Favorite Parts of Being a Chief of Strategic Communications at California High-Speed Rail Authority
Melissa, Chief of Strategic Communications at California High-Speed Rail Authority, most enjoys "the people," particularly student engagement; interactions with younger generations provide invigorating conversations, fresh ideas, and "forward thinkingness," enriching both her work and California's future.
Communication, Executive/Leadership, Teamwork, Public Engagement, Mentorship
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Melissa Figueroa
Chief of Strategic Communications
California High-Speed Rail Authority
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
none
Creative Writing, Journalism
Government & Public Sector
Communication and Marketing
Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Melissa enjoys working with people, both her colleagues and the public.
2. She particularly values interacting with students of all ages, viewing them as the future and a source of innovative ideas.
3. These interactions are a source of energy, new perspectives, and humor for Melissa, making her work invigorating and engaging.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
What I enjoy most about my current role is the people. Not only the people on my staff, my team, my colleagues, and the executive staff, but also the people we get to talk to every day.
In my unit, we have the good fortune of engaging with students. I love this aspect, from K through 12 all the way through university students, because ultimately that's the future. That's the future of our state, the future of our organization, and just the future period.
I gain so much from those presentations, not only from the energy of all the people we speak with, but also from their ideas. Younger generations bring forward ideas in ways we may not be thinking about them. I love that.
I love the enthusiasm and forward-thinkingness they bring to the table. It's usually an invigorating conversation, and always very humorous, especially with the younger K through 12 kids. They ask some oddball questions, but it's very fun.