Behind the Resume #52 – Herman Calzadillas

Herman Calzadillas new employee photoWhat is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
My title is: Employment Solutions Manager. Day to day endeavors: helping to bridge College Workforce Training to the community by raising overall awareness of EvCC programs amongst employers, students, and other community learners, in addition to helping our EvCC students connect with meaningful employment and connections in the workforce.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Family at the beach
My family at the beach

I’ve spent 20+ years in higher educational leadership and nonprofit management. Twelve of these years were at Lake Washington Institute of Technology engaged in higher education promotion and outreach, both for domestic and international. My most recent employment spanned 8 years at the Foundation for Private Enterprise Education managing all facets of donor relations, programming, volunteer management, and outreach.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

Herman with high school youth in Italy
I spent two weeks in Italy delivering a business program for high school youth.

My most memorable job was working at Lynnel Farms situated just outside of the Tri-Cities. The farm had all sorts of animals but their prized possessions were the quarter horses. My job was to tend to these horses from cleaning out their stalls, feeding and grooming, to warming them up by riding them! It was a great way to grow up, and instilled in me the “farmers” work ethic.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Well, I’m on day three as I write this, but my days have been consumed by meeting with various team members not only here at CCEC and AMTEC but across the EvCC campus. My calendar is slowly populating with connections important to the onboarding process. I’ve met some great people who are passionate about their work here at EvCC, which has been great.

Herman and family on a hike at Wallace Falls
My family at recent hike to Wallace Falls. We all survived!

Describe yourself at 12 years old.
Hmm, at 12 – junior high – I was involved in all sports. I played football, basketball, baseball and wrestled. I rode my bike everywhere to visit friends and enjoyed school immensely.

What is your favorite meal/ snack in summer? Favorite summer beverage?
I’m a breakfast guy! Love to go big during this meal, especially weekends. Summer beverage is a blended breve mocha.

What would be the title of your autobiography?
El Tiempo De Mi Vida: La Fiesta Sigue

What is the first concert you attended?
I think it was a Janet Jackson concert at the Tacoma Dome.

Children with grandfather
My kids and their grandfather

What is your vacation spot in the summer months?
We go to the beach – Ocean Shores and Long Beach are frequent stops.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
My last favorite book that I read was, “God’s Middle Finger: Into the Lawless Heart of the Sierra Madre” by Richard Grant. It’s set in an area where I was born and my parents grew up.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Tacos!

Children with grandparents
Kids really enjoy time with their grandparents!

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I was born in Chihuahua Mexico, but raised in Pasco, WA.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Working in the education industry continuing to make an impact on the community!

What do you like to do on your days off?
I like hanging out with my family and typically working on the house and yard. I also try to catch up on some favorite TV shows.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
“To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think – spend some time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think, and cry, that’s a heck of a day!” Jim Valvano

Family posing in the snow
My family and I in the snow

Behind the Resume #51 – Emma Ka’aha’aina

Emma Ka'aha'aina new employee photoWhat is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
I am the new Program Manager within the Diversity and Equity Center. My position will expand the center’s initiatives to Monte Cristo where our new, student-advocated-for, First Peoples Gathering Space will be housed. My day-to-day endeavors will primarily focus on supporting our Native American and Pacific Islander students here at Everett by providing them with a space to be in culture with each other. Additionally, I will be working with on-campus and off-campus partners to support our local native communities and their student access and success initiatives.

Tell us a little about your professional background.
While earning my Masters Degree in Education with a concentration in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, I served as a Hall Director for first year engineering students. Additionally, I advised the Native American Culture Association and worked as a First Year Retention Advisor.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

Emma and family at graduation
My recent graduate school graduation ceremony. Family is everything to me – they are the reason why I am so successful and why I’ve been able to accomplish so much. Everything I do is because of them and for them.

My most memorable job was during the summer between my first and second year of graduate school. I was an intern at Kapi’olani Community College on Oahu, Hawai’i, and worked in the Kapo’oloku Native Hawaiian Student Success Program. Throughout my time there, I was able to solidify my passion for working with Native/Indigenous students within a community college setting. After five years away from home and the Hawaiian culture, the internship allowed me to reground myself and my passion.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Once our space is completed, a typical day would be me within the space, creating a welcoming environment for any student who walks through the door and being a resource for them; which could look like anything from connecting them with other offices and walking them over to make the initial introduction, or giving them information on resources within the Everett and Snohomish community.

