In the latest Q&A spotlight in a series highlighting Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) community members and their work, meet Lesley Kurachi Ube. She has been at YCSC since July 2001, when she was hired as an administrative assistant at 230 South Frontage Road. She has been in a senior administrative position for 22 years and currently works in this capacity for the center's clinical practice on George Street.
Q+A
Yale Child Study Center Community Spotlight: Meet Lesley Kurachi Ube
What led you to your current career?
My family and I moved from Argentina in December of 2000. I started working as a receptionist for Lulac Head Start where I met a Yale doctorate student who needed help translating documents into Spanish. While I had fun translating, she encouraged me to use my Spanish skills to apply for positions at Yale. Shortly after applying, I had my first interview and was fortunate to start working at the Yale Child Study Center.
What is a work-related accomplishment that made you feel proud?
I am proud and grateful for having been a member of the Yale Child Study Center Clinical Integration—Clinical Space Development Committee in September 2015, when faculty and administrative staff members gathered to discuss a clinical integration initiative and the construction of our new building at 350 George Street.
How would you describe the mission of your work, and what do you value most about your job?
Having a positive attitude when obstacles arise and being compelled to helping others when they are stuck.
I am inspired by and value the people I work with–they teach me every day how to be a better person. I am proud to be part of a wonderful team of humans.
What is an accomplishment you are proud of outside of work, and what do you do when you're not working?
My biggest accomplishment is my family—children and husband. We have a strong and tight bond. They make me proud every day. When not working, I enjoy reading. I've been mostly interested in historical fiction, mostly taking place during the WWII period.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Caring, energetic, hard working
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
If I could travel anywhere, it would be Japan. I would love to learn about the culture, food, and geography.
Article outro
This spotlight series is a spin-off of a similar effort launched in 2023 to feature integrated business operations (IBO) and administration staff at YCSC and in the Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, All in the YCSC community are welcome (and encouraged) to nominate colleagues for this spotlight series. Self-nominations are also welcome.