Get to Know Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG Board Member Ismael Robles
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The County has 11 great Employee Resource Groups. They are each led by a respective board of directors who all demonstrate commitment and stewardship of its members to the various sectors of our community.
Get to know Indigenous Sovereign Nations ERG Board Member Ismael Robles.
Q: How long have you worked for the County? What are your job responsibilities?
A: I have been with the County for 1 year as a treasurer-tax collector specialist in the Financial Division of the Treasurer-Tax Collector. My current role is to refund all secured parcels and supplemental bills reviewed and processed over $16 million for fiscal year 2023-2024. I am also part of the Diversity & Inclusion TTC Committee. (Diversity is a FACT, Inclusion is an ACT.)
Q: What’s your workplace superpower?
A: Our workplace superpower is providing exceptional customer service to the taxpayers and community of San Diego County on their property taxes.
Q. Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?
A: I have a few mentors outside of the office. Marcos Suarez, Norman Sprunck, Dr. Heriberto Escamilla, Maestro Macedonio Arteaga Jr., Maestro Jesus Pacheco and Martin Eder along with my family and Ancestors who also inspire me to do my best every day.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
A: To follow my heart and spirit, and to be vulnerable but courageous.
Q: What are some resources that you find useful and recommend to others?
A: The Employee Resource Groups of the County of San Diego have some great resources in terms of being engaged with the community, workshops, professional development and networking.
Q: Who are you outside of work and types of activities do you enjoy?
Charro-style Fiesta from Jalisco, Mexico
A: I enjoy spending time with my wife Elsa going out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, playing chess, dominos, or pickleball with my grandsons, and staying connected with my three young adult children. In addition, I belong to a Circulo de Hombres (Circle of Men). We mentor young boys and men to heal from generational trauma by being present and performing healing circles.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: We can learn from each other. Being of service at home and helping underserved communities. Last year, I established my nonprofit (Gratitude Financial Services) to provide financial literacy education to underserved communities, schools, rehabilitation facilities, and individual homes leading to mental wellness at NO COST. That is my passion, giving back and sharing knowledge.
Robles giving Chairwoman Nora Vargas sage at the raising of the Native American flag ceremony at the County Administration Center in June 2024.
Q: Tell us about your ERG.
A: I am part of three Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s): Emerging Workforce Association (EWA), I’m the current Treasurer; Indigenous Sovereign Nations (ISN) Board of Directors; and San Diego County Latino Association (SDCLA) as a member. This is a great way to get involved and make a difference within the County and communities.
Q: How has being in your ERG improved your experience working at the County?
ISN at the County Operations CEnter
A: As a fairly new member of the ERG communities; I have seen lots of knowledge, wisdom, and different perspectives. I'm excited to be part of the three ERGs I mentioned above and will contribute my knowledge and wisdom to make a difference among the County employees and communities.
Q: What are your 3 favorite places to eat in San Diego? Or what is your most favorite meal?
A: Mona Lisa Deli and/or Restaurant, El Ranchero Taco Shop (owned by an old friend of mine) and In-N-Out Burger. My favorite dish is chicken piccata or chicken marsala
Q: Name one (or more) musicians/bands you are listening to right now?
A: In Latin jazz, Salsa—the legendary Tito Puente, El Conguero Poncho Sanchez & Sonora Santanera. The great salsa singers Hector Lavoe (El Cantante) and Rubén Blades. And in classic rock: Journey, Scorpions and Rock en Español Mana.
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