MARIA VALVERDE'S favorite part of her job is the people. Maria, an Assistant in Foundation Grants, explains how much she appreciates the connections she shares at work.
“A lot of people here have a big heart,” Maria says. “One of the things I like is that before everything people say, ‘We need to pray.’ Every time you need help there is always somebody willing to help you, through listening, giving advice or helping in any way they can.”
Having worked at Loma Linda University Health (LLU Health) for a total of 16 years, including spending time as a Registered Dental Assistant at SACHS Norton, Maria knows LLU Health well.
“Coming to work is like being at home,” explains Maria. “I commute forty-two miles each way, but I’m happy to come every day. It’s a blessing for me, and I have wonderful friends and wonderful people that I work with.”
When asked what motivates her each day, Maria exclaims, “To help people.” Maria assists with donors reaching the organization through the Foundation Grants department.
“Whenever they call, I try to help them as much as I can, and direct them to the right person,” says Maria.
Outside of work, Maria is always excited to serve at LLU Health.
“I love to volunteer!” Maria explains enthusiastically. Maria annually volunteers for the Children’s Hospital Gala, Children’s Hospital Foundation Radiothon and for other events throughout LLU Health as needed. One of Maria’s biggest joys in life is the time with her 19 month old grandson, Ethan. She also enjoys frequent family and friend visits from her home country of Costa Rica.
Maria’s smile illuminates the room as she says, “Here at LLU Health,” she says. “I like the way that we help people through our mission.”
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MICHAEL BAUTISTA, a Grants Officer for Foundation Grants, is a storyteller. It’s his goal to tell the story of LLU Health to his community and to the world. Michael formerly worked with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, where he prompted conversations with the community about supporting funding initiatives.
“Being able to go out and talk with community groups and give them updates and tell them about what they’re doing for children globally by supporting programs here at LLU Health,” says Michael, “Is a highlight as far as my experience here.”
Michael strongly believes in the mission of LLU Health, and values those others around the organization that support this as the purpose behind what they do.
“Everybody comes to work here for the mission first,” explains Michael. “To work with colleagues and physician faculty that have that drive towards mission, it makes each experience that much more important.”
Recently joining the Foundation Grants team, Michael continues his work with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and also covers grants and foundations for the organization’s hospitals and schools.
“I have the opportunity to explain to people the mission behind what we do here, why we do what we do, and why we’ve been here for over a century,” Michael says. “Being able to tell that story to people in other countries or other states and have that type of conversation makes the mission very meaningful.”
Outside of work, Michael enjoys incorporating his family into this mission.
“As a parent living in Loma Linda, being able to bring my children to events on campus or at the Drayson Center, and having my family be involved in what we do is probably one of my favorite things about being here."