02 Jul Staff Spotlight: Elkin Diaz

Posted at 11:59h in News, Staff Spotlight by

July 21, 2021

Elkin Diaz
Position: Facilities Manager
Time at RMHCCNAZ: 2 years
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica

Favorite Meal:
Picadillo, a meal from Costa Rica. You get a potato or chayote and chop it in square pieces. Then you mix it with ground beef and spices.

Describe Ronald McDonald House® in one word:
Kindness

What is your role at Ronald McDonald House?
I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our facilities. I lead in maintaining our community environment and promoting an atmosphere of warmth and understanding for our families. The safety and security of the families, staff and the facilities are of the utmost importance to my job.

What do you love most about working at the House?
Being able to help families and the daily interactions with the families.

Tell us about your background. What led you to your current position?
I came to the states 19 years ago from small country in Central America: Costa Rica. I was with McDonald’s at the restaurant level for about 17 years. About 2 years ago, a position opened up [at the House] and I decide to apply. I was very fortunate to get the job. When you work at the restaurant level you are always involved with the House activities. I was always interested in being a part of the organization and being able to help the community in a whole different perspective. So, when I saw the opportunity to be part of the team I didn’t hesitate.

What is one experience or memory you have that made you feel proud to be a part of the RMHCCNAZ team?
I think experiencing the Santa’s Workshop has made me feel proud of being part of the organization. Seeing all the families and their children having the opportunity to pick their Christmas presents is a very rewarding feeling.

You recently became a US citizen! Tell me about that experience.
For a lot of people, the “American Dream” is probably to have a nice car, house, job. For me, it was to become a US citizen. Now as a US citizen, I can help make decisions with voting and all those things.