Each month Santa Rosa Junior College recognizes excellence on campus with an Employee of the Month Award. Visit the Employee of the Month Nominations page to find out how to nominate someone you feel deserves this distinction. Here is a list of past EOM recipients.
Previous recipient: Kate Blackwell - August 2024
September 2024 - Rathana Kao
Congratulations to Rathana Kao for being named the September 2024 Employee of the Month. Rathana is a dedicated Custodian in the Custodial Services Department at Santa Rosa Junior College.
Born and raised in Cambodia, Rathana immigrated to Sonoma County in 2006. She later earned an Electronic Technologies Certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College. She joined SRJC as a Custodian in July 2016, a role she has held since her hiring.
Her job involves maintaining the cleanliness of Bailey Hall and the third floor of Maggini Hall, where she is responsible for disinfecting all areas and restrooms, emptying trash and recycling, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping as needed. She said “I know that a clean and well-maintained campus helps everyone focus on what’s important—teaching, learning, and growing.”
Mengistab Gebre, her supervisor, stated “She is an excellent worker. I have never heard any complaints about her, and she always does a great job cleaning her area. She has great communication with me, great relationships with others, does a great job, and represents everything that Custodial Services should.”
Rathana’s love for her job stems from the constant activity it provides, which keeps her busy and makes time pass quickly. She takes special satisfaction in making things shine, a task that exceeds typical expectations of her role.
Mengi went on to say “All of the time that I have known Rathana, she has been very committed to her work and beloved by the community. I have never questioned her commitment to her job.” He is proud to have her on the team and sees her as a representation of the best the department has to offer.
When Rathana was named Employee of the Month, she felt thrilled and honored. She believes that communication and mutual respect are key to success and encourages everyone to support each other’s achievements.
Outside of work, Rathana enjoys nature, hiking, bicycling, or anything outdoors. She also likes to read about history.