SBS Award for Rayshma!

Congratulations to the SoA’s own Rayshma Pereira, recipient of a 2021 SBS Outstanding Staff Award!

Rayshma assumed her position as Manager of Administration in the School in 2016. Not only does she serve as Director Diane Austin’s right-hand woman, but she oversees the hiring of graduate student assistants and instructors, serves as UIR property manager, and manages far too many tasks to list here. Faculty and staff used glowing terms when asked to share their thoughts about Rayshma for the award nomination, including: diplomatic, indispensable, impressive, intelligent, terrific, excellent, supportive, advocate, spectacular, focused, professional, competent, sensitive, level-headed, empathic, pragmatic, compassionate, optimistic, beloved, highly responsive, efficient, thoughtful, cheerful, partner, calming force, integral to our success, and “most of all just an amazing individual!!!!”

As summed up by one faculty member, “Rayshma is an outstanding Manager of Administration and a truly special human being. She is extremely kind and thoughtful, looking out for the well-being of our students, staff, and faculty...Despite being overworked, she is always professional and uplifting in her demeanor. Like the plants that line her office, she is a breath of fresh air!” (Anthro News Digest date: 05/21/2021)