We’re excited to introduce Ralphie Carbajal, our new Administrative Assistant! Learn more about his background, current role, and whom he admires most in this interview.

Tell us about your role at Holistic. What do you do?

As an Administrative Assistant, I focus on team operations and administration. I'm responsible for helping the Holistic team stay organized so they can focus on client work.

Tell us about your background. How did you end up here?

I was born Rafael Michael Carbajal lll — Ralphie, for short — and raised in Coachella Valley, CA, where I grew up with a strong family unit. I have a total of three brothers and three sisters but looked up to my oldest brother, Anthony — in particular — for guidance and extra support during my adolescent years (in the closet). I spent most of my teens glued to his hip because I truly felt he knew me before I knew myself.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of 2013, he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig's Disease.” At that moment, everything changed; however, I knew it was now my time to pay it forward and be his support system.

I dropped out of my first year of college to become his full-time caretaker. This was how I spent the next 4 years of my life before professional help was needed. During our time together, Anthony showed me how one should live life: with passion; with intention; leading with kindness; living truly authentically.

This sparked my own journey of self-love, self-discovery, and accepting myself as a gay man. I now live every day with an appreciation for wanderlust, vulnerability, and a positive, proactive mindset. I enjoy spending my days playing and coaching volleyball, connecting with friends, and exploring new areas of town. Traveling is also a huge source of nourishment for my soul, in addition, learning more about my Mexican heritage.

What makes you excited about working for Holistic?

What makes me most excited to be working with Holistic is that I get to work alongside some of the most passionate and caring people I've ever met. Earning this position with Holistic will truly allow me to grow my passion for, inclusion, diversity, and fairness.

In your mind what does a great employee experience look like?

To me, a great employee experience is one where we are all equally heard and seen. Where questions are ALWAYS encouraged. Last but not least, a great employee experience would be a family-oriented atmosphere.

Who is someone you admire?

I could imagine you may already have an idea... Anthony Carbajal, my brother. Being his caregiver for 4 years truly gave me a different pair of lenses to look through. I've learned to appreciate things that most of us take for granted on a day-to-day basis. The mobility of my hands and feet for one. He's taught me to seize each moment. The biggest lesson I've learned through him is... I will not wait for someone to tell me that I'm dying to start living.

What do you do for fun?

I love to fuel my soul with what truly brings me joy, which may look like: playing volleyball, enjoying my cup of coffee in the mornings, traveling with my family, and lastly just doing life with my best friend, Felicia!

Thank you for all that you do, Ralphie!