Nilde Rosario, Employee of the Month for June, is the secretary at Whittier Elementary School, a position she has held since 2006. She began her career with HISD as a parent volunteer in 1996 at that same campus, and was hired as a clerk there three years later. Rosario was promoted by the principal when her predecessor retired.
As the school secretary, Rosario’s duties consist of assisting visitors, answering phone calls, handling correspondence, ordering supplies, monitoring activity funds, scheduling meetings, and preparing payroll every other week. She also serves as the campus Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) coordinator and as a member of both the safety and technology committees. In addition, she raises money for student incentives such as snow days or awards ceremonies through the sale of craft projects she creates for Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day, and other special occasions.
Originally from New York City, Rosario moved to Texas with her family in 1985. She now lives in Baytown with her husband of 21 years, Ruben Cervantes, and college-age daughter, Christina. When not working, she enjoys playing computer games, going to the park, and making craft projects.
“Nilde has been my secretary for the last six years, and she wears many hats, to say the least,” says Whittier Principal Lori Lueptow. “She handles all aspects of our day-to-day operations, is active in fundraising, and is also our sole support for technology issues. She even taught computer classes to parents on her own time after school.”
“I work very closely with Ms. Rosario,” adds Student Information Representative Edith Peña. “In fact, our desks are right next to each other. I could say so many good things about her, but the most important is that she is great at her job. She is very creative and always has unique ideas on how to raise money for the school. Plus, she can never say ‘no’ when it comes to helping people, and she is great with technology.”
“Ms. Rosario is very determined and goal-oriented, explains receptionist Martha Berrones. “It’s her attitude that sets her apart. Once she starts something, she doesn’t want to stop. But she is also very flexible, and that allows us to be flexible, too, in finding ways to do our jobs while also meeting our other obligations. She’s a great co-worker.”
