We’ve Grown! Get to Know the Newest Members of the Hatcher Team 

Joining a new company can feel equal parts exciting and intimidating. When I joined Hatcher in December of 2020, I was excited to meet my colleagues, take on interesting projects, and integrate into a new community. However, there was no guidebook on how to start a job remotely or forge connections in the ether. The night before my first day, I tried picturing how it would look, and I drew a blank.

To my pleasant surprise, the experience – even now – has felt incredibly warm and welcoming. Nothing can truly match the experience of being with your colleagues in person. But between getting a festive Hatcher welcome package, our Lunch and Learns on racial justice, calls with colleagues over Teams, and Zoom happy hours, I feel the presence and power of our community here at Hatcher. Not only is it emblematic of the way we embrace and practice our values, but in the people we’ve brought together as well. The team has been made even more remarkable and impactful with several wonderful, new team members. Let’s get to know them a little better and see what they have been up to!

Daniela Aguero, Graphic Designer

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?
Jogging and needle felting! I’ve already made three mini cactus plants and a tiny Nintendo Kirby for my partner.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

The environment! I always try my best to be more conscious of what I buy and what I do. I also try my best to influence those around me.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

The Queen’s Gambit and Dorohedoro! Both shows stood out to me. I’ve watched The Queen’s Gambit three times. Dorohedoro has a quirky and immersive world that I fell in love with, but fair warning: it’s not a show for kids!

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

I recommend getting some blue light filter glasses if you don’t have a pair already. Your eyes will thank you!

David Loewenberg, Senior Associate, Writer

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

Birding. I’m slightly embarrassed by how much I now know about birds.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Voting/elections – Making voting easier and more accessible and how different types of election systems, such as ranked-choice voting, can improve representation and reduce polarization.

Ellen Back, Proposal and Capture Manager

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I started learning how to cook Korean food (with lots of tips from my parents). I also picked up meditation again and started playing video games with my boyfriend – two very different but effective forms of stress relief!

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Education. It’s one of Hatcher’s core practice/focus areas and an issue I advocate for.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

Ted Lasso was one of my favorite TV series – highly recommend if you’re looking for a feel-good comedy. I also really liked Giri/Haji. It’s a crime thriller set in Tokyo and London, with lots of interesting storylines and characters.

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

I have a few! Schedule weekly or bi-weekly reminders to clean-up your desktop; this includes files and folders. Don’t eat lunch at your desk – unplugging and stepping away from your computer can do wonders for your mental health.

Hazel Horvath, Communications Associate

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I’ve always liked cooking, but this year has given me time to try new recipes and be more adventurous – I’m most proud of making pasta from scratch!

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Environmental justice. Everyone has a right to a healthy, safe place to live, work, play, and pray.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

It was on my list for a while, but I finally finished The West Wing a couple of months ago.

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

Something that has helped me is organizing and decorating my workspace! It helps me to have a dedicated space for my work to live, so it’s easier to step away and take breaks when needed.

Heather Norris, Digital Communications Associate

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I’m reading a lot more. I’ve always enjoyed reading but have been finding more time for it.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

The environment – I always try to be more aware of what I buy and use.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

Earlier this year, I was binge-watching Schitt’s Creek, and more recently, I’ve been watching The Sinner.

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

Create a dedicated workspace. This helps me stay organized and keep my work/life balance intact since I can move away from the space when I’m done with my day.

James Wall, Senior Director, Communications

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I started Wim Hof’s breathing technique and cold shower regimen, which I do every day. It makes a huge difference in mood and energy.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Waste reduction! I am passionate about buying items with less packaging and making people aware of the vast amounts of waste we generate from ordering online with so much plastic and paper packaging.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

Artifishal: The Road to Extinction is Paved with Good Intentions.  A great film about salmon stocking in the Pacific Northwest and the harm it has done. As a fly fisherman who learned the sport in the Colorado mountains, I’m committed to keeping our waterways and rivers clean and wild.

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely? 

Go easy! Have a morning routine (exercise, prayer, meditation) and take breaks throughout the day.

Katelynne Vizcayno, Graphic Designer

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I started learning how to draw in Procreate. I love drawing traditionally, so it’s fun to learn a new medium that has so much to offer!

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Racial injustice and the increased violence towards people of color, especially in Asian hate/violence because of COVID.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

Alice in Borderland! It’s a Japanese thriller series on Netflix where people get transported in a new world and compete in dangerous games to survive.

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

Put self-care and your mental health first! It can get tricky to step away from your work when you have access to it right in your own home.

Katrina Schmidt, Communications Associate

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I started cooking and testing out new recipes a lot more. I’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking, but it’s become much more of a hobby.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Affordable housing. It’s so ingrained into American culture that housing insecurity is an individual’s fault. There is a collective need to examine what is broken when a society can’t provide the most basic needs to its community.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

The Death of Stalin. It’s a dark comedy that lays bare the inherent humor in the struggles that occur in dying empires.

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

My desk is a few feet from my bed, so I tidy up every morning to help my space feel more like an office during work hours. Then, after work, I push in my desk chair, shut down my laptop, and turn on a lamp (instead of overhead lights) so it feels more relaxing.

Marzia Motta, Senior Graphic Designer

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?
Kids yoga, so much so that I took a course and got certified to teach. Kids’ yoga is more about storytelling, movement, and entertainment than yoga, but it builds children’s interest. We do it almost every night at my house.

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Social justice, especially for children.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

My Brilliant Friend depicts a reality a bit different from the one I grew up in, but also very familiar. And most recently, I watched Lupin. What a cliffhanger!

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

Ask a lot of questions!

Nandini Singh, Communications Associate

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

Drawing! I took a lot of art classes growing up, and I always said I would make it a semi-regular practice again, so this time has led me back to one of my first loves (and baking!).

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Mental health de-stigmatization and mental healthcare access among communities of color.

What’s a favorite show or movie you’ve seen this past year?

I’ll go with a show (well, miniseries) and a documentary I saw in mid-2020: The Looming Tower and The Dawn Wall.

Any advice for anyone working remotely?

Jenny Beard (one of our wonderful Vice Presidents) gave me great advice my first week: schedule breaks for yourself, and don’t be afraid to reach out and set up virtual coffee chats with your colleagues.

Shaun Rosa, Senior Video Associate 

What hobby have you picked up in the last year?

I started cycling. My wife and I use hybrid bikes and even manage to take them with us on road trips. We cannot wait for the weather to get warmer so we can adventure around on our bikes!

What social issue are you most passionate about?

Equity in education.

What is a favorite movie or show you have seen this past year?

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Boy Meets World. I miss the 90’s!

Any advice for someone starting a job remotely?

Have a proper chair; your back will thank you.

By Nandini Singh, Senior Communications Associate