Employee of the Month - February 2026
Penelope Gaibor, Executive Assistant to Vice Provost
Division of Academic Affairs
Academic Resources & Strategic Planning (ARSP)
Awarded Wednesday February 11 at Friendship Walk. Penelope Gaibor was joined by President Andrew Jones, Vice Provost Dhushy Sathianathan, numerous campus colleagues, and her parents and younger sister.
Penelope Gaibor’s journey at CSULB is a testament to dedication, growth, and heart. From her beginnings as a transfer student to her current role in Academic Affairs, Penelope has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to student success and institutional excellence—qualities that make her a truly deserving February Employee of the Month.
Penelope first joined the CSULB community in Spring 2017 to complete her bachelor’s degree in Health Science. As a first-generation college student, she quickly found purpose not only in her studies but in supporting others navigating similar paths. During her final undergraduate semester, she was hired as the Administrative Coordinator for the Office of Undergraduate Research Services, a role she held for five years. There, she supported first- and second-year students as they connected with faculty mentors and became involved in undergraduate research.
“As a first-generation college student myself, that role was incredibly meaningful,” Penelope reflects. “I saw myself in many of the students I supported—especially when they were learning how to ask for help, navigate campus resources, and build confidence during their early years at the university.”
Inspired by her experience working closely with students, Penelope returned to CSULB to pursue a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. After completing her graduate program, she joined Academic Affairs as the Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost for Academic Planning.
In her current role, Penelope supports a variety of high-impact initiatives, including Beach XP, the Data Fellows Program, the Data Analyst Network, and projects led by the Vice Provost of Academic Planning. Her work spans communications, logistics, event coordination, and strategic support—often requiring her to manage multiple priorities with precision and care.
Rachel Rivas, Associate Director of Academic Planning, shared, “Penelope excels at managing multiple priorities and complex logistics for events and projects. I especially commend how she has taken a lead role in coordinating our Data Fellows program, inclusive of communications, logistics, and planning and executing the annual Symposium event.”
Her leadership and initiative extend beyond her formal responsibilities. Kiry Meng, ARSP Operations Specialist, noted Penelope’s willingness to step up wherever needed, including overseeing a “seamless first day experience” for a new employee. She “willingly steps in to assist colleagues beyond her own team whenever needed, fostering a cooperative and supportive office environment. Her collaborative spirit, professionalism, and approachable demeanor make her a valued partner across various departments, including her own.”
For colleagues, Penelope is not only dependable but empowering. Madison D’Ornellas, Communications Specialist, describes her as “the epitome of what a supportive teammate can be. She took intentional and dynamic steps to onboard me as a new employee and allowed for questions and support with grace and collaboration...Her keen knowledge of standards and procedures was shared with a coach-like wit… She always doublechecks if requests have been fulfilled and questions are answered. It's one of her superpowers.”
Penelope thrives on supporting collaborative, cross-campus initiatives that contribute to student success and strategic planning. “It’s meaningful to me to help create structure, efficiency, and support for the leaders and programs I work with,” she says. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the ‘behind the scenes’ side of the university and understanding how the work done in Academic Affairs shapes the overall student experience.”
Outside of work, Penelope enjoys staying active at the gym, spending time with friends and family, and visiting Disneyland—especially for the churros.
Penelope’s thoughtful leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the Academic Affairs team and the broader CSULB community. Congratulations to Penelope Gaibor, our February Employee of the Month!