Engagement Unit. As an Administrative Analyst III, I am servings as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) working with substance use disorder and mental health providers addressing underage access and use of alcohol and other drugs, mental health prevention to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and changing social norms or behaviors through environmental or policy change. I joined SDCLA to build leadership development and promote our heritage and culture among employees and support larger community engagement and involvement for Latinos. SDCLA provides a platform for professional development, career planning, and leadership. The personal and professional relationships I have built as a member and now a Board of Director has increased my visibility and connections to County leaders and allowed me to take an active role in service to the organization. I’m SDCLA and SDCLA is me! A space to be creative in planning and organizing meaningful projects and build community! To appreciate our culture and heritage, to grow professionally, to inspire others to see their talents and abilities. That is SDCLA and that is me! 

Hello! My name is Alexandra Talaro, I am an Officer of the San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA) and I serve as the Secretary for the association. I work for the Health and Human Services Agency - Self-Sufficiency Services – Finance and Contracts Team as an Admin Analyst II. I am so proud of the work the SDCLA does every year and the sense of engagement the Association brings for our members. I joined SDCLA as a Graduate Student Worker for the County and formed friendships that I cherish to this day. Through events and workshops, we have hosted I have witnessed members share a sense of common purpose and community that brings us together. Our association is filled with members who are passionate about their community and passionate about their personal development and we can’t wait to have you join! 

Hello to all SDCLA family and friends.  My name is Guadalupe "Lupe" Rabago, and I am on the Board of Directors for the Association. This is my second term in SDCLA Leadership, first being over 10 years ago. My reason for being a member and interest is connecting people to other like-minded professionals and assisting others by sharing my county knowledge. I currently work for the Housing and Community Development (HHSA-HCDS) Rental Assistance Division as an Administrative Analyst II. Prior to joining our team at HCDS, I graduated from University of California – Riverside with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science and National University with a master’s in public administration (M.P.A.). I have prior work experience working with families, youth through my 17 years in probation services between three different counties (San Diego, Imperial, and Santa Barbara) at multiple assignments and levels. Upon my return to San Diego in 2018, I have two years’ experience as an eligibility worker working at the Southeast Family Resource Center (FRC) and 1 year as a Protective Services Worker (PSW) for CWS South Region. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and enjoying the many gems that Baja California, Mexico, and the world has to offer.  

Hello, my name is Maria Whitehorse. I am currently one of the Board members for SDCLA. My current Assignment is a Human Services Specialist for Self Sufficiency Services. It is important to raise your hand and to get involved, in joining this ERG my goal is to encourage employees to learn more about other cultures and to be able to provide resources to help employees feel supported. SDCLA together as a team, with colleagues from different departments and various roles, can help provide employees with new perspectives and insights to boost their career.