Plan Dulce Podcast

Nos preparamos para concluir la serie de Empoderamiento de Profesionales Administrativos de abril, reconociendo el trabajo esencial que realizan los empleados administrativos, incluyendo secretarias, asistentes y personal de apoyo. Además, retomamos esta serie destacando los múltiples roles clave que desempeñan como enlace para fomentar redes de apoyo comunitario en el lugar de trabajo, en diversas comunidades y con sus familias. Para nuestra Serie de Empoderamiento de Profesionales Administrativos, Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (ella) y Haydee Urita-Lopez (ella) de Plan Dulce entrevistan a Flora “Angie” Melendez (ella), Asistente Ejecutiva III del Departamento de Planificación de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Una advertencia para nuestros oyentes: esta entrevista aborda una historia personal relacionada con el suicidio. Si usted o alguien cercano está enfrentando problemas de salud mental, angustia emocional, inquietudes relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol o drogas, o simplemente necesita alguien con quien hablar, puede encontrar ayuda en la Línea de Vida para el Suicidio y las Crisis (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)._ _ _ _ _ _ _ Angie ha sido la asistente administrativa ejecutiva del director de planificación del Departamento de Planificación Urbana de la ciudad de Los Ángeles desde 2019 y ha estado al servicio de la ciudad de Los Ángeles durante casi 37 años.Comenzó en 1989 trabajando durante dos años con la entonces concejal Gloria Molina, la primera Latina elegida para el Ayuntamiento, seguida de 10 años con la concejala Rita Walters, la primera mujer Afroamericana elegida para el Ayuntamiento, y casi 12 años con el concejal Ed Reyes, urbanista de profesión.Posteriormente, dio el salto y se incorporó a la administración pública, comenzando como auxiliar administrativa en el Departamento de Recreación y Parques, donde fue ascendida a auxiliar administrativa sénior. En 2016, fue ascendida a secretaria en el Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles y, en 2019, a asistente administrativa ejecutiva en el Departamento de Planificación Urbana. Angie ha desempeñado este cargo durante casi siete años, donde cada día sigue creciendo y aprendiendo en su puesto, y además está encantada de compartir lo que ha aprendido con aquellos que actualmente están iniciando su trayectoria en la administración pública.Angie lleva casi 19 años casada con su esposo, Tony Melendez, conductor jubilado de UPS pero miembro del sindicato Teamsters (y seguidor de los Rams). Juntos han criado a tres hijos maravillosos: dos varones y una hija: Josué, Andrés y Belén. Ahora, brindan apoyo y cariño a seis nietos encantadores de entre 2 meses y 8 años, que los mantienen muy ocupados y con espíritu joven.LA City Planninghttps://planning.lacity.gov/Government Jobshttps://www.governmentjobs.com/ --------------------------------------Plan Dulce es un podcast de miembros de la ⁠División de Latinos y Planificación de la Asociación Americana de Planificación. La información, las opiniones y las recomendaciones presentadas en este podcast son solo para fines informativos generales.¿Quieres recomendarnos a nuestros próximos invitados y estar al día de los últimos episodios? ¡Queremos saber tu opinión! ¡Síguenos, calificanos y suscríbete! Tu apoyo y tus comentarios nos ayudan a seguir compartiendo historias inspiradoras y enriquecedoras de nuestra maravillosa comunidad, tan diversa cultural y profesionalmente.Este episodio fue concebido, escrito y producido por Haydee Urita-Lopez (ella/suya), Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (ella/suya) y coproducido por Vidal F. Márquez (él/su).Conectar:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/plandulcepodcast/ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/LatinosandPlanning/⁠Youtube:Subscribe to Plan Dulce on Youtube LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4294535/⁠X/ Twitter:⁠https://twitter.com/latinosplanapa?lang=en⁠

