At her desk in Pitcairn, Ms. Diaz works on design and marketing for Westridge. Photo Credit: Josie S-J. ’27

When Westridge’s new Communications Specialist, Ana Diaz, was laid off from her last job, coming across a LinkedIn post for the communications role at Westridge felt like fate. Her previous job had been remote, and she craved a community to join. During her on-campus interview, Ms. Diaz could already see herself at Westridge. It was everything she was looking for. “You get to connect directly with students and faculty,” she said. “I love how close and tight-knit everyone is…it feels very warm and inviting.”

Originally from Antigua, Guatemala, Ms. Diaz moved to Los Angeles when she was six. After settling on political science as her college major, Ms. Diaz found a passion for policy and international relations. Through her involvement in many clubs and organizations in college, Ms. Diaz discovered a role in communications. “I was involved in many clubs and organizations, and I was always, like, the historian or communications chair.” 

Going into the interview, I had no idea what a communications specialist did. So I asked her. “It’s basically like journalism combined with marketing and graphic design. It’s how you communicate and market the Westridge brand,” she said.

Ms. Diaz is enjoying learning about Westridge event by event. Her favorite Westridge tradition so far has been the Greek and Roman initiation. She joked, “I get a little confused, but I know I’m blue.” She also loves all the nature that surrounds campus. “I was looking for that [nature] when I was looking for a job because I was remote for the longest time.” 

When she’s not busy sharing the Westridge brand with the world, you can find Ms. Diaz weightlifting. “I used to view it as a chore, and now I genuinely love it.” Ms. Diaz also loves trying new coffee shops and restaurants with her friends, cooking, and hanging out with her cat, Tinki. 

Ms. Diaz is excited to continue her journey at Westridge and learn more about Westridge’s traditions and community. She said, “It really does feel like a community, and I feel like I’m already starting to become part of it.”