Spotlight: Joyce Hammel

Joyce Hammel Joyce Hammel

Joyce Hammel, a 14-year employee at UCSF, works in the Office of Sexual Harassment Prevention & Resolution, which was established in 1993 to "create a community that free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including sexual."

UCSF conveys this commitment through revised policies, resolution procedures, training and education. In fact, state law requires all UCSF managers and supervisors to attend sexual harassment prevention training.

What do you do at UCSF and how is it connected to UCSF’s overall mission?

My daily role can be defined as educator, period. I educate our community on how to respectfully and civilly work and live next to each other so that harassment, sexual and otherwise, does not happen. And because conflict sometimes happens, it’s my job to investigate and remedy those situations so that we can get back to the important work of research, education and patient care. Human nature and behaviors have always fascinated me and being able to work in various disciplines here has allowed me to assist and support some of the world’s greatest minds.

What’s something that members of the UCSF community would be surprised to know about you?

I’m learning to play the cello! My cat hates it, but it’s a lifelong item on my bucket list. I love the look of the instrument and its mellifluous tones.

What is one of the most challenging aspects of your job?

Time. I wish there was more time in each day to address all the concerns. I want everyone to be heard. Their voices deserve it. People are complex and in need of someone to hold up a mirror so they can see who they really can be.

If you weren’t in your current job, what do you think you’d be doing?

I would be exactly what I am in any capacity, a professional coach. I believe having access to the right coach is mission critical in every person’s life if they are to recognize their full potential. I walk away feeling almost better than they do after a work session when I see they’re working and living at their maximum capacity.