Advancement Ally – Jorge Ancona
Assistant Vice Chancellor: Alumni and Constituent Relations
1. What is your full name and is there a meaning or story behind it?
Jorge Enrique Ancona Martinez - named after my father, who was named after his mother (Georgia), so his name is George, but my mom did not want to use the English spelling of the name (which I am grateful for). As is customary with many Latin American names, we use both our paternal and maternal last names which is not customary in the United States.
2. Pronouns:
he/him/his/el
3. How do you identify yourself or what is something you would like others to know about you?
I identify as both American and Mexican (not Mexican American) embracing the best of both worlds, but appreciating that there is a distinction. I am proud of my family and my heritage and am forever grateful that my parents immigrated to the United States in order to provide greater opportunities for their children while at the same time teaching us about our heritage.
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
There are so many that it is hard to pick one. It just depends on the mood that I am in. That said, there is always one dish that I crave that my mom makes or will order if it is on the menu at a restaurant and that is Mole Poblano.
5. What are your favorite cultural or family traditions?
My favorite cultural / family traditions center around holidays involving food. My two favorite traditions take place in the fall; November to be specific. I love the tradition of making Mukpil Pollo for Hanal Pixan; a special dish to commemorate the Day of the Dead in the Maya culture. The word Mukpil translates to "that has been buried" so the dish in its original preparation is buried underground for cooking. Nowadays, most people skip that part and bake it in their ovens. The best way to describe it is a big tamale pie (but tamales from Yucatan using banana leaves and not corn husk). My other favorite tradition is Thanksgiving since it is an opportunity for family to gather and eat really delicious food.
6. What is something people wrongly assume about you? (biases, stereotypes, ethnic identity, etc.)
Most people assume that I am European; Italian to be specific and are surprised that I am from Mexico and speak Spanish fluently.
7. If you could change/create any policy (campus, state or national) what would it be and why?
It should not be so cumbersome to promote someone at the University of California. If someone is doing a great job and are ready for that next step/challenge and there is an opportunity that can be created for them, there should be a less complicated approach to doing so than what currently is in place.
8. If you could have any social justice superpower, what would it be?
The ability to eliminate discrimination in every sense of the word; gender, ethnic, cultural, age, sexual orientation, religious, etc.
9. What is something you enjoy doing for others?
Being of assistance. If I can help someone out with whatever it is that they are trying to do/achieve, then I feel good about my involvement and being able to do that for them.
10. What is something that makes you feel most alive?
I would have to say exposure to new things... whether it is a new experience, traveling to a new destination, the first bite of a delicious dish. I love life and try not to take things for granted.
11. If two (or more) worlds (i.e. music, artists, clothing, movies, eras, genres) could collide/collaborate, what would you choose?
Music and movies; I don't know if growing up in southern California has influenced my decision, but I have always appreciated the role that music (specifically the score in a movie) plays in conveying the moment, emotion, drama, suspense or lightheartedness of the moment.
12. What is something that should be free but is not?
Basic sustenance... no one should ever go hungry.
13. Which affiliations/clubs/organizations/hobbies have you been involved in?
Growing up I was always around sports, not that I was ever any good at them, but it certainly helped me develop a deep appreciation for them. So as an adult, I enjoy watching competitions and athletes performing at the highest level. Whether it is the Olympics, World Cup, collegiate sports, or professional leagues, I am a huge fan of spectator sports.
14. What makes you feel uncomfortable?
Confrontation always makes me feel uncomfortable, I do not like it. That said, there are times when it is necessary and unavoidable.
15. What is your favorite thing about working at UCR or your favorite UCR memory?
The people I have had the opportunity to work with and get to know; from colleagues, to alumni, to those who choose to support UCR because they see the impact it has on the region and in the lives of our students.