Name:
Monica Mangaliman
How did you get to gap intelligence?
After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, I moved back to my beloved hometown of San Diego and started working at the YMCA. After two years, I was itching for something new so I took to the popular job sites. A few weeks in, out of curiosity, I decided to check Craigslist out. By chance, I saw gap intelligence’s post on the very first page, in the first ten listings. I looked gap up and found it to be a very reputable company. I was so interested in what they had to offer, I internet stalked every page they had on social media. After reading pages and pages of their blog, I decided that this was a team I had to be a part of. And in a blissful turn of events, I’m happy to be here writing my own!
What values lead you and why?
My top three values are open-mindedness, empathy, and optimism. I see open-mindedness as a channel for growth, which I hope to continually achieve both professionally and personally. With empathy, I believe that being able to understand the feelings of others results in better relationships. The idea of putting yourself in another person’s shoes provides perspective. As anyone would think, negativity and pessimism are huge drags. It’s easy to get caught up on what’s going wrong, but I strive to focus on the good. I think it’s healthier and allows me to keep a positive mindset.
What skills are you bringing to gap and what skills are you excited to learn?
I have a strong work ethic and great adaptability that will allow me to hit the ground running with any task given. In college, I only caught a glimpse of the power of Microsoft Excel. There is a whole lot more to the program than just pie charts and graphs. So I look forward to learning more about the program and the many ways it can be utilized.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be, why, and what would you do with it?
I would love the ability to fly. You can see so many more sights and I’m all about seeing different perspectives. I would use it to travel to every place I have ever wanted to visit. First tour would be of California’s national parks.
What’s the quirkiest thing about you that you’re willing to admit?
I have an odd relationship with some foods. I’m mildly allergic to cantaloupes and honeydews, but I like them so I still eat them. However avocados and bananas give me stomach aches. The severity ranges anywhere from dull to “I want to curl up in a ball and softly cry”. I can do banana bread, but fresh smoothies are a no-go. Guacamole is out of the picture and sushi rolls are always special ordered.
What’s your favorite thing to do in San Diego and why?
My favorite thing would have to be discovering different parts of the city. I was born and raised here so it’s always a treat to learn something new. Many people love the water aspect of San Diego, which I do too, but we also have some great mountains. You can even see the ocean from some of them; it’s the best of both worlds.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
My significant other loves Harry Potter and beer. So when I randomly came across a pint glass with the Marauder’s Map on it, I had to get it for him. Cheers!
