When the City of Bend began searching for a Community Relations Manager, friends of Zavier Borja (he/him/el) thought he’d be perfect for the role. Zavi shares what he’s working on in this new role, how The Haven helped him separate work life from home life when he started working remotely, and local organizations to consider when donating your time and/or resources.
When and why did you join The Haven?
I joined the Haven in late Spring (2021) and I joined because I was struggling [with] working from home. It was a new concept for me and I needed a safe space to compartmentalize work/life.
What type of work do you do?
When I started my time at the Haven, I was working in the non-profit sector and serving as an elected official. I’ve since transitioned into working for the City of Bend.
How do you utilize The Haven?
I love using this space for meeting with community organizations, personal meetings, and just as a beautiful space to change up my work environment.
How has The Haven helped you/your work?
It has helped me tremendously in so many ways. The two ways that have been truly transformative are first, the separation of work/home. Again, since working from home, having a physical space such as the Haven to work at, has improved my mental health and productivity simultaneously. Secondly, the informal networking opportunities that are at The Haven are truly unmatched.
Are you working on a fun project that you’d like to share?
Yes, I am currently working on an assessment project that looks to increase access to governmental information and services that the City of Bend provides. Building relationships with community organizations and their patrons to understand the barriers and working to mitigate them.
Tell us about your favorite Bend spots and activities
One of my favorite activities to do is eat!
I really enjoy backpacking, doing anything with rad people, and being active. I also love watching basketball (NBA and College).
What’s your favorite feature/space/resource in The Haven that you want new members to know about?
One of the greatest resources is honestly the people that work here. I believe that the network that lives within The Haven is extremely vast and extremely powerful. Oh! And the beer on tap!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with Haven members?
If you work remotely and are a transplant to Bend, OR, Welcome 😊 But also, please learn about ways you can give back to this wonderful community. There are a ton of nonprofits that are always looking for volunteers and financial contributions. Here are a few:
Children’s Forest of Central Oregon
Central Oregon Veterans Outreach
And there are plenty of outdoors-focused organizations.
Visit Vámonos Outside to see more from Zavier Borja.
Meet the author
