Belonging and Engagement (BE) Team
Say Hi To Our Belonging and Engagement (BE) Team
Imelda Wicks, Assistant Vice President, Talent, Culture, and Engagement
About Imelda:
I’m a Chicana. Enjoy spending time with my husband and my two rescued dogs. Move from Houston to the DFW over a year ago. Whenever I’m not working I like to spend my time contemplating nature and having a positive impact in our wild life.
What is your primary work focus at UTA?"
I’m responsible for all the programming that comes out of TCE | Belonging and Engagement."
Favorite Quote:
“The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water.” By Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote de la Mancha
Vanden Thong, Program Manager
About Vanden:
I’ve lived in Texas most of my life. I like exploring coffee and pastry shops and spending quality time with my family. I’m also a bit of a pseudo techie with a creative mind, always diving into how-to videos to learn something new.
What is your primary work focus at UTA?
As a Program Manager, I have the privilege of collaborating with a variety of employee resource groups consisting of faculty and staff. I handle various responsibilities, including guiding group formation, establishing and reviewing bylaws, offering support, facilitating cross-departmental communication, and providing coaching and training.
Favorite Quote:
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
About Kathy:
I grew up on the east coast and relocated to Dallas to be near family where I enjoy being an aunt to eight nieces and nephews. I love playing tennis, refurbishing furniture, and most of all surprising my friends and family with home-made gifts!
What is your primary work focus at UTA?
In my Engagement Consultant role, I am responsible for designing and implementing engagement strategies with a focus on fostering a culture of mentorship and recognition across the university.
Favorite Quote:
“May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” Irish Blessing
About Hannah:
I am a DFW native with a passion for community and connection. When I'm not at work, you can find me in UTA classes, pursuing medicine and researching health and wellness. I love practicing yoga and hearing people’s stories.
What is your primary work focus at UTA?
I specialize in sourcing exceptional candidates and creating dynamic employment pathways that cultivate a vibrant and engaged workforce at UTA.
Favorite Quote:
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." – Martin Luther King Jr.
About Nico:
My name is Nico Covarrubias, an Ohio native and a Toledo Rocket Alumnus. I live in the DFW area with my dog, Chevo. We both enjoy lounging at home watching Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter marathons. My favorite movie is the Goonies and enjoy listening to Tejano music.
What is your primary work focus at UTA?
I am the Employee Engagement Specialist, I am responsible for the coordination and management of Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups. I also assist with welcoming new University employees and let them know how to stay engaged with our amazing Maverick Community. As well as assisting with various other engagement and recognition programs.
Favorite Quote:
“Being Mexican American is tough … We’ve gotta be twice as perfect as anybody else” – Edward James Olmos as Abraham Quintanilla
About Allia:
I began my second career at UTA in 2023, after retiring from a 30-year career in law enforcement. I was born on the beautiful island of Trinidad in the southern Caribbean. I grew up in Queens, New York, receiving my dual undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in Applied Psychology and Criminal Justice, and finished with a Juris Doctorate in Government and Politics. I am the proud mom of a son, and grandson, with another grandson expected at the end of this year. I have lived in five (5) different states, as well as the District of Columbia through my career. I was blessed to relocate to Texas since I knew this was going to be my retirement home. I love to travel, cook, and watch European television shows.
What is your Primary Work Focus at UTA?
My primary work focus at UTA is managing the office operations for the Belonging and Engagement team. My biggest responsibility is coordinating Employee Resource Group (ERG) events, which involves finding locations for their meetings and handling catering. I love event and party planning, so I would say this is the best part of my job!
Favorite Quote:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Dr. Maya Angelou
About Varshith:
I joined the BE team last March and have been enjoying the journey ever since. Originally from India, I moved to Arlington to embrace the vibrant community and pursue a master's degree at UTA. I like playing cricket, watching movies, and listening to music in my free time. I’m eager to learn new technologies and have a passion for travel, always looking forward to discovering new places.
What is your Primary Work Focus at UTA?
I am responsible for helping digitize old documents in Talent Culture and Engagement to make them easily accessible online. I also assist in conducting events related to the BE team, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.
Favorite Quote:
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken" by Oscar Wilde