05/07/2026
A big shoutout to all CALCTRA employees! In honor of Cal HR Public Service Recognition Week, we want to thank you for your dedication and commitment as outstanding public servants for the State of California. The work you do every day helps transform the lives of incarcerated individuals for the better. Here are a few responses sharing why CALCTRA employees are inspired to come to work.
What inspired you to join public service?
The opportunity to contribute to a mission driven public agency that provides social good and benefits the public and taxpayers. -Matthew E.
I transitioned from the private sector to public service in pursuit of a more sustainable work life balance. – Michael P.
While I initially joined CALCTRA to gain work experience as a student assistant, I was inspired to pursue a permanent role after seeing firsthand how our work directly impacts the community and improves the lives of incarcerated individuals. – Karina G.
I have been in metal fabrication for 23 years. This was an opportunity for me to teach skills to people trying to go back into society in one of the best trades available. Being able to do this for people is a blessing and goes far beyond doing the actual work myself. – Branden S.
Can you recall a moment when you felt especially proud of your impact?
Finding joy and success in each interaction is where I seek to operate vs being proud. Every opportunity to support, mentor, coach, guide, collaborate, and learn from any individual for a shared outcome is where I find joy even if it is difficult and seemingly impossible. – Cameron J.
One of my proudest moments was supervising an incarcerated individual who has since gone on to build a successful life after release. Before she left, she thanked me for the guidance and support I provided. Watching her self-esteem and confidence grow throughout her training was incredibly rewarding and inspiring. – Zille K.
What part of your job brings you the most meaning?
I find meaning in my work by seeing the people I work with succeed. Watching expressions change from stress, uncertainty, or lack of confidence to understanding, pride, and direction is incredibly rewarding. When that light bulb moment happens for someone, I have been working with, whether staff or incarcerated individual, it allows me to step back and watch them grow independently. Those moments of transformation are why I show up every day. – Debi K.
New Employee Orientation and helping individual employees with questions. – Jovanna C.
Working in Financial Services, specifically, Fixed Assets, brings a different kind of impact. So even though the work is technical, it connects to something very tangible: ensuring the physical and financial foundation of programs remains strong and sustainable. And, that part of my work gives me joy and meaning. – Patricia B.
