Seleste

When Seleste began working part-time at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as a Clerical Assistant, she had no idea that five years later her role at the Lab would be vastly different. Two promotions later, Seleste is now a full-time employee with benefits. Commuting from Oakland by BART, then shuttling to the National Research Scientific Computer Center (NERSC) at 7:30 A.M., Seleste’s workday begins at this world renown “supercomputer” host.

A key portion of Seleste’s tasks includes overseeing the travel arrangements of scientists: booking flights and hotels; processing expense reports and reimbursements; and coordinating site access for visiting scientists. Seleste is thrilled to contribute to a workplace that makes it possible for more than 7,000 people in 47 countries to conduct groundbreaking research!

When Seleste first interned in East Bay Innovations’ job training program, she couldn’t have imagined what her life would be like today. Seleste was living at home with her family in Oakland, participating in internship rotations through Project SEARCH at the County of Alameda, and thinking about future employment possibilities.

Now, Seleste’s world has grown dramatically since she began working at Berkeley Lab in 2013. Once considered shy, today she comfortably interacts with the diverse community of scientists at the lab, and is beginning to imagine a time when she’ll be living on her own. With the growing sense of accomplishment and the confidence that comes with successful employment, Seleste is in a great place to keep moving forward!