Three Minutes with Josy Chavez

Published 5:00 pm Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Human Resources Specialist for Umatilla School District

When and why did you move to Umatilla?

I moved to Umatilla in 2000. We were looking for a place to live and this is where we found our home.

What is your favorite place to eat in Umatilla?

There are some great places to eat in Umatilla. Java Junkies has great coffee and salads, and Lite Em Up BBQ has amazing brisket.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with my family, craft or hike.

What surprises you about Umatilla?

Umatilla is a great community. I am surprised by the growth we’ve had in the last few years; it’s great for our town.

What was the last book you read?

I’m currently reading “Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty.

What website or app do you use most other than Facebook?

Amazon Music or Cricut Design Space

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Anyone who really knows me already knows the answer to this, Cuba. I have a long list of places I want to visit in Mexico, but Cuba is on the top of my list.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

I don’t know if this is the funniest, but it is one of my favorite things. When I dressed up as Velma from Scooby-Doo for Halloween in Vegas, the way people reacted to my costume was the best. Some know right away who I am, others are confused because they don’t know if I’m in costume or if that’s my regular choice of clothes.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Becoming a U.S. citizen, winning a seat on the Umatilla City Council and being appointed to the Eastern Oregon Equity in Recovery Council by Governor Brown are pretty big accomplishments, but my proudest accomplishment is watching my kids grow into great humans with good hearts.

What is one of your goals for the next 12 months?

One goal I always have is to be a better person every day. One goal for the next 12 months is to take a trip to Mexico for New Year’s. Hopefully, traveling will be easier by December.