Teresa Castro

October 5, 2022

What do you like about working at the Lab?

There are many opportunities to learn new things in the administrative area. A supportive management team always pushes me to better myself. Having a flexible work schedule to help with work/life balance has been amazing. Working on projects with amazing people and creating a team that supports each other makes for a great work environment.

What do your day-to-day work activities include?

I support the Division Leader, the Deputy Division Leader for Operations, Deputy Division Leader for S&T, a couple of other groups, and any other area that needs help in the division. I manage the summer student program for our division. I am also the administrator for the foreign national off-hours, working with the Foreign Visitors Office.

What is one project you’re really proud to have worked on?

The foreign national 24/7 off-hours project is my proudest accomplishment. I helped Lori Souza initiate this project to allow the directorates to have more ownership of approvals, as opposed to the foreign national office. Before this project, it used to take about 4 months to get things approved but once Lori and I came up with the process and got it vetted through security, the timeframe went down to less than a month and is even shorter now.

What is your educational or career background?

I started at LLNL in May of 1990 in the administrative field. I have always enjoyed taking care of people and decided to keep pursing this field. There are so many great opportunities at the Lab and the ability to constantly learn new things is a huge plus.

What inspired you to go into your field of work?

I started out at the Lab in a 6-month temporary position that has turned into a 30+ year career. Once I was on-site and experienced the opportunities offered at the Lab—jobs, training, benefits, and great colleagues—I knew this was going to be a place to start my career. Who knew 30+ years later I would still be here! It is a great place to work!

What advice would you give to a new employee at the Lab?

Ask questions and be ready for lots of paperwork. Take advantage of all the different opportunities the Lab offers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there are so many people willing to help you out!

What are your hobbies/what do you do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a member of the Lab’s American Indian Activity Group (AIAG) and I attend Native American pow wows all over, and I enjoy watching my children sing and dance. I love camping and spending time with my 2 boxer pups.