In celebration of Women’s History Month, the College of Humanities is spotlighting a few of our most dedicated and long-serving faculty and staff members who operate behind the scenes in various roles and are part of the essential fabric behind the work we do. This week, meet Marcela Thompson, who’s worked for the College of Humanities for nine years and is currently Administrative Assistant for the Departments of Africana Studies and Religious Studies & Classics.
Q: The National Women’s History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month, sets the theme each year. In 2023, it’s “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” We have selected you for your role and length of service to the college. Can you briefly describe your role in your own words?
A: There are many roles I perform inclusive of the title of Administrative Assistant. Having worked for several departments, including SILLC, flexibility and patience are some of my most important assets. I thrive on my ability to manage and juggle all tasks and requests presented to me quickly and efficiently. My roles range anywhere from welcoming and directing visitors, answering many emails, to training student workers, attending meetings, and taking minutes, as well as keeping the office running smoothly. I pride myself in being the go-to person for all my superiors.
Q: Are there any women who have been particularly influential in your life or career?
A: I have been blessed to have been surrounded by many influential women who have shaped me into the person I am now. On a personal level, I have always aspired to be like my mother who is such a loving, caring person. On a professional level, a previous boss of mine who is now a very dear friend, Dr. Judy C. Johnson, has been very influential to me. Dr. Johnson was the Chief Operating Officer of the Regional Behavioral Health Authority for Southern Arizona. I served as her Executive Assistant. I learned so much from Dr. Johnson as she was a woman with integrity, intelligence, hard-working, and very thorough with every project she worked on. She made me want to be a better Executive Assistant. I give credit to her for believing in me and for teaching me how to be the best at my job(s).
Q: What’s your favorite part about working for the College of Humanities?
A: My favorite part of working for the College of Humanities are the people I am surrounded by. I enjoy the young energy of the students, all the faculty I support, and all my team members of the SILLC Business Team.
Q: Is there anything you would like to share about your interests or life story that others may not know?
A: My interests are to spend time with my family, especially my husband who continues to make me laugh even after 33 years of marriage. I love being surrounded by my mom, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews as they all bring so much joy to my heart. My family means the world to me.