For our final spotlight in the Administrative Professionals Empowerment Series from April on recognizing the ongoing essential work of administrative staff, including secretaries, assistants, and support professionals. We finish this series by highlighting the multiple key liaison roles they play in nurturing community support networks within the workplace, multiple communities, and their immediate families. For our Administrative Professional Empowerment Series, Plan Dulce Hosts Michelle E.  Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers)  and Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers) interview Flora “Angie” Melendez (she/her/ella), Executive Assistant III, at the City of Los Angeles Planning Department. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A warning to our listeners, this interview does discuss a personal story involving suicide. If you or someone close to you is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, help can be reached at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline._ _ _ _ _ _ _  Angie has been the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Director of Planning for the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning since 2019 and has been serving the City of Los Angeles for almost 37 years.It began in 1989 working with then Councilwoman Gloria Molina, the first Latina elected to the City Council, for two years, followed by 10 years with Councilwoman Rita Walters, the first African-American woman elected to the city council, and almost 12 years with Councilman Ed Reyes, a Planner by trade.She then took the leap and transitioned over to civil service, beginning as an Administrative Clerk with the Department of Recreation and Parks after which she was promoted to Senior Administrative Clerk. In 2016 she was promoted to Secretary with the Los Angeles Police Department and in 2019 promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant to the Department of City Planning. Angie has served in this capacity for almost seven years where every day she continues to grow and learn in her position but also is happy to share what she has learned with those that are currently on their civil service journey.Angie, has been married to her husband, Tony Melendez, retired UPS Driver but forever a Teamster (and Rams fan) for almost 19 years, and together have raised three amazing adults; two sons and a daughter; Josue, Andres and Belen. And now, they help provide support and love to six wonderful grandkids ages 2 months – 8 years old, who keep them super busy and young at heart.Links and ResourcesLA City Planninghttps://planning.lacity.gov/Government Jobshttps://www.governmentjobs.com/ --------------------------------------Plan Dulce is a podcast by members of the ⁠⁠Latinos and Planning Division⁠ of the American Planning Association⁠. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Want to recommend our next great guests and stay updated on the latest episodes? We want to hear from you! Follow, rate, and subscribe! Your support and feedback helps us continue to amplify insightful and inspiring stories from our wonderfully culturally and professionally diverse community.This episode was conceived, written, and produced by Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers), Michelle E.  Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers) and co-produced by Vidal F. Márquez (he/him).Connect:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/plandulcepodcast/ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/LatinosandPlanning/⁠Youtube:Subscribe to Plan Dulce on Youtube LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4294535/⁠X/ Twitter:⁠https://twitter.com/latinosplanapa?lang=en⁠

El Día de los Profesionales Administrativos 2026 se celebra durante el mes de abril para reconocer la labor esencial del personal administrativo, incluyendo secretarias, asistentes y profesionales de apoyo. Para nuestra Serie de Empoderamiento de Profesionales Administrativos, Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (ella) y Haydee Urita-Lopez (ella) de Plan Dulce entrevistan a Cecilia Lamas (ella), Asistente Ejecutiva II de la Comisión en el Departamento de Planificación de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles en Ingles y Español.  Cecilia Lamas es una Latina (mexicano-estadounidense) de 42 años que creció en la ciudad de Cudahy y se siente una angelina de corazón. Recientemente obtuvo un título técnico en Derecho, Políticas Públicas y Sociedad del Riverside Community College y del East Los Angeles Community College, y planea obtener un título en Derecho especializado en Planificación Patrimonial y Derecho de Familia.Con 20 años de servicio civil, comenzó en la ciudad como empleada administrativa en 2005 y sus primeros 10 años fueron en el Departamento de Vivienda, División de Cumplimiento de Códigos, seguidos por el Departamento de Planificación Urbana, oficina de la Comisión. Fue ascendida de Senior Administrative Clerk a Asistente Ejecutiva II de la Comisión. Un puesto que desempeña un papel fundamental en la gestión de la Comisión de Planificación Urbana, y que contribuye a liderar y motivar a sus compañeros auxiliares administrativos en la oficina de la Comisión. Cecilia ayuda a gestionar nueve comisiones, entre ellas la Comisión de Planificación Urbana, siete Comisiones de Planificación de Área y la Comisión de Patrimonio Cultural.Fuera del trabajo, es una orgullosa madre de una hermosa joven de 24 años y de tres niños de 13, 11 y 9 años. Sus hijos juegan waterpolo en un club y sus fines de semana están llenos de emocionantes torneos y partidos. A Cecilia le encanta viajar con su familia a diferentes partes de México y también disfruta acampar, jugar al tenis, leer y ver fútbol.https://planning.lacity.gov/https://ewdd.lacity.gov/index.php/employment/worksource  --------------------------------------Plan Dulce es un podcast de miembros de la ⁠División de Latinos y Planificación de la Asociación Estadounidense de Planificación La información, las opiniones y las recomendaciones presentadas en este podcast son solo para fines informativos generales.¿Quieres recomendarnos a nuestros próximos invitados y estar al día de los últimos episodios? ¡Queremos saber tu opinión! ¡Síguenos, calificanos y suscríbete! Tu apoyo y tus comentarios nos ayudan a seguir compartiendo historias inspiradoras de nuestra profesiones y maravillosa diversidad cultural.Este episodio fue concebido, escrito y producido por Haydee Urita-Lopez (ella/suya), Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (ella/suya) y coproducido por Vidal F. Márquez (él/su).Conectar:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/plandulcepodcast/ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/LatinosandPlanning/⁠Youtube:Subscribe to Plan Dulce on Youtube LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4294535/⁠X/ Twitter:⁠https://twitter.com/latinosplanapa?lang=en⁠