Emma with her brother and sister
These two are my best friends and siblings, Luke and Victoria. Luke is a cancer survivor and Bone Marrow Transplant recipient. Victoria will start her second year at Creighton University in Omaha, NE this fall.

Describe yourself at 12 years old.
Seventh grade… I played the clarinet, swam, played water polo and had the worst attitude, ha! Sooooo sassy. My teenage years came with a lot of growing pains. Sorry Mom and Dad!

What is your favorite meal/ snack in spring? Favorite spring beverage?
I am hooked on Lavender Ice Cream at the moment- so yummy! I love anything guava, passion fruit or pineapple. Oh, bubble tea is very, very good!

What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Nagawa Natin; Ua Hana Makou: We Made It, We Did It, Together”

What is the first concert you attended?
Christina Aguilera!

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I Crossfit; it’s really a great combination of gymnastics, weightlifting, and cardio.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
I am not reading anything at the moment- grad school kind of took the fun out of reading, ha! But I am open to any suggestions for my next book.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Emma with grandparents
Here I am with my Tutu David and Tutu Bunnie. “Tutu” is grandparent in Hawaiian.

Peanut Butter!

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I was born and raised on the island of ‘Oahu in Hawai’i.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to still be serving our Native and Indigenous students within a student success program.

What do you like to do on your days off?
I like go and check out a new food spot, spend time with my cat (and friends..), and spend as much time in the sun as possible.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
I am only in the position that I am in because of the people in my life who have loved and supported my dreams, talents, aspirations, and skills. My favorite quote used to be “to whom much is given, much is expected” but it made it seem like my support system was only giving me support in order to gain something- which I believe is not the case, so I’ve amended it. “To whom much is given, much is expected-of oneself.” Because I am so thankful, I will be sure to take everything I have been given and use it to make everyone proud and to create real change, for good.

Emma with her maternal grandparents
Here I am with my Tata and Mama- they are my maternal grandparents.

Behind the Resume #50 – Ellie Fog

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

My job title is Instructional Tech II. I am joining the I-Catch program. My day-to-day will be making myself available to students in the I-Catch program and meeting their individual study needs. I’m very excited to be part of I-Catch, which is a program that was developed to remove barriers from students going back to school for careers in healthcare. I am looking forward to developing relationships with the students, and growing into my role here at the College.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

The last three years of my professional life have been spent as a sound engineer, Audio-Visual Tech, and certified technology specialist. Before that, I was a student here at the Everett Community College. During my three years at Everett Community College, I worked in the writing center as a writing assistant. I found that work extremely rewarding, and would highly recommend it to any students at EvCC who feel drawn to it.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

Elisha holding award
Passing my CTS at Infocomm last year.

I would say my most memorable job was tutoring at the writing center. Supporting students and watching them grow in the writing process filled me with an overwhelming sense of purpose, and of course helped me grow in my writing process as well.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’d like to describe an ideal day instead of a typical day, especially since my typical day is changing, as I learn my role here at EvCC.

On an ideal day, I would wake up as the sun rises. I’m imagining that the day before, I had remembered to set my coffee machine to make coffee in the morning, so I have a fresh cup of coffee. My children get up on their own, and don’t argue at all. I make fried potatoes and eggs, and we have a nice breakfast at the table; no one asks if they can leave the table early to play video games. We take Tom Thumb (our dog) on a nice long walk, and maybe get a donut at Henry’s donuts if everyone is behaving (which they are, since this is my ideal day). My children and I do some tidying when we get home, and then play a board game. I pull out the hammock set it up in the backyard and read a book in the sun. My sisters stop by for dinner, which is quinoa and steamed veggies. After dinner, we say goodbye to my sisters, everyone gets ready for bed, and we are off to bed early – mmmm, ideal.

Describe yourself at 12 years old.

