Publishing and working with topics in Public Administration for over 40 years, can you speak on your experience on how the role of technology forced you to reconsider traditional approaches and theories of governance?
Technology changed the field of performance management where I started my career in public service. No longer where observations recorded manually, but we now had technology to assist in the recordings. Collecting and analyzing data became more efficient and I believe there is more to come with the introduction of data science.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why do you think it is important?
I like Hispanic Heritage month because it highlights the influence that Hispanics have had in this great nation and, because it makes cultural events available to help others get to know our music, foods, interests. I think it is important because the more we know about people unlike ourselves, the less likely we are to be prejudice against them.
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month this year is “Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”. How do you think we can all work to achieve this goal?
It is clear to me that if we take people for who they are instead of preconceived biases, we are likely to find skills and talents that were outside of our circle. Inclusivity will make us more diverse, more
talented, and more able to achieve. We can only achieve this by including others that from different backgrounds including Hispanics.
Who or what inspired you to work in public service?
I was inspired to work in the public service by a belief that democracy is strengthened by strong public institutions. Beginning my career at GAO allowed me to experience how as public servant evaluators we could contribute to improvements in programs and institutions. I was then able to transfer these skills to local government, before joining the academy.
What is your favorite class that you ever taught or took, and why?
My favorite class to teach is organizational behavior. I taught the class emphasizing the need for both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. I was able to witness tremendous growth in the students in this course. I also liked teaching performance management because students would often refer to the usefulness of the course in getting internships and employment.
What advice can you give to folks beginning careers in public service?
Seek a public service organization whose mission excites you and for what you feel great commitment; this will keep you engaged regardless of outside forces. If it is academia, I would encourage developing a healthy self-confidence to be able to deal with and learn from the publishing and student evaluation comments.
As a Hispanic, I would advise you to embrace your new country without losing your culture.
If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see?
I would want to witness the transfer of power in Germany and countries in Eastern Europe from communist dictatorships to democracy.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
We have all heard that our actions speak louder than our words. I find this is particularly important as we attain leadership positions. So, I leave you with Maya Angelou who writes, “I may not remember your words, but I will remember how you made me feel.”