Joselyn Delgado, an administrator for the Government and Community Relations Office, has worked at the Lab for only seven months, but has already had an important impact on the Lab’s outreach efforts: translating key materials into Spanish to help reach more people in the community. She also enjoys learning about the Lab’s scientific innovations.
As part of Latin American Heritage Month, Delgado answers three questions for Elements:
What was your journey to Berkeley Lab like?
My journey started at a bus stop on Telegraph. I was on my way into work at UC Berkeley when I saw the Berkeley Lab shuttle making a stop. I was exploring new opportunities in my career path and decided to apply for a job after learning about the exciting work being done at Berkeley Lab. Luckily, there was an opening in the Government and Community Relations office, where I immediately felt welcomed with open arms.
Can you tell us about your family heritage? What was their pathway to the U.S. to America?
My parents are from a small town in Nicaragua called Chichigalpa, which is known as “la tierra del ron y azúcar” or “the land of rum and sugar” because of the miles of cultivated sugarcane. They left in the late 1980’s as political refugees of the Nicaraguan Revolution and settled in Los Angeles. We faced many challenges being first-generation, but my two sisters (far left) and I fulfilled our parents’ dream that all their children become college graduates.
What are some of your favorite ways to connect with your culture?
I keep connected with my Nicaraguan roots through food, music, dance, and conversations with my family. One of my favorite traditions that we have established as a family is a trip to the motherland every five years to see family and explore the beautiful landscapes.
Did you miss the 3Q4 with Armando Casillas? Read it here.
Want to connect with or support Latin American and Native American employees at the Lab? Consider joining the LANA Employee Resource Group.
LANA is hosting Cafecito Social Hours on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. throughout Latin American Heritage Month. Add them to your calendar: