At the recent County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors meeting, two dedicated public servants were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community. Jay Nakagami, who has served the county for over 22 years, was celebrated for his remarkable career progression from a warehouse materials handler to a senior human resources analyst. His pivotal role during the acquisition of Saint Louis and O'Connor hospitals showcased his commitment to ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new staff. Nakagami emphasizes customer service and fosters collaboration across departments, inspiring his team to pursue excellence.

Bina Pope, a paralegal with the Public Defender's Office since 2015, was also honored for her work on the CalWORKs expungement program. Her dedication to outreach and coordination with social services has been vital in helping clients remove criminal convictions from their records. Pope's initiative in creating an orientation video for CalWORKs clients highlights her commitment to improving access to essential services. Acting Public Defender Damon Silver praised her for consistently seeking strategies to enhance the program.

Both Nakagami and Pope exemplify the spirit of public service, making significant impacts in their respective roles and inspiring those around them. Their recognition underscores the importance of dedication and innovation in serving the community.