Doesn’t everyone describe themselves as awkward at twelve?! I was afraid of people, and kept my nose in books in order to escape social interactions. These transitional periods are difficult for many people, and they certainly were for me.

Elisha's children on Crystal Mountain
Happy skiers at Crystal Mountain

What is your favorite meal/ snack in spring? Favorite spring beverage?

Oooh, so specific. If I had to choose a snack for spring, maybe fresh spring rolls with basil and tofu, and for a beverage I’m going with jasmine tea.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

How about, “A Morning Fog” or maybe “The Fog Descends,” or even worse “A Cool Fog Enters the Room.”
These are bad my last name puns, if you didn’t catch it.

What is the first concert you attended?

Amy Grant, was my first concert. Anyone remember her? She was the queen of my youth. My sisters and I were wild about her. “Stop for a minute, baby I’m so glad you’re mine.”

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

kids with microscope
Eva-May and Everett’s first microscope!

I have a bunch. My family plays a lot of board games, Settlers of Catan is a big one for us. Also, I enjoy roller skating, swing dancing, and I happen to be a foosball champ.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

Last book that I read was a Terry Pratchett novel. I love Discworld.

I’m in the middle of an interesting biography of the life of Imelda Marcos at the moment. The Seattle Repertory Theatre had a musical called Here Lies Love last year. It was an interactive musical about the Life of Imelda Marcos and the Marcos regime, written by David Byrne of Talking Head fame. It was an absolutely beautiful, poignant, and really fun musical and it sparked an interest in Imelda for me that I am just now exploring.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

I am not proud of it, but I’m going to say Doritos Cool Ranch. I won’t buy them, because I know that I have no self-control in their presence, but they are my guilty pleasure, so addictive.

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?

Everett is my home town! Born and raised, I love it here. We are close enough to the mountains to get to the mountains, close enough to the city to get to the city, and we have plenty here that is worth exploring.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I have a degree I need to finish, so I hope to have that done in five years. I see myself living in Everett working at the College, but with a finished degree.

Kaleetan Peak on a bluebird day
Kaleetan Peak on a bluebird day

What do you like to do on your days off?

I like hiking, the Northern Cascades are a giant playground. If I have time to plan for my days off, I like to take the kids and get out hiking in the cascades.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

Actually, I have one that I’ve been thinking about lately that is really beautiful. I will leave you on this note by the french philosopher Simone Weil, “The joy of learning is as indispensable in study, as breathing is in running.”

Behind the Resume #49 – Andralia-Lei I’i

Andralia-Lei Ii new employee photoWhat is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

My title is Program Specialist 2 for Outreach & High School Programs, and I will be overseeing all of the reporting to the high schools and school districts for Running Start, as well as assisting prospective and current Running Start students. In addition to my main role, I will be helping to support Enrollment Services at the front counter sometimes.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Andralia-Lei with President's Award
I was one of the recipients of the 2017 President’s Commendation for Innovation Award for helping to start and implement Admissions Coaching in about two months at Lake Washington Institute of Technology!



Prior to working in higher education, my professional background included working as a cashier, dishwasher, cook, and reservation specialist for a few companies.

I graduated with my AAS in Business Administration from Lake Washington Technical College (now Lake Washington Institute of Technology, LWTech) in 2011. While going to school, I worked as a workstudy in the Financial Aid and Advising offices. I was also a tutor for TRiO. Working with students every day and helping them succeed inspired me, and since I was also a student, I was able to connect with some on a different level.

After working at the college as a workstudy for a bit, I had current students stopping by to just say hi and check in. This made me feel good and realize that I wanted to work in higher education one day. Helping students succeed in their education and life became my goal and passion.

In 2014, I had my opportunity to work in higher education, and it was for my alma mater! I worked for LWTech in a few different roles including: Program Assistant I & Residency Officer, Program Assistant 2 & Residency Officer, and Admissions Coach & Residency Officer for the Enrollment Services and Admissions departments as well as Program Assistant 2 for the Workforce Development department. Within those roles, I did things like admissions for college students, registration for all students (high school and college), residency for college students as well as many other things to support students and my colleagues as needed.

