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Build
Your Network and Pay It Forward through Mentoring
Alicia
Enriquez, REHS, NEHA Regional Vice President, Region 2
Vote Alicia
Enriquez for NEHA 2nd Vice President
The title above is the advice I give to environmental health
specialists just starting out and what I strive to do in my
own career. Even now, after 21 years in the environmental health
profession, I believe in aiming high when translating big-picture
ideas into real programs for public health protection. From
my start as a housing program specialist in the San Francisco
Bay Area to my current position as Deputy Environmental Health
Division Chief for Sacramento County, I owe much to my many
mentors along the way.
And I continue
to be inspired to grow as a professional by the dynamic network
of environmental health leaders that NEHA offers. There is always
someone who has tried something innovative or can share similar
experiences. In turn, I do my best to offer assistance and inspiration
to incoming professionals; I find serving as a mentor a truly
rewarding experience.
I have learned that becoming involved is the only way to make
a difference. It is not enough to make suggestions or recommendations
and hope that someone will turn those ideas into changes for
the better. As NEHA Region 2 Vice President (serving California,
Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada), I have committed to working on
many special projects and partner organizations to ensure that
NEHA continues along a path of excellence.
And, now
I am running for NEHA 2nd Vice President. My goals, if elected,
are to see the following efforts made to better serve NEHA members
and the practice of environmental health:
Educational
Opportunities: Increase online, remote site and regional educational
opportunities and develop additional "tool kits" with
easily adaptable handouts
Food Safety Network: Develop a comprehensive repository of current
information, Establish a network of food safety experts; Track
food safety initiatives; and Make positions on legislation and
policy
Communication: Expand capabilities by using more digital communication
forms including e-mail, social media and networking sites
Workforce Development: Grow our profession by outreach to university
students
Together,
we can make NEHA an even stronger organization. I'd appreciate
your support for NEHA 2nd Vice President. For additional information
about my candidacy, please visit my website at www.ehleadership.com
or contact me at (916) 875-8566 or EnriquezA@Comcast.net.
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