Headliners
Varinia del Moral
Community Development, Starting Year: 2005
Varinia was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Milwaukee. She came to Madison in 1996 to go to college and found opportunities for her career in early childhood education.
What is your role at the City?
I am the City's Child Care Assistance Coordinator. Madison is unique in that it offers a financial assistance program for residents who do not qualify for the WI Shares Child Care Subsidy. We are able to assist families with special needs and/or low to moderate incomes and what's great about the program is that it's directly linked to the highest quality child care available.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is knowing that I've assisted in stabilizing families. Families are able to move forward in their careers, health, education and gain independence thanks to the assistance. I also love knowing that the children receive the high quality services they need for their development. It's the early investment in the children that pays off in the long run.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career?
I come from a family of public servants: nurses, teachers, police officers. I think they have been the biggest influence as I've always seen myself serving the public.
Do you have any kids or pets?
I have a rambunctious dog that I love dearly. No one can tell that he's nearly 12 years old since he has so much energy. I also have a white ring neck dove.
What's a favorite family tradition?
Food! Can that be a tradition? There is a lot of sharing and joy and laughter around our traditional food and music.
Tell us about your winter survival techniques!
Hurray for friends! I love checking out local restaurants, social gatherings, meditation groups, and bingeing on television shows. When it gets too dark and cold, Olbrich Gardens is also a great pick-me-up with the warmth and smells of the tropics.
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Myself in the future. Any lessons and advice that I could give myself now to make my life journey easeful and successful is welcome.
The Multicultural Affairs Committee is dedicated to supporting the City's employees of color and celebrating the work they do. We are happy to introduce our newest web feature, MAC Headliner, to highlight the work of our community by interviewing one employee every season.
Nominate a coworker (or yourself!) to be a MAC Headliner by sending an email to arobb@madisonwater.org.