How long have you been a FCCMA member?
I have been a FCCMA member since December 2014. Robert E. Lee, not the Commander of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the American Civil War from 1862, but Dr. Lee from Florida Gulf Coast University is the person responsible for persuading me to join the FCCMA and I really enjoy being part of the organization. What I like most about this organization is the unity among the members, the webinars, workshops and conferences. I also like being part of the Communications Committee and the Diversity and Inclusions Committee, because I feel my opinion is heard.
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
No, but I am looking into becoming a member. I heard this is a great organization as well.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I studied Law for a year in South America and then came to Florida in 2009. I went to Florida South Western College formerly known as Edison State College for my Associates degree. I transferred to FGCU and did an undergraduate degree in Political Science. And today I am three courses away from my Masters in Public Administration at FGCU.
What got you interested in public service?
I knew I wanted to work for the government because of the benefits and being able to provide my knowledge and skills to help others. I had no idea what exactly I wanted to do until I reached senior year in my undergrad. That senior year, I did an internship for a Democratic campaign and found I really dislike campaign work, and then I did an internship for the Planning Department at the City of Fort Myers and became very interested in Land-Use planning. Land-Use Planning is very unique and important to City management as it will carve a future for the city. One day when I become an assistant city manager, I will advocate for efficient functioning of the Planning department.
What is your current occupation?
I am Land-Use Planner.
Please give a brief job description.
I have to research the land where a proposed project will take place, create a analysis, interpret land development code and comp plan, prepare zoning and comp plan applications, providing all supporting documents, prepare presentations and interact with county and city staff.
Please describe your typical day.
With all the chaos at my home with two girls, a dog and a husband, I escape to work. At work I will check my emails, set up projects that I need to work on, communicate constantly with office staff, and attend project meetings in office or at city/county. After lunch I continue to work on the projects so they are ready for submittal to city/county.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love to do research and interpret the Land Development Code and apply the regulations to projects.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
I really dislike to reply to comment response letters. These letters are from city/county staff and they indicate items missing or incorrect items on a land-use application or supporting documents like a narrative. The comments made in the letter are sometime repetitive and some answers are obvious and I tend to get annoyed by writing the same answer in three different comments.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Not at my current job, but when I interned for the City of Fort Myers I was able to prepare staff reports, and present in front of the board. I felt proud that day.
What are hobbies/interests?
I enjoy reading, painting, photography, and playing all sports, but I have no time with work, school and kids. As I mentioned above my interest is to expand my experience so I can become assistant city manager.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Do an internship, even if it is a small amount of hours a week. The internship will give you a look at the potential areas you are interested in working. Also a big one is to join as many organizations like the FCCMA and get involved in the committees because it will help you network and get you recognized as a professional.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
I have people I analyze and follow and then I have people who actually taught me a particular job. Lynee Rodriguez, retired planner for the City of Fort Myers, taught me everything I know now about planning. Some stuff didn’t make sense then but as I gained more experience I was able to make the connections and realize what she was talking about then. In the city manager perspective, I met many people but the ones that stuck out the most are Dr. Lee from FGCU, Yocelyn Galiano, Village Manager for Village of Pinecrest, Heidi Siegel village manager of Biscayne Park, and Mayor Randy Henderson. I am pretty sure others will be added to my list, because I like to take the qualities from these people and absorb them.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have had the privilege to work in public and private sector planning. I am currently at a private planning company, but do wish to go into the public sector, because I have a higher possibility of being hired as an assistant manager that way.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would love to serve as a advisor to the state of Florida on planning and or even a advisor to the United states on international affairs. Maybe in the future old age would have given me enough experience to become an advisor.
