Over the past several years, the state has experienced an unprecedented number of emergencies and disasters. As these climate-driven natural disasters become more severe in California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) staff has met each new challenge head-on.
The nearly 2,000 staff at Cal OES have responded to increasingly complex disasters in fresh and innovative ways, strengthening the foundation of emergency management to prepare for, respond to and recover from all types of emergencies and disasters.
This week, Cal OES welcomes you to learn more about Adrianna (Addy)Jimenez Haga, International Affairs Specialist. Addy’s role is focused on international affairs which includes coordinating foreign delegation visits, developing binational memorandums of understanding, informing on international policy efforts, and working with foreign governments and the U.S. Department of State to coordinate resources during disasters.
Addy is passionate about her job because it is challenging, fun, and fulfilling. The world is watching how California confronts the climate crisis, fights wildfires, and protects its communities. At Cal OES, she helps toward building international friendships, and together, facing global issues that transcend borders.
“We’re able to first identify common interests and threats, and then that evolves into more of a friendship and a partnership with our international partners, which grows and its challenging to measure, but in a way, it creates a bond that leads to more information,” Addy said.
Addy was born and raised on the coastal town of San Quintín in Baja California, Mexico. When she was 15, her family moved to Washington. She graduated from Washington State University in psychology and obtained a master’s degree in International Policy & Development from Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey.
VIDEO:
If you know someone who embodies the best of Cal OES, send a message to pios@caloes.ca.gov