It's the time of year for making delicious meals and sharing those meals with family. This month we sat down with Monica Vielman, one of our celebrated sous chefs, who has been here for six years! 

Q: Describe a Skirball event you had the opportunity to attend. What made it special for you?

A: I've been involved in many events indirectly, and each one is truly special, whether it's weddings, birthdays, celebration of life, summer events, company events, or Hanukkah. There's always something to learn and something that helps you grow.

Q: Tell us about a coworker who has gone above and beyond to represent the Skirball in their work.

A: Raquel Blazquez. Her commitment to the Skirball is beyond words. Personally, she has been there for me since day one, the first person I spoke to when I came to this company, and six years later she is still there. You can ask her about anything related to the kitchen and she will lead you, or she could teach you and do it for you.

Q: We just celebrated Thanksgiving. How do you usually spend the holidays?

A: I’m close with my coworker and her family, so I try to spend time with them when they host dinners. During the day, though, I like to keep myself busy with small jobs or events. It helps me stay active and grounded.

Q: Do you have a favorite dish you like to make for others?

A: Yes, I love cooking simple Latin comfort food like roasted chicken, rice, salad, bread, and hot cocoa. It’s not complicated, but it feels like home.

I learned to cook from my grandma. She ran a small bakery in our hometown in El Salvador and was always busy baking. That’s where I got my love for food and being in the kitchen.

Q: You shared a photo of yourself in front of the exhibition Sustain: Loss and Renewal. Why was that moment meaningful to you?

A: 2020 was one of the hardest years of my life. I lost my grandma in January and couldn’t be there for her funeral. Later that summer, I lost my uncle to COVID, and a few coworkers passed away for different reasons. I had never experienced that much loss at once.

Being at work helped me cope. My family had traveled, so I was alone at the time, and coming to the Skirball gave me a sense of comfort and community. Sustained Loss and Renewal meant a lot because I could connect my own grief to the space and understand its meaning on a deeper level.

Q: You’re known for your amazing Halloween costumes. What inspires them?

A: Honestly, I love challenging myself and having fun with it. I’ve come dressed as a piñata, a pumpkin, and even made a full, cement-textured mask by hand one year. The ideas come to me, but the fun part is figuring out how to bring them to life.

Some of the photos are pretty dramatic—especially the one of me dressed as a pumpkin sitting alone in the hallway. It looks like a scene from a horror movie, but that’s what makes it great.

Q: What are you looking forward to learning more about yourself in the following year?

A: That I have the capability to keep growing in this sector, that I need to focus on learning at least one new thing every day, and to keep myself humble.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share?

A: I am grateful to be part of the Skirball.

Our institution is more than just a workplace—it's a community where each team member plays a vital role in bringing the Skirball's mission and values to life, and creating memorable experiences for all who walk through our doors. As a loving tribute to our original benefactors, Jack and Audrey Skirball, and because of the Skirballs' dedication to education and cultural exchange, we proudly call ourselves "Skirballers."

We regularly spotlight one of these Skirballers, showcasing their unique talents, passions, and contributions to our community. Through these introductions, we invite you to get to know the people who make working here truly something special.