PICS January Employee Spotlight [Get to know Giazhia Xiong, Service Coordinator]
At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), much of our work is behind the scenes. Our Employee Spotlight helps you learn more about our team. This month, learn about Giazhia Xiong, service coordinator at PICS!
Giazhia began working as a service coordinator at PICS in February 2022. Service coordinators are a family’s main point of contact at PICS. Let's learn more about her.
Q. Tell us a little bit about your current position.
Giazhia: My current position is a service coordinator for families who use Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) services.
I assist families with planning and budgeting finances for the year. I also process timecards and expenses, and I make sure that things are in compliance with Minnesota Department of Human Services regulations.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS?
Giazhia: I enjoy the close-knit community at PICS. It is one of the advantages of working in a smaller company. Everyone knows everyone by face, by name and on a personal level. I love being able to build these relationships with the people I work with. I believe the better the work relationships are, the better the fluidity.
Q. How have you been able to put your own personal values into action while working at PICS?
Giazhia: The personal values that I put into action while working at PICS are Community, Knowledge and Growth. I am a part of the ALIVE Workplace Committee, and in this committee, we work to create events for the staff that help build and strengthen our PICS team. In addition, as a service coordinator, I learn something new every single day.
Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Giazhia: I love to read, play video games, and spend time with family and friends.
Q. Share a fun fact about yourself.
Giazhia: I studied abroad in Japan, South Korea and China all in one month!
Q. Do you have any pets?
Giazhia: I have two dogs: a Pomeranian named Terry and a Pomchi (Pomeranian-Chihuahua) named Nelly.
Q. Is there anything else you want to share?
Giazhia: I LOVE PICS!!! :)
Here is what some of Giazhia’s colleagues have to say…
“Giazhia is kind and compassionate. She is always working to ensure her families have the support they need. She is willing to go the extra mile and follow up with phone calls if there are any questions or confusion.”
“Giazhia is a core supporter of both her colleagues and families. She strongly exemplifies this by being a leader, a resource and a voice each and every day. When a new year is nearing, I always think back to when we both started at PICS a few months apart and didn't hesitate to lean on each other to learn and grow in our roles together. This is memorable for me because things have not changed to this day, and I appreciate that very much. Giazhia, thank you for being here and for shining a light on the lives of the families we serve! Your work ethic and kind heart greatly reflect you as a person! Happy well-deserved spotlight!”
“Giazhia is a quick learner and strives for improvement in all areas. She is willing to offer a helping hand when needed and volunteers to take on challenges. This is truly inspiring, as it motivates others at PICS to do the same. She is involved in other projects and groups at PICS. I have seen much growth in her knowledge and performance.”