Panel: Opportunities for Involvement on Campus

Crystal Petrini, Erika Leon, Julie Salgado

Would you like to learn more about networking opportunities to ways get involved on campus? In this session, we will discuss opportunities for involvement in groups on campus such as Staff Assembly, Leaders of Excellence and Distinction (LEAD), Highlander Mentor Connection, as well as other affinity groups on campus.  There are many ways to get involved such as being a member of one of these groups, or even volunteering to assist with the many events that these groups host.  Hope to see you there so we can help get you connected with your staff peers on campus!

Track:  Driving Your Career Forward

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BIOS

Crystal Petrini serves as FAO for the departments of English & Philosophy.

Crystal joined UCRSA in 2016, serving as President during the 2019-2020 AY. She was a UCR delegate on CUCSA before serving as Chair in 2021-2022.

In these roles, Crystal has advocated for and elevated the perception of staff across the UC. Her efforts have led to programs and policy changes including but not limited to UCR’s HMC, flexible work, and the PCFB.

Crystal holds BAs in Political Science: International Relations and Spanish from UCSB. She also holds an MBA from the University of Redlands.

Julie Salgado serves as Director of Events for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) at the University of California, Riverside. In this capacity, she assists with logistical planning for large scale events for the CHASS Dean’s Office. She has 24 years of service with UC Riverside and takes great pride in her work. In 2016 she served as the Vice President, and President of Staff Assembly. Julie would then go on to join Leaders of Excellence And Distinction (or LEAD), first serving as Events Chair, then as Chair for the Organization. During Julie tenure, LEAD would develop its events capacity, establish a leadership certification program, and establish a quarterly award for outstanding UCR leadership. LEAD collaborates with other organizations to establish new initiatives including the UCR Staff Conference and Highlander Mentor Connection. For Julie’s distinguished service in the UC, she would be named a 2020 Kevin McCauley Memorial Outstanding Staff Award Recipient. Julie holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of California Riverside, and a master's degree in Management from the University of Redlands.

Erika Leon:

Erika Leon is the Human Resource Business Partner for the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.  In this role, she supports close to 200 staff, providing support and leadership for all staff functions including hiring, employee and leadership development, career progression, employee relations, and retention.  Erika also services as the Vice President for UCR’s Staff Assembly for the 2022-2023 year. 

Erika has a passion for supporting staff and helping to navigate their professional journeys.  In her 18 years in the HR field, Erika has found purpose in advocating for staff and using her voice to speak for those that may not speak up for themselves.  Erika specializes in employee relations, problem-solving, and helping to grow and cultivate strong leaders and staff. She has a passion for building relations with her colleagues that reinforces her commitment and dedication as an HR professional.  Building trust with those that do not trust easily is a strength. She accomplishes this by working with employees through challenging situations and finding the win/win scenario whenever possible. 

Erika is an alumnus of UC Riverside, gaining her Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science, Law and Society. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. 

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The UCR Staff Conference is a two-day event created by and for UC Riverside staff, co-hosted by UCR Staff Assembly, Leaders of Excellence and Distinction (LEAD), and Human Resources Employee and Organizational Development.

Our 2023 event will include three official tracks: driving your career forward; self care / mental wellness; and creating & nurturing a culture of respect.

The conference will take place virtually on Crowdcast on Tuesday, March 28 and Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

View the full schedule here, and register here.