Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Stacy Hayashi – Clinical and and Translational Science Center

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have been with UC Davis for 19 years; about 10 of those have been with the CTSC. 

What does Wellness mean to you?

Wellness to me means taking care of yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

I originally became a co-wellness ambassador with a colleague so we could share the duties, but not long after, my wellness partner left and I have been the wellness ambassador ever since.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

I have been a wellness ambassador since 2016.

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

The most rewarding thing so far, is being able to provide fun wellness-based activities for our Center, which brings all of our staff together who don't normally work together.  Our office set up a Wellness Committee, and we meet regularly to plan monthly themes and activities.  This month we did "coffee with a colleague" to pair up people across units, based on their location - to chat and learn about each other! 

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

We of course had to shift to remote activities, but still made the effort. We did many walking challenges, and even a "paint night" via Zoom. We set up talks with financial advisors, did an art bingo challenge, encouraged people to get out in nature, as well as garden (and we asked for people to share pictures!). It was still fun, even being remote.

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

Look to other wellness ambassadors for advice and inspiration.  Don't be afraid to get creative, and always apply for the wellness grant! There are so many opportunities to improve wellness in your department with that.

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 myself along with our wellness committee, embrace the mission and try to provide a variety of wellness themed events to our department.  This may be to encourage physical activity, educate on financial wellness, encourage being in nature, getting creative or artsy, gardening,  sharing recipes, or just being present with others. Going remote or hybrid have left many people feeling siloed or lonely, and we try to address all aspects of wellness, bringing people together with a common goal to uplift each other in healthy ways.

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

I love to travel! I enjoy going to new places and exposing my kids to new countries and cultures.  I often spend most of my spare time shuffling kids to activities, but have learned that I really enjoy watching their sports games! I also enjoy hiking, swimming, and going to musical theater productions.