Meet an Expert: Malisa DiGiacomo

Written by Workhorse Marketing

by Jenny Martin; Communications and Media Relations

Malisa-DiGiacomoMalisa DiGiacomo is the Research and Grants Coordinator at SafePlace. She’s well known at SafePlace for her abounding engergy, brilliance and, don’t forget, speed walking skills. We asked her a few questions:
How long have you been working at SafePlace?  November 2012 will mark my 12-year anniversary at SafePlace! I began in 2000 as the Development Associate, and then became the Research and Grants Coordinator in 2001.

What is the most gratifying and challenging part of your work?  It is awesome – and emotional – when people describe how they have worked to rebuild their lives, and what they are doing to end violence. I also love working with everyone at SafePlace, and all that I have learned (and continue to learn) from them and others. The sense of humor we have is also refreshing; I do try to reciprocate.

Challenging aspects of my work include confusing and convoluted grant instructions, and my unrealistic perfectionism and self-doubt. I am getting better with age (or maybe I just don’t have the energy to worry about things as much. Maturity or fatigue? Whatever works). Multiple, time-consuming deadlines also aren’t exactly fun, but I much prefer having more grant opportunities available than not.

First Job Ever:  One of my first jobs was working at a library. I love libraries, although it’s shocking how I am not thrown out of them, given that I am as loud as a caffeinated auctioneer.

Where have you lived?
I’ve been fortunate to live in several states, including Connecticut, Florida, Illinois and California, plus a summer in Washington, DC. I love living in Austin – I’ve been here for about 14 years.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working? I love good books, movies, TV shows, music, karaoke, theatre, art museums, walks, writing limericks, making collages, traveling, and hanging out with friends, my boyfriend and our families. I also enjoy board games such as Boggle and Scrabble – I have a miniature Boggle game in my purse, in case I am trapped for hours at the DMV (or worse, the mall). Also, many thanks to Tori Ford for this photo of me.  She is talented!