The County has 10 great Employee Resource Groups (ERG). They are each led by a respective board who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community.

Get to know LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group board member Ryan Trabuco, a community representative with Board of Supervisors, District 1. Trabuco serves as board director of professional development for the ERG.

Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for?

A: 16 months, Board of Supervisors District 1.

Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?

A: I’m a community representative for Supervisor Vice Chair Nora Vargas and my job is to attend community events and meetings, connect and build relationships with neighborhood leaders, and engage in creative discussions with local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout District 1. Also, I provide legislative assistance for our incredible policy staff by drafting board letters involving our office’s Community Enhancement and Neighborhood Reinvestment grants.

Q: What’s your workplace superpower?

A: Creativity. If there’s a problem or roadblock, I find myself looking for a new angle and trying to think my way out. Of course, I probably need to be decently caffeinated for maximum effect. Negative vibes are my kryptonite.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work.

A: Outside of work, I am a huge movie buff. I try to get to the movies at least once a week, whether it’s checking out the latest Marvel blockbusters or smaller films like “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” that recently opened starring Michelle Yeoh, and this year’s Best Picture winner “CODA.” Most surreal moment was actually holding an Academy Award on a tour of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank – and yes, they are heavy. I’ve also been active in community advocacy and volunteer organizations. Oh, and I love food. Any opportunity to try a new restaurant or return to a personal favorite makes me happy.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Public service is a passion. I’ve previously worked for the County of Orange and for the State of California. I enjoy being able to come into the office and draft, strategize on, and implement specific projects. Sometimes, it does take a minute – weeks, months, or even years – to eventually see the positive impact you can have on people… I mean, that’s a great feeling to come into work every day. It’s made all the better to have a family-like team of coworkers to share that positive space with.

Q. What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?

A: One of the best was “Stop talking about what you want to do, and just do it.” You can sit down and dream, talk, fantasize about either an immediate tangible goal or a personal project that might take years to accomplish. If you just stop talking and actually commit to doing it, planning it out, getting it done, the end result is often having a higher sense of self-worth and accomplishment. If you can point at something and say to yourself proudly, “I did that,” turn around and ask, “What’s next?” you can help set yourself up for future success.

Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?

A: As odd as it might sound, YouTube. You can ask yourself so many different questions, “Can I cook that?” “Where’s a good place to travel to?,” “Does my car really need this in order to operate?” and chances are there’s a YouTube video that answers exactly whatever your question might be. Just don’t read the comment sections.

Q: Tell us about your ERG.

A: The LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group is for County employees who are LGBTQ+ or allies within our community. We celebrate and support an inclusive and diverse workforce that values our contributions and experiences as County employees. As of February 2022, we had over 130 members and are continuing to grow!

Q: Why are ERGs important?

A: ERGs are important for elevating cultural awareness, enhancing professional development and building community with fellow County employees. Not unlike a labor organization, ERGs help provide a safe space and an outlet for employees. Although I haven’t been here as long as others, my personal experience working for the County has been exceptional and having a safe space like an ERG to connect with and build that community has been satisfying. As ERGs continue to build community and bring people together to celebrate the diverse workspace we share, it speaks to that founding and uniquely American principle, “Out of many, one.”

Q: What is your ERG looking forward to this year?

A: The LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group is looking forward to continuing hosting member meet-and-greets, weekend hikes and other social events throughout the County, and growing our ERG membership. Especially as we all begin to come out of the pandemic era, we have a number of LGBTQ+ events to look forward to throughout the rest of the year as we celebrate and recognize Pride (July 16-17), LGBTQ+ History Month (October), Trans Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20), and Human Rights Day (Dec. 10) among others. More information about our LGBTQ&A Employee Resource Group can be found on the County’s InSit e.