Now, here we are in 2018, and I am happy to be starting my journey at Everett Community College where I look forward to learning and growing while still doing what I love, helping students achieve their goals!

Andralia-Lei with parents
My parents and I; Ipo and Thomas.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

My most memorable job so far is actually my high school job where I worked at Happy Valley Kau Kau Corner, a little restaurant and gift shop that was on Maui in Hawai’i. When I was 16, I started as a cashier, shave ice (snow cone) maker and dishwasher, and then started cooking less than a year later after being eager and trying to help all the time in the kitchen. It was a small family run business and my aunty Loke (lo-keh) was the manager and cook. She trained her daughter Courtney and I to eventually open and close the restaurants by ourselves on slower days.

Andralia-Lei at Lake Crescent
Lake Crescent…the closet I’ve found to my Hawai’I so far in Washington. I was feeling a little homesick at that moment.

This is my most memorable job because it’s when I really learned how to be responsible, careful, ambitious, and so many other things. I only had a short period of being the “irresponsible teenager” before I had to grow up. Courtney was 16 and I was 17 when we were given such big responsibilities! Learning how to cook yummy local to Hawai’I foods was a plus, especially now that I am away from home.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Andralia-Lei and Brian on sunset cruise
Brian and I on a sunset cruise in Maui in July 2017.

A typical work day for me now that I am at EvCC will include waking up at 5:30 (instead of 4 for my old job), making Brian and I breakfast and lunch, sending Brian off to work and then lounging on the couch or getting things done until it’s time for me to get going. 😊 I am so new at the College, that I don’t know what a “typical day” will look like yet, but I imagine I’ll be reviewing and processing Running Start applications, answering emails/phone calls/in person inquiries, doing reporting, record-keeping, and maybe doing an outreach event for Running Start or helping out at the front counter for Enrollment Services.

Family Reunion pictures
2014 Ohana reunion on my dad’s side held in Olympia, Washington.

Describe yourself at 13 years old.

13-year-old me was kind of awkward. I hit a growth spurt and was taller than all my friends, some of whom were about the same height as me the year before. My mom and aunty Loke decided to cut my bangs with a Flowbee and give me that poofy look AND I got glasses for the first time – which I hated, because I got teased about it. Besides all the negatives, I was a fun-loving girl who loved playing in the park with her friends, going to the mall, cooking (I started preparing dinners from start to finish for our family at 12ish), going to the beach, playing video games, etc. The best part of my 13th year was going on a field trip with my middle school all the way to Europe! 😊

Andralia-Lei self-portrait with chips
CHIPS!!! I took an Introduction to Drawing class and for our first assignment, we were asked to draw some that’s autobiographical…what can be more autobiographical than a picture of me with my favorite food. Haha.

What is your favorite meal/ snack in spring? Favorite spring beverage?

My favorite snack, no matter the season…chips. Any kind; I am not chipist! 😊 During the spring, I love mocktails or cocktails…nothing specific just something fruity and cold.

What would be the title of your autobiography?
I don’t know…I am not that creative. I’ll just call it The Life of Andralia-Lei.

What is the first concert you attended?

Michael Jackson at the Blaisdell Arena on Oahu in 1992!

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

In most recent years, it’s been going on outdoors adventures whether it’s a little walk around the neighborhood or at a park/beach, going on a little hike, or just relaxing outside. I can’t believe that I have been living in Washington for about 12 years, and only started going on adventures in the last 3! On not so nice days, I enjoy staying in and playing video games with Brian. 😊

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

Andralia-Lei at Deception Pass
Me at Deception Pass.

Sad to say, I haven’t read a book in a while! From start to finish, at least. I can’t remember the last one I read.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
CHIPS!!!

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?

My hometown is Waihe’e, Maui, Hawai’i. My parents, brothers and I moved around Maui a lot but Waihe’e was always our home because that’s where my mom’s parents and grandparents lived. We’d be there almost every day.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Collage pictures of Andralia-Lei
Some photos of me in a collage



In 5 years, I hope to still be working in Higher Education doing what I love, and maybe I can make becoming an Academic Advisor happen by then!

What do you like to do on your days off?

