Faces of Metro EDGE (F.A.M.E. for short) is a quick interview where we introduce you to fellow EDGErs and give you a glimpse of their professional lives and personalities. Tina has been a member of Metro EDGE for four years and currently serves on the Emerge Summit committee. Reach out and say hi!
Where do you currently work, how long have you been there, and what do you do?
I work in communications and outreach for Educational Testing Service, the largest private nonprofit educational testing and assessment organization. This means I have the pleasure of training and supporting educators throughout California through workshops, videos, and outreach. I work closely with the California Department of Education, which also means I get to pass by the Capitol Rose Garden almost daily!
Prior to that?
I was the Development and Operations Manager for City Year Sacramento, an education nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students and schools succeed. With over 60 AmeriCorps members serving in Sacramento schools coming in and out of the office, there was never a dull moment. I was constantly energized and inspired by the idealism of mentors and tutors.
Through my role, I found myself falling in love with Sacramento and connecting with the amazing people moving and shaking things up in this city. My peers at City Year also encouraged me to join Metro EDGE and here I am!
What is your educational background?
I studied Human Biology and Society at UCLA, with a passion for public health equity of access and community health education. My time at UCLA slowly led me to another passion: educational equity.
What is the best part of your job?
The impact of my work. Not only do I get to travel throughout California supporting over 100,000 educators at school districts throughout the state, but I also get to advocate on behalf of the 3.1 million students taking California K-12 state assessments.
What do you love about living in Sacramento?
I love everything about it, as many non-Sacramentan friends of mine know. It’s close to everything I want or need: mountains, beaches, rivers, wineries, breweries, and unique food. My favorite part of Sacramento will remain the same from when I was a little kid: Little Saigon. I grew up frequenting the businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, and supermarkets, never realizing how lucky I was this community existed nearby.
What is one thing that might surprise people about you?
I love to spontaneously dance and sing, especially during long drives, in the middle of the woods hiking, or in the comfort of my own home.
When you aren't in the office, where can we find you?
Is ‘in nature’ too broad of an answer? Too bad.
What advice can you offer a young professional looking for a similar job/career path as you?
Reflect on who you want to be at a certain point in your life, visualize it, tell a friend, or write a letter to them. This gives you the opportunity to hone in on what your core values are.
In terms of public speaking: practice, practice, practice. I always feel 10 times more confident before presentations and trainings when I have developed that content myself and rehearsed it in front of the mirror or others.
How has Metro EDGE enhanced your resume?
It has given me a chance to connect with like-minded young professionals. I’ve learned so much through events like Executive Insight that inspire me to constantly keep growing.
Know an EDGEr who would be perfect to feature for F.A.M.E.? Nominate them by emailing Gina McLaughlin, Communications committee member.
