Kim LaPean

Name (pronouns): 
Kim LaPean (she/her)
Department/Division: 
Finance and Administration (FAS)/Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor
Years at UCSF: 
7
Role in technology: 
In communications and engagement, I leverage tech tools and platforms to better connect with my audiences.
What technology project(s) have you worked on that you are most proud of?: 

We recently completed a Versa chatbot pilot. Although it was a bumpy ride, we learned a lot, and it's exciting to explore how AI can help us solve business problems. I'm also involved in UCSF's current digital accessibility project, a personal commitment of mine. I'm obsessed with the visual presentation of information, and I'm learning more about how to make digital information look appealing while also being accessible to anyone.

How has technology helped you achieve a goal within your role or department?: 

A common problem for our team (and teams across the enterprise) is finding information and files. It's not groundbreaking, but leveraging Teams to get information out of our inboxes helps us waste less time searching for information we need to do our jobs. Using Versa to assist with interview transcriptions and produce meeting notes and action items from Zoom transcripts has been a lifesaver. There are risks with AI, but I appreciate how much time it saves me, allowing me to focus on more important work.

What’s your favorite aspect of your role at UCSF and why?: 

My job centers around the people of UCSF, who are hands-down the favorite part of my role. I love telling their stories and working to make UCSF a better workplace for them.

What’s one ‘fun fact’ about you that not many people know?: 

I used to do a weekly radio segment for a restaurant in Nashville.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?: 

Anything outside, thrift shopping and clothing exchanges, and spending time with people I love.

If you could learn anything, what would that be?: 

Become a tableau queen and create metrics dashboards.