Get to Know SDCLA President Daniel Izaguirre
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The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by a respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community.
Get to know Daniel Izaguirre, president of the San Diego County Latino Association.
Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?
A: I just reached my 10 years at the County working all of them in the Health and Human Services Agency – Self-Sufficiency Services. I started off as a human services specialist and promoted to supervising human services specialist in the South Region Live Well Center, Chula Vista. Then I promoted to a program specialist for the Eligibility Training Center where I do training and development for a variety of staff in Self-Sufficiency Services through in-person and virtual training. I also work on video production for training videos for our department.
Q: What’s your workplace superpower?
A: Making good decisions on coffee beans would be one superpower. My second would be my ability to communicate with people.
Q. Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?
A: I have had many mentors; however, my parents and brother were incredible mentors to me. They showed me what hard work really meant at a young age and the value of family. In my professional life I had many mentors who were my former and current managers that I learned something from.
The reality is that anyone can really be a mentor because everyone has something they can teach you.
Who inspires me are my nieces and nephews. Seeing them grow and become the people they have gave me an appreciation to the future generations and the spirit to work in public service.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
A: First some quotes that I really appreciate from mentors are “Knowledge is power… as long as you share it” and “treat others the way they want to be treated”.
My biggest mentors have gone along the same route for this advice in that it is important to remain curious in learning. That means that we should always be willing to ask questions on the task at hand, ask for advice and be appreciative in constructive criticism in our work environment.
Finally, being cognizant in the biases that you may have. We all have some type of bias and knowing that will help in communicating better with people inside and outside of work.
Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?
A: Take advantage of the services at your local public libraries and through the employee assistance programs. Looking for a therapist and not sure where to start? Psychologytoday.com is a good resource.
Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?
A: Music, art, travel and sports. I just recently came back from a three-week trip in Europe where I got to visit five countries. Got to enjoy the different sights and sounds of each place (Vienna, Austria was my favorite). Oh, and how could I forget about food? I consider discovering and trying new cuisine an activity. Best meal I had? Duck paella in Barcelona, Spain. Hands down.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: From a young age it has always been about helping others. The intrinsic reward i get is why I am all about “The Noblest Motive Being the Public Good.” I am passionate about teaching and mentoring. When I am no longer here, I would like to know that I gave something back to people’s growth. I will always believe that when I work with people that if they succeed, I succeed.
Q: Tell us about your ERG.
A: Our employee resource group is the San Diego County Latino Association. The organization has been around now for over 40 years. We are here to service as a valuable resource for not only the employees of the County of San Diego, but to the San Diego community at large. We strive to be a resource that promotes professional excellence, leadership, and cultural awareness, while serving as a strategic partner for community achievement and the County’s success.
Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?
A: I joined ERG back in 2017 when I was 3 years into my career as a human services specialist. Through networking events I was able to get guidance from people more experienced in the government field which helped me decide in what direction to go for my growth.
I give a lot of thanks to the former board members for the imprint they left one me and the opportunity to give back to members.
I have created lifelong friendships because of this organization, and I can’t wait to make more.
Q: What are your favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?
A: Oh wow! This is a tough question because I appreciate all cuisine.
Favorite place to eat for a quick bite (cheat meal) will def be India Bonita down in West Chula Vista off Orange and Melrose. Get their Cali burrito add American guac.
Sit down or order for delivery? Olympic Café off University Ave (North Park Area). I haven’t had one bad thing there. My go too is their chicken and steak kabob plate.
Favorite meal? I am Peruvian so I must stick with their cuisine and the dish “chupe de camarones.” It’s a Peruvian shrimp chowder that I will always order if it is on the menu.
Oh, check out Eli’s Peruvian Kitchen and Sanguecheria Peruvian Street Food if you want some Peruvian cuisine in San Diego.
Q: Name one (or more) musicians/bands you are listening to right now?
A: So many artists and groups to choose from. I’ll keep it to genres I’m currently listening to 1990/2000’s hip hop and R&B, rock, and EDM with tech-house at the forefront.
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