Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Kylie Podsakoff, Office of the University Registrar

How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I have worked at UC Davis since August of 2014.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

I was interested in doing more on campus and the notion of being a Wellness Ambassador resonated with me after learning more about the program. I like the holistic approach this program and the campus has taken to well-being.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

Since the summer of 2018.

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

There are too many to mention but a few highlights were working with OCP to coordinate volunteers for the OCP/ASUCD Pantry and Personal Care Drive, sponsoring Wellness Walks around the Arboretum with OUR staff, hosting Zoom Share Days during the pandemic, and coordinating guest speakers for OUR retreats and staff meetings.

What are some challenges you face as a wellness ambassador?

Being remote has made things challenging. Learning and sharing from other ambassadors helps to negate these challenges.

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

Participate in the monthly Wellness Ambassador meetings. It is a great way to stay connected and network with people who share the same passion for wellbeing. Also, if your office does not have a Wellness Committee build a wellness team and recruit others- more the merrier!

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?

This is a work in progress. This has come in the form of modeling the way such as taking stairs instead of the elevator, creating and posting information for our office’s Wellness Board, selecting healthy food menu items at retreats, etc.

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

My spare time is limited with two boys (8 and 11 years). Because weekends and nights tend to fill quickly with their activities I do make a point to walk a few times a week with a walking group at 5 am. It’s a quiet time to get a jump-start on the day and a wonderful way to get steps in and clear your head.