Customer Spotlight: Makayla Rojas

As the Facilities Coordinator for the National Biomedical Research Institute (NBRI), formerly known as the California National Primate Research Center, Makayla Rojas plays an important role in maintaining a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for the institute’s employees.

Makayla joined UC Davis in 2021 and celebrated her first anniversary in her current role this August. Before moving into Facilities coordination, she worked in Client Services at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.

“If you ever checked in at Reception B, there’s a good chance I greeted you,” she said.

In her current position, Makayla coordinates facility repair requests, schedules maintenance, conducts monthly inspections, and manages a wide range of projects. Her work can include coordinating office space refreshes, updating building maps, and ensuring facility information remains accurate. She partners closely with Facilities Management and regularly works with Special Services to help keep the institute running smoothly.

Makayla’s favorite part of her job is the independence it provides.

“I enjoy being trusted to manage my work while knowing I have a supportive team that is always willing to help when needed,” she said.

That independence also requires adaptability. One of Makayla’s biggest challenges is balancing competing priorities as the institute’s needs change.

“Coordinating projects around both our schedule and Facilities’ workload requires flexibility, communication, and a lot of problem-solving,” she explained.

Makayla also expressed her appreciation for the Facilities Management employees who support the NBRI, particularly as several teams navigate staffing shortages following retirements.

“I’d like to thank the Facilities call center, shop supervisors, and their crews for everything they do,” she said. “Your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. Many of the requests you complete have been waiting in the queue for months—or even years—so when they’re finally resolved, they make a real difference for our staff. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.”

Outside of work, Makayla enjoys being in nature and spending time with her large family. She also channels her creativity into event décor, designing balloon installations, backdrops, banners, tablescapes, and more.

“You name it, I’ve probably done it,” she said. “And if I haven’t, I can probably do that, too!”