Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Dominique "Nikki" Cargill – Pharmacy Department

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

It will be 23 years this March!

What does Wellness mean to you?

For me, wellness means to "Take Care". Giving care, energy, attention to aspects of our lives which bring us to a healthier state.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

I just want to help people be happy and healthy. In the workplace it can be easy to forget or set aside our wellness. When I heard about the Wellness Ambassador program, I thought it was such a positive and wonderful thing! I wanted to share that with my co-workers. 

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I have been a wellness ambassador since 2018.

What has been the most rewarding or positive part about your experience thus far?

I've really enjoyed the group challenges and events that my department has done. We made a team for the Donut Dash last year and I got to meet colleagues in person that I would not have through regular work. My office also did a plant swap recently which was so easy but brought a lot of smiles and excitement. I would say that joy has been my favorite reward so far.

What are some challenges you face as a wellness ambassador, especially through the pandemic?

As a person who works from home most of the week, trying to find ways to bring wellness to everyone can be challenging when we don't see each other. So, I do see it is important to take advantage of the days we are together, or to try and set up things that can be accessed by staff which work on staggered days. For example, the plant swap was a week-long event that was set up in the break room. No matter what day you were working, you could still participate.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new wellness ambassadors?

Small things matter! You don't always have to find an elaborate event to bring wellness. It can be simple as starting a gratitude practice at meetings. Also, look to the 8 Dimensions of Wellness if you're struggling for ideas on how to bring wellness to your team. 

Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being aims to build an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier one, while providing staff and faculty with the required support to make UC Davis the healthiest community. How do you feel you have contributed to our mission?

I feel like I have contributed through several events, two were sponsored by WA grants. 

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I love reading, calligraphy and engraving, gardening, spending time with friends... but my favorite thing to do in my spare time is traveling with my husband and 2 boys. Last summer we were in the Humboldt area and hiked through Fern Valley. It was so beautiful. I highly recommend it!