Advancement Ally - Heather Michelle Morales
Assistant Director, Prospect Development
1. What is your full name and is there a meaning or story behind it?
Heather Michelle Morales. My mom's name is Rose, when I was born, my dad said he wanted to be surrounded by flowers and mom wasn't going to name me Daisy so they picked Heather. My middle name is from the Beatle's song Michelle because they were my dad's favorite band and he loved that song.
2. Pronouns:
she/her/hers
3. How do you identify yourself or what is something you would like others to know about you?
I'm a cis-gendered, white, heterosexual female. I'm very close with my family and I have a VERY large extended family. I tell many stories that usually start with "My cousins..." My first cousins were like siblings growing up but I am also very close with my extended family too. The last time I visited my family in Michigan and the entire family there showed up, there were over 100 at the party that were aunts, uncles, or cousins. My ancestry is a mix of Irish, French, Dutch, and Spanish if I believe the family stories but the researcher in me can't confirm that. I need to do DNA to confirm that. You will find me at Disneyland a few times a month, if not more. One day I will make it to all of the Disney parks worldwide.
4. What is your favorite comfort food?
A good, creamy mac & cheese or Tofu Pad Thai, I have a hard time picking a favorite
5. What are your favorite cultural or family traditions?
My family doesn't really have any specific cultural traditions but as a family, we love the holidays and gathering for them. My mom and I have traditions we've kept up over the years to remember my dad and brother. We always do something fun for each of their birthdays.
6. What is something people wrongly assume about you? (biases, stereotypes, ethnic identity, etc.)
My last name is Morales and so many times people have assumed I can speak Spanish and I can only understand a small amount of Spanish. My great-great-grandfather was a good storyteller and lied on so many documents we haven't been able to actually confirm where he was born or who his parents were but his children and grandchildren all identified as white. I also think people assume because I am a bigger person that I am lazy but they don't know my health or struggles.
7. If you could change/create any policy (campus, state or national) what would it be and why?
Right now I think everyone should have body autonomy and the government shouldn't have a say. I think everyone should have access to affordable healthcare and medication and not go into bankruptcy for any medical care.
8. If you could have any social justice superpower, what would it be?
I wish I could wave a magic wand and eliminate poverty and fix the systems in place that keep people there.
9. What is something you enjoy doing for others?
Is it cliche to say I enjoy helping others, dog sitting, babysitting, loaning them a few dollars, or contributing what I can afford to scholarships or basic needs funds? If someone needs help and I don't see anyone else stepping in, I'll offer to help when I can and sometimes I'll still try and help, even when I am already overwhelmed.
10. What is something that makes you feel most alive?
Trying new things or doing something that scares or overwhelms me. The sense of accomplishment is awesome!
11. If two (or more) worlds (i.e. music, artists, clothing, movies, eras, genres) could collide/collaborate, what would you choose?
All of the above. Art informs and inspires art. It happens around us every day.
12. What is something that should be free but is not?
Healthcare
13. Which affiliations/clubs/organizations/hobbies have you been involved in?
Professionally CASE and APRA; I used to volunteer as a mentor with Angel Pals, which was affiliated with ChildhelpUSA. My hobbies are Anything Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. I love to read and am a huge musical theater nerd.
14. What makes you feel uncomfortable?
Large social gatherings
15. What is your favorite thing about working at UCR or your favorite UCR memory?
I really enjoy the people I work with here, everyone is supportive and I'm continually learning new things from them.