(Posted 2025 May)
When Domestic and Sexual Violence Services administrative assistant Chi Sook Park found out she is one of the five admins across Fairfax County Government to be awarded the 2025 Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals, she was stunned.
“It’s a really valuable award,” she says. “I never thought I would be one of the recipients. There are a lot of administrative assistants in the county. How did I rate?”
How Chi Sook, who came to the DSVS three years ago by way of South Korea and Latin America, rated was expressed eloquently in her nomination letter from coworker Cecilia Herrera.
“Chi Sook is the definition of reliability, consistency, and positivity, keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently. As a highly detail-oriented admin, she has successfully led numerous projects that have significantly benefited our division. Her professionalism, structured approach, and well-organized processes ensure success, while her vast knowledge makes her an invaluable resource—all with a side of humor that keeps morale high,” Cecilia wrote. “She is always covering the line and filling administrative gaps. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and if spreadsheets were a superpower, she’d be a full-blown superhero.
“I’ve realized Chi Sook isn’t just a reliable coworker—she’s the missing piece to our ‘task puzzle.’ Need purchasing support? She knows the steps. Need training? She’s got the process down. Need a last-minute task done? She might give you the look, but rest assured, it will be handled with precision and timely.”
This multilingual dynamo (she’s fluent in English, Korean, and Spanish and often has cause to utilize all her language skills while performing her duties) recently conquered her PACE certification and is now encouraging her fellow DSVS admins to do the same.
Her motto, Chi Sook says, comes from her school days: “Why not change the world?”, and she is driven by “carpe diem-coram deo” to push herself to stay motivated, reliable, responsible, and honest—while using her sense of humor to make the workplace fun and engaging.
It is clear Chi Sook embodies everything the Sharon Bulova Award for Exemplary Administrative Professionals stands for: dedication, reliability, innovation, and leadership.
To that list we might add humble. “I work on a team,” she says. “I wouldn’t have this award without that team. Alone, I can’t achieve this.”
This posting is part of the Department of Family Services' Community Corner where you’ll find timely information about upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more! Share these helpful posts with your friends and family. Don't miss out on future postings! Sign up today!