MTN Staff Spotlight – David Valdiviez

August is National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month, a collaborative initiative to save and improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Midwest Transplant Network will recognize and support National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month with a series of original content featuring community partners, staff and volunteer Ambassadors who represent diversity and the mission to give hope and share life. We hope you enjoy the perspectives of our friends!

 

David Valdiviez, Network Administrator

David joined Midwest Transplant Network in June 2023. As a member of the IT team, he provides proactive support for overall network infrastructure such as monitoring and maintaining system backups, the virtual server environment and providing support for telecommunications and computer concerns.

After high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served from 2005 to 2013. He was stationed in California, Iraq and southeast Asia.

What was your first job in your professional career?
I started my career in IT as a civilian in 2014 working for the Marine Corps IT Services and Support Center, Tier 1 Helpdesk. The role supported 100% of the Marine Corps. We were the first point of contact for all IT-related issues. I performed basic troubleshooting, account creation, unlocks and generated tickets for escalated repairs.

My military occupational specialty was Ground Communications Technician. I repaired, installed and troubleshot radios and all assets used for field communications. For example, I worked on squad radios, vehicle-mounted communications assets in Humvees, seven-ton trucks, MRAPs and tanks. I repaired antennas, co-axial and fiber optics. If it was used to talk, I was responsible for it.

How has working in IT/health care influenced your perspective? What does organ donation mean to you?
Prior to joining MTN, I was already a registered organ donor. I had very little knowledge of what that actually entailed. Working here has opened my eyes to the bigger picture regarding donation and legacy. It’s truly incredible work.

Tell us about your heritage and how it influences your conversations about organ donation.
My family supports organ donation, but it’s not exactly a topic of conversation. I have family members who needed a transplant, but unfortunately passed away prior to donation being available. I also have family who are donor heroes. It’s a reality we are familiar with.

You’re in the grocery store wearing a Give Hope Share Life T-shirt. A stranger asks what it means. How do you explain?
I would start by saying it’s a work shirt and that I work at a not-for-profit organization called Midwest Transplant Network. Then I would say the shirt is meant to honor donor heroes while encouraging others to consider being an organ donor.

What would you say to someone who might be unsure about being an organ donor?
I think it depends on their reason for being unsure. It could be a religious reason, or they’re scared, or uneducated about organ donation. I’d have to ask what influenced their opinion and then I’d go from there. But, I’d also say if someone could use something I have and I was no longer in need of it, it doesn’t hurt to share a bit of ourselves.

You’re a kid with $10 to spend on gas station snacks. What are you getting?
As a kid, $10 went a long way. If I’m riding my bike, I’m getting a Mr. Pibb two-liter because it can fit in my backpack, Reese’s peanut butter cups, hot Cheetos, candy gummy worms and maybe some gum.

If you can instantly learn any language, which language would you choose?
I would learn sign language.

It’s August. Kids across the city are going back to school. Who was your favorite schoolteacher? What makes them memorable?
I can’t say due to it being a common IT security question. Simply put, they were the best!

You’re a disc golfer. What piqued your interest in disc golf? Where’s your favorite place to play?
I started playing disc golf in 2008 with some friends because it was fun and free. Kansas City has nearly twenty 18-hole courses within 30 miles of downtown KC. Rosedale Park off Mission Road is my home course.