Meet Our Newest ERG’s President
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The County has ten great Employee Resource Groups (ERG) and it’s about to have it’s eleventh! The Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG will be hosting a launch event at the County Operations Center on World's Indigenous Peoples Day Aug. 9.
In the meanwhile, get to know the Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG President Maria Whitehorse, a human services specialist with Self-Sufficiency Service at the Northeast Family Resource Center.
Q: How long have you worked for the County and what departments have you worked for?
A: I’ve worked for the County for 15 years. I have worked in Child Welfare Services as an office assistant and human services specialist for the Self-Sufficiency Department.
Q: What do you do in your role/what are your job responsibilities?
A: I have been selected to various roles and assignments within my office as a human services specialist. I have been part of intake, the Perinatal Care Network, customer service, continuing, hybrid and specialized groups.
I have conducted eligibility review for public assistance, been a staff adjustment factor, conducted case reviews as a lead worker, assisted in training of new staff, assigned to community-based organizations as a representative, selected as a representative of the County of San Diego to attend fairs such as women’s fair, hunger coalition and community health fairs. And I have acted as supervisor role in the absence of my supervisor.
I have also been involved in tiger teams for my department. I also sit on the board of Children in Need, and the San Diego Latino Association. And currently now I am the founder and president of this new ERG Indigenous Sovereign Nations.
Q: What’s your workplace superpower?
A: I have a remarkable power of perception when it comes to other people. With my antennae up, I pick up on the needs and emotions around me, even when no one is saying anything.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself outside of work.
A: Most of my free time is spent with my husband and my little dog Bella. I have a deep love for animals. We like taking road trips, volunteering in the community, fishing, bike riding and skate boarding. We also belong to a very loving church. We like to travel and attend Pow Wows.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Being the youngest of three and the only girl, I developed a passion for being a fixer. I must always make sure my surrounding family and friends are OK and have what they need. I will never allow anyone to go without. My passion for people extends currently to what I do as a human service specialist.
Q. What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
A: Forgive and let go.
When we carry unforgiveness, it’s like taking a massive rock, putting it in a backpack and carrying it around. It weighs us down, saps our energy, our motivation, and enjoyment of life. Additionally, it causes us to see people and life through the lens of bitterness and anger. We find ourselves getting offended and upset at minor things that happen to us. It harms not only our relationships with friends and family, but also with colleagues and clients.
Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?
A: If you’re interested in volunteering, this a great source to find local places to volunteer -volunteermatch.org.
Q: Tell us about your ERG.
A: Indigenous Sovereign Nations was established to bring culture education and awareness. The indigenous culture has a rich history that needs to be unlearned and taught. It is our hope through this group, together with the surrounding local tribes we can bring more visibility and understanding of our culture. We will also provide support to all County employees by bringing supportive services to build and strengthen professional and personal goals. We will also serve as a bridge to our County leadership.
Q: Why are ERGs important?
ERGs serve as a connection between all employees throughout the county. They provide various trainings, speakers, professional educational development and cultural education. ERGs can also provide a resource for leadership regarding staff/community issues, needs and policies.
Q: What is your ERG looking forward to this year?
A: Getting off the ground and running. We will be hosting a launch event Pow Wow with dancers, drummer and a guest speaker from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the County Operations Center. Join us!
For membership or additional information about the newest ERG, email ISN.FGG@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Also read:
Get To Know MEERG President Mehdi Khalili
Get To Know EWA Board Member Diana Eid-Chammas
Get To Know SDCLA Secretary Alex Talaro
Get To Know LGBTQ&A ERG Board Member Ryan Trabuco
Get To Know APACE Vice President Annamarie Hernandez
Get To Know PISCE Treasurer Isobel Kinsang
Get To Know AAACE Secretary Nikki Horton
Get to Know DiverseAbility ERG Secretary Valerie Prado