Unveiling the Impact of a "People Whisperer" at NASA Goddard
Early Life and Career Path
Gonzales' journey to NASA was not a straightforward one. After graduating from high school, he started at Mount San Antonio Community College but had to work full-time when his then-girlfriend became pregnant. He began in the mail room of an international law firm and gradually worked his way up to director of the support staff. After 15 years at the firm, he received a recommendation from Warren Christopher that helped him secure a job at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Apollo 13 inspired him to pursue a career at NASA.During his time at JPL, he took a few classes at Pasadena Community College. Later, he was detailed to NASA Headquarters to work in the Office of STEM Education. After two years, he returned to JPL to work on minority-serving programs. In 2014, he returned to Headquarters for a fellowship and then returned to JPL to manage underserved, underrepresented undergraduate programs. Finally, in 2018, he came to Goddard to do outreach for the heliophysics division and later became the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility officer.Responsibilities as People, Culture, and Equity Officer
Gonzales' responsibilities are wide-ranging. He constantly observes the world around him, noticing cues and things that others might miss. When something impacts a colleague or a particular culture, he makes sure to check in with them regularly. He also attends underserved, underrepresented national conferences across the country, sharing employment opportunities at NASA and showing students that they can succeed.For example, at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society conference, he spoke about the importance of seeing someone who looks like them at NASA. He is half Native American and half Latinx, and he understands the significance of representation.Skills in Dealing with Underserved Communities
Gonzales is highly skilled in communicating with underserved, underrepresented communities. He tests the waters with leadership and has an open-door policy with employees. He is also highly culturally aware and dresses, speaks, and acts in a way that is approachable to students.His ability to read body language is crucial. He pays close attention to the other person's body language to understand them better. Sometimes, body language tells you more than words. His wife even calls him a "people whisperer" because of his intuitive understanding of people.Cultural Awareness and Its Importance
Cultural awareness means knowing your audience. Gonzales focuses on how the next generation will do things and tries to speak their language. He is respectful and listens carefully.For instance, when attending national conferences, he addresses elders first and asks for permission to speak to students. He also acknowledges the tribe associated with where he is speaking. When sending a team to a national conference, he ensures that they are culturally aware of the group's culture.Hopes for Goddard's DEIA Programs
Gonzales hopes to continue creating a diverse pipeline of future employees with great ideas and solutions. He wants to provide a safe and welcoming environment for them to thrive.Advice for Students
Gonzales advises students that the path to NASA is not linear. They need to find their own path and not be afraid to network and ask for opportunities. He shares the story of Christopher Gardner, whose life was portrayed in "The Pursuit of Happyness," and how Gardner's advice to focus on plan A has helped him.He also mentions José Hernández, the first Hispanic astronaut, and how Hernández's perseverance and determination have inspired him.Personal Goals
Gonzales has several personal goals. He wants to see the Northern Lights and continue to travel. He has also lost 70 pounds and hopes to lose 20 more. He gave up meat for six months and now eats chicken and turkey. He exercises regularly and feels great. He also wants to continue attending concerts around the country.In conclusion, Edward Victor Gonzales is a true "people whisperer" at NASA Goddard. His work and dedication have made a significant impact on the organization and the people within it. Through his efforts, he is helping to create a more diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment at NASA Goddard.Unraveling the Tuesday Dairy Market: Insights and Trends
Milk Futures
December Class III milk futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange witnessed a decline of a penny, settling at $18.51. January futures saw a decrease of 3 cents, reaching $18.22. February futures dropped by 6 cents, standing at $18.55. March through May milk futures remained relatively stable or experienced a drop of up to 8 cents. These fluctuations in milk futures reflect the ever-changing nature of the market and the factors influencing it.
The movement of milk futures is closely tied to various factors such as supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, and weather patterns. Analysts closely monitor these futures to gain insights into the future direction of the dairy market. A decrease in milk futures can indicate potential oversupply or a shift in consumer preferences, while an increase may suggest tightening supply or increased demand. Understanding these trends is essential for dairy producers, traders, and investors alike.
Dry Whey
Dry whey prices experienced a decline of $0.0025, settling at $0.7250. This downward movement can be attributed to a combination of factors including changes in global trade patterns, production levels, and market competition. Dry whey is an important ingredient in many dairy products and its price fluctuations can have a significant impact on the overall dairy market.
Producers and traders need to stay vigilant about these price movements as they can affect their profitability and decision-making. By closely monitoring dry whey prices and analyzing the underlying factors, they can make more informed choices regarding production, inventory management, and trading strategies.
Barrels
Barrel prices increased by $0.0450, reaching $1.65. This upward trend may be driven by factors such as increased demand for dairy products that utilize barrels or changes in production and transportation costs. Barrels are an essential component in the dairy processing and packaging industry, and their price movements can have a ripple effect on the entire supply chain.
Understanding the factors influencing barrel prices is crucial for businesses involved in the dairy sector. It allows them to anticipate price changes, manage costs effectively, and make strategic decisions to optimize their operations. Additionally, fluctuations in barrel prices can also impact consumer prices, as these costs are often passed on to the end-users.
Blocks
Block prices rose by $0.0325, settling at $1.67. Similar to other dairy products, the movement of block prices is influenced by a variety of factors including market demand, production levels, and seasonal variations. Blocks are an important form of dairy product and their price trends provide valuable insights into the overall health of the dairy market.
Dairy producers and marketers need to closely monitor block prices to ensure they are pricing their products appropriately and maximizing their revenue. By staying informed about market conditions and price trends, they can make more informed decisions regarding production, marketing, and pricing strategies.
Butter
Butter prices increased by $0.0275, reaching $2.5225. This upward movement can be attributed to factors such as increased consumer demand for butter or changes in global butter markets. Butter is a popular dairy product and its price fluctuations can have a significant impact on consumer purchasing decisions and the overall dairy market.
Producers and retailers need to closely monitor butter prices to manage their inventory and pricing effectively. By understanding the factors driving butter price movements, they can adjust their strategies accordingly and ensure they are meeting the needs of their customers while maintaining profitability.
Nonfat Dry Milk
Nonfat dry milk prices dropped by $0.02, settling at $1.3750. This decline can be influenced by factors such as changes in global milk supply, competition from other dairy products, and market demand. Nonfat dry milk is a widely used ingredient in various food products and its price movements can have a significant impact on the food industry.
Food manufacturers and suppliers need to closely monitor nonfat dry milk prices to ensure they are sourcing their ingredients at the most competitive prices. By staying informed about market trends and price fluctuations, they can make more informed decisions regarding ingredient sourcing and product formulation.