30-second bio: Connie Lay

Name:

Connie Lay

My Pronouns:

She/Her

Title:

Retail Food Services Manager

Faculty/Department/Unit:

Student Housing and Community Services

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2018

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

Manage operations of franchises, catering, and UBC retail food units.

Tell us about the team you work with - what do they do?

I am part of a remarkably talented, diverse team within Food Services. These front-line individuals maintain No Waste and Food Safe standards, and provide high standards of service and care to our students, giving them a feeling of community and a home away from home. They serve more than nourishing foods - they top it up with inclusion, conversations, and a safe space for all students.

What is your favourite quote and why?

"In a world where you can be anything, be yourself" - Albert Einstein

Everything you want in this life is on the other side of fear, so be you, believe in you, love you - and you will find happiness and gratitude and share more kindness.

What do you do to ensure a healthy/work life balance?

I am an ambassador to many UBC plans and I have the opportunity to encourage all who I mentor to talk about mental wellness, to make this a common and accepted aspect of work/life balance. It's okay to not be okay, so conversations and communications on how to manage a healthy life and healthy work balance - and to celebrate the wins - is a priority.