My ideal day off would include sleeping in, having brunch and then going on an outdoor adventure! Our favorite go to places are Wallace Falls and Deception Pass.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. – Maya Angelou

Hula dancers
Gerry Ebalaroza Tunnell, Laurie Franklin and myself before we danced hula at the 2016 FSOCC Conference in Spokane, Washington.

Behind the Resume #48 – Jessica Manfredi

Jessica Manfredi new employee photoWhat is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
My tile is Program Specialist 2 for Worker Retraining. I’ll be working within the Workforce Funding Dept. providing qualifying unemployed/dislocated workers with start-up funds to pursue an ATA degree or certificate.

Tell us a little about your professional background.
I graduated with a B.A. in Global Studies and Law, Economics, and Public Policy from UW Bothell. I have been working in higher education ever since my junior year in college. I have held a variety of positions from Peer Consultant at a writing center to Administrative Coordinator at a shared lab-facility. I love working with and helping/empowering students and that’s why I stayed in higher education.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

Jessica and family at her wedding September 2017
Family Picture from our wedding last September 2017


My most memorable “job” was actually not a job, but a volunteer position as a Mentor at a club at UW Bothell called La Voz de E.L.L.A. (Her Voice). I loved being able to mentor women at Everett High School, mostly from underrepresented backgrounds. We worked on everything from self-esteem to empowering students to pursue higher education. Watching these students grow and succeed was humbling and truly shaped my decision to work in the field.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day involves meeting with students one-on-one and/or in an orientation to help them understand the process of applying/qualifying for Worker Retraining funds. I collaborate with community partners such as WorkSource and doing general outreach, so we can spread the word about Worker Retraining and serve as a resource. Finally, there’s a lot of paperwork involved with what I do (forms, agreements, etc.) so I spend a good chunk of my time recordkeeping, scanning, and organizing documents.

Jessica and dog
Jessica with her dog, Winter, at Deception Pass

Describe yourself at 12 years old.
12-year-old Jessica loved reading books and was definitely a teacher’s pet and know-it-all, but with a kind heart and willingness to help. Of course, the know-it-all part changed a lot when she moved to the U.S. at age 13 and found herself in an American middle school without speaking any English – oh boy, 13-year-old Jessica was up for a bumpy ride!

What is your favorite meal/ snack in spring? Favorite spring beverage?
I’m vegan, so I would say my favorite spring snack is cranberry trail mix. My favorite spring/summer beverage is of course, coconut water!

What would be the title of your autobiography?
Around the World in 80 Confusing Ways – Jessica Figures it Out One Day at a Time

What is the first concert you attended?
Linkin Park – I was 11! Honestly, still one of the best concerts I have ever been to. They were my favorite band during my teens and I was a total groupie. Last year, when Chester Bennington (lead singer) committed suicide, I was completely crushed, but I was also overjoyed with the amount of awareness that was raised towards mental health issues by the band and the rock community more generally.

Jessica and her wife in St. Edwards Park
Jessica and her wife in St. Edwards Park

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Ballet – I’m an adult ballerina. It was something I used to do when I was little and came back to about a year and a half ago. It was a passion that never truly went away, and I am so glad I took the chance and came back to it!

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
The last book I read was “This is How You Lose Her” by Junot Diaz. I recommend absolutely anything by him, especially if you’re Latinx or want more insight into what it’s like to be part of the Latinx/Puerto Rican/Spanish Caribbean diaspora.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?
French Fries or just potatoes in general.

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?

Jessica in Brazil
Jessica in Brazil visiting family in 2015

My hometown is Sao Paulo, Brazil. I was born and raised there, though I have spent most of my young adult life (18-forward) in Washington State.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself in a steady job where I get to help students on a daily basis (like the one I currently have), with a little bit bigger family (my wife and I really want a baby, we have just been waiting for the right time).

What do you like to do on your days off?

Jessica and her wife in Vancouver, BC
Jessica and her wife in Vancouver, BC

I love hiking and camping with my wife and our dog, Winter. Taking weekend trips to Vancouver or Portland (I love to travel!). I also love cooking and trying out new vegan recipes (my wife and I are total foodies).

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” – Angela Davis.