Sunnie Gist

Maria Silva

Who keeps our university in top shape? It's the People Behind the Scenes! Meet Sunnie Gist, supervisor, and Maria Silva, FML/OJI coordinator, Facilities Management Human Resources.

Sunnie Gist

What is one thing you would like people to know about the work you do?
I assist the Department of Facilities Management and other departments here at CU by providing translation/interpretation for the Laotian community. Also, I coordinate ESL classes and assist with the basic computer training program for our department. The computer training program is provided in English, Spanish, and Laotian.

What do you like best about being a part of the CU community?
I like being around the people/peers that I have come to know through my years here at CU. It's with a feeling of pride that I am able to come to work every day and be around such wonderful people.

What is your favorite activity/interest outside of work?
My favorite activity/interest is spending time with my kids and my family. When I get a chance, I enjoy playing volleyball and taking a drive up to the mountains.

Maria Silva:

What is one thing you would like people to know about the work you do?
I work with employees in Facilities Management who have struggled in years past to have a voice. Being fortunate enough to fluently speak English and Spanish I'm able to work with our employees in teaching them new skills, whether it is employment processes such as On the Job Injury, Family Medical Leave or basic computer skills. To know that I have made a difference in someone's life makes my contributions worthwhile. This is the one thing I enjoy and have a great deal of pride in. I see many employees throughout any given day. My job is to make their situation or circumstances as smooth as possible, utilizing my bilingual skills in assisting employees as well as providing information about other resources available to them. To have someone seek you out to provide information and guidance is an honor. For me this is the most rewarding aspect of my job. I'm truly blessed to be able to do the work that I do.

What do you like best about being a part of the CU community?
I enjoy being part of a university that strives to make such great effort in involving all individuals to come together as one through community-building efforts and employee recognition events. I feel honored to be a part of an organization that provides such extended honors to its contributors.

What is your favorite activity/interest outside of work?
My interests outside of work include spending time with my family and friends. I like to dance and listen to music. I also enjoy walking, hiking and reading.

To participate in People Behind the Scenes or to recommend a colleague, see the guidelines.