Iwona-Maria Luczkiewicz Contreras
Iwona-Maria Luczkiewicz Contreras, Administrative Analyst/Specialist (AA/S) for the department of Undergraduate Studies, will be celebrating 15 years of service at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) in 2019.
Born and raised in Poland, Iwona attended CSUSB in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Health Science. After graduation, Iwona secured a position as a safety practitioner.
Iwona’s love for the university brought her back to the campus as a professional staff member. She served as an Administrative Support Assistant in the College of Extended Learning, promoted to AA/S in the John M. Pfau Library, and earlier last year, assumed the AA/S position in the Dean’s Office for Undergraduate Studies. Iwona also served as the first Director of Programs for Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI).
As Iwona reflected on her career at CSUSB, she mentioned two key milestones, her experience as a student assistant and a hiring decision a former manager made.
During her undergraduate years, Iwona secured a position as a student assistant in the division of Student Affairs. “My love for CSUSB really began when I started working as a student assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs,” says Iwona. In addition to being a full-time student and student worker, Iwona was actively involved with several organizations on campus; sorority member of Alpha Phi, National Pan-Hellenic Council (PHC) officer, and member of ASI.
Reflecting on a former supervisor (Johnnie Ann Ralph) from the Pfau Library, Iwona felt her supervisor took a chance in hiring her. “My former supervisor at the time, saw something in me, took a big chance, and here I am,” says Iwona, “In this role, I learned how to voice what I was capable of learning and doing.”
Throughout the years, Iwona has learned the importance of building relationships and taking part in activities, programs and committees at CSUSB. “It’s all about relationships and the people you know,” says Iwona, “Take time to get away from your desk and be a part of committees and campus events. If you want to grow, learn and develop, being involved is the only way it’s going to happen.”
When asked what advice she would give to those who want to grow their career, Iwona emphasized the importance of embracing change. Additionally, the importance of allowing your creative ideas to shine and learning how to share ideas with your supervisor.
“Don’t be afraid of change, it will happen,” says Iwona, “Take it [change] with a grain of salt and learn [how] to see change as something positive. Figure out how you and your role can fit into the changes that are happening and learn what you can do to help.”
Iwona’s volunteerism extends to her local community. She was recently elected to a second term as Executive Vice President for the Redlands Council of Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Iwona also serves as Treasurer for the Arroyo Verde Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and is a Girl Scout mom.
Community outreach has become a way of life for Iwona. Her drive and passion fuel her to make a difference in the community. “I’m not just representing myself when I serve the community,” says Iwona, “I am representing the University. The community has always been a part of the University and when both entities are connected, they flourish. CSUSB has given me so much that I want to give back.”
Out of all of her accomplishments, Iwona is most proud of her work with United Way’s Young Leadership Council (YLC). YLC consists of professionals from the surrounding community, including credit union(s), Kohl’s Corporation, Target Corporation, San Bernardino County, San Bernardino Police Department, and CSUSB. YLC was organized in May 2010 as part of Arrowhead United Way whose mission “is to be actively engaged in the community, inspire philanthropy and volunteerism by collaboratively partnering with the next generation of decision-makers in a unique blend of service, education, social and networking activities throughout the year.” YLC planned and strategized ways to increase community involvement to help the City of San Bernardino take part, give back and help each other. Iwona is one of seven founding members.
When asked how she would like to leave her paw print at the University, Iwona responded by saying she hopes to inspire others to mentor and help others. “I want people to be comfortable with being uncomfortable and [learn to operate] outside of their comfort zones. Helping students see what is possible is something that I would love to do and continue to do.”
About Iwona
Iwona is a mother of two, a full-time employee at CSUSB, a PTA mom and leader as well as a community organizer who loves to scrapbook, plan events, craft and go on new adventures.