Administrative Professionals Day 2026 is celebrated during the month of April to recognize the essential work of administrative staff, including secretaries, assistants, and support professionals. For our Administrative Professional Empowerment Series, Plan Dulce Hosts Michelle E.  Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers)  and Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers) interview Cecilia Lamas (she/her/ella), Commission Executive Assistant II at the City of Los Angeles’ Planning Department.  Cecilia Lamas is a 42-year-old Latina (Mexican-American) that grew up in the City of Cudahy, and is an LA Girl at heart. She recently earned  an associate’s degree in Law, Public Policy and Society from Riverside Community College and East Los Angeles Community College, and plans to pursue a Law Degree in the field of Estate Planning and Family Law. With 20 years of civil service status, she  started with the city as an Administrative Clerk in 2005 and her first 10 years were with the Housing Department, Code Enforcement Division, followed by the Department of City Planning, Commission’s office. She was promoted from Senior City Clerk to Commission Executive Assistant II, a position that plays a vital key role in managing the City Planning Commission, and helping to lead and motivate peer Administrative Clerks in the Commission Office.  Cecilia helps to manage 9 commissions, including the City Planning Commission, seven Area Planning Commissions, and the Cultural Heritage Commission. Outside of work she is a proud Mom to a beautiful 24-year-old young woman, and three boys ages 13, 11, and 9. Her boys play club water polo and consume her weekends with exciting tournaments and games. Cecilia enjoys traveling with her  family to different parts of Mexico and also enjoys camping, playing tennis, reading and watching football. Links and Resourceshttps://planning.lacity.gov/https://ewdd.lacity.gov/index.php/employment/worksource  --------------------------------------Plan Dulce is a podcast by members of the ⁠⁠Latinos and Planning Division⁠ of the American Planning Association⁠. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Want to recommend our next great guests and stay updated on the latest episodes? We want to hear from you! Follow, rate, and subscribe! Your support and feedback helps us continue to amplify insightful and inspiring stories from our wonderfully culturally and professionally diverse community.This episode was conceived, written, and produced by Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers), Michelle E.  Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers) and co-produced by Vidal F. Márquez (he/him).Connect:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/plandulcepodcast/ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/LatinosandPlanning/⁠Youtube:Subscribe to Plan Dulce on Youtube LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4294535/⁠X/ Twitter:⁠https://twitter.com/latinosplanapa?lang=en⁠

Administrative Professionals Day 2026 is celebrated on Wednesday, April 22, to recognize the essential work of administrative staff, including secretaries, assistants, and support professionals. It is also celebrated all month in April. For our Administrative Professional Empowerment Series, Plan Dulce Hosts Michelle E.  Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers)  and Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers) interview Beatrice Pacheco (she/her/ella), Chief Clerk at the City of Los Angeles’ Planning Department. Beatrice Pacheco is originally from East Los Angeles, California, and lived in the City of La Puente. In 1984 Beatrice joined the Army and she became an Administrative Specialist, she left for her first permanent duty station at Fort Red Cloud in Uijeongbu, South Korea.  After that tour of duty she was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington state where she married and remained until 1987.After her Army life she worked various clerical jobs at private companies and right before she joined the City of Los Angeles, she worked at one of the most rewarding jobs she’d had.  It was with a glue factory in the City of Industry and was only 10 minutes away from home.  This was a rewarding position because she learned how to purchase high dollar raw materials which were used to produce the glue sold to companies like Bear and Vista Paint.  She also learned how to manage large amounts of inventory and how to supervise a warehouse.  Knowing that she needed to provide for her son and herself, being a single parent, she decided to apply for the City of Los Angeles.  Beatrice applied for the City’s entry level position of Clerk Typist in 2000 and was hired joining the LAPD City Attorney Liaison Unit. They took in misdemeanor cases and assisted the public with their case status.  She was promoted to Senior Administrative Clerk in 2001 with the Department of Building and Safety and then came to Planning on a promotion to Principal Clerk with the Records Management Unit of the Planning Department in 2007.  Beatrice is still with the Planning Department and was promoted to Chief Clerk in 2014 which is her current position. Beatrice considers herself fortunate enough to have a wonderful team in the Records unit and has created great relationships with their management staff and the office of the City Attorney’s office.  This has been instrumental in her success as the Custodian of Records for the Department because she handles the Public Records Act Requests and Subpoenas that are served.  As she looks towards retirement in a couple of years, she is so proud of those that she has mentored and who have been promoted to other positions.  That has been one of her greatest accomplishments while working for the City of Los Angeles.--------------------------------------Plan Dulce is a podcast by members of the ⁠⁠Latinos and Planning Division⁠ of the American Planning Association⁠. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Want to recommend our next great guests and stay updated on the latest episodes? We want to hear from you! Follow, rate, and subscribe! Your support and feedback helps us continue to amplify insightful and inspiring stories from our wonderfully culturally and professionally diverse community.This episode was conceived, written, and produced by Haydee Urita-Lopez (she/her/hers), Michelle E. Zuñiga, PhD, AICP (she/her/hers) and co-produced by Vidal F. Márquez (he/him).Connect:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/plandulcepodcast/ Facebook:⁠https://www.facebook.com/LatinosandPlanning/⁠Youtube:Subscribe to Plan Dulce on Youtube LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4294535/⁠X/ Twitter:⁠https://twitter.com/latinosplanapa?lang=en⁠