Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

It has been said of Denise Bagayoko, “You are not just a diligent team player but a culinary master with a generous spirit. Your thoughtfulness in taking care of us through the simple act of shared meals has created a sense of community and comfort. You are a priceless addition to our team.” So, if she ever offers to make you a waffle, accept!

Denise came to the Environmental Health Division at the Fairfax County Health Department in 2023 when the dental program transitioned operations to the federally qualified health centers in Fairfax County. When asked how she felt about the transition and what she expected, her response was not surprising. Denise said, “I worked for 22 years in dental and did not even use a computer. I was already working for the Health Department, but I did not know about Environmental Health and what it really means. I had no clue about Environmental Health.”

When Denise worked for the dental program, her interactions primarily centered around children and sometimes pregnant women. “I could have taken a new position in Leesburg but that would have [meant] retiring in Fairfax and starting over.” As Denise reflected, she said “I miss my kids, the children, a lot. I call them my kids because I really got to know a lot of them.” And then she smiled and continued, “But I enjoy learning new things and everyone here is helpful. I’m lucky.”

Suffice it to say, Denise seems to have made a home in the Environmental Health Division, too, working as an environmental technician and bringing her culinary skills to the forefront.

Recently the division was approached by City of Falls Church to collaborate on an outreach effort related to grease traps in local restaurants. Grease traps serve to collect the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) for disposal rather than allowing it to continue through the sewer lines to water treatment facilities. Many municipalities encounter sewage backups or overflows related to FOG. In response to the Falls Church request, the team created a quick survey on an app then had staff go out to the restaurants and meet with owners to discuss FOG, grease traps, and maintenance schedules. With her skillset, Denise was a critical member of the FOG team.

“Staff here knew I was a cook at a local restaurant,” said Denise. “They asked if I could assist since I also speak Vietnamese. I was excited for the opportunity to be involved.”

Not only was Denise able to talk “restaurant talk” with the owners, but she could also converse with them in their own language, who learned Vietnamese from her mother. When asked what it was like talking to Vietnamese restaurant owners, Denise shared, “I teased them, I said ‘Don’t run, [we’re] not here for checking food. We just want to talk’.” As it turned out, that set the owners at ease and made the conversation more comfortable. She said that they introduced themselves and she and a fellow coworker explained that they were there to check on the grease trap and provide information and guidance. It was not an inspection.

Once the restaurant owners realized this, they relaxed and talked. Owners pointed out the grease trap and share any records on cleaning, if appropriate. Denise smiled recalling the visits saying, “It was a good experience for all of us because they were happy with our conversation and understood what we were saying since no language barrier.”

Denise saw a few familiar faces, too. And those she didn’t know, she was quick to relate to them. She even shared with some that she was the one to print and mail their “Permit to Operate” document. And those with expired permits, well, she shared a gentle reminder to renew and even helped them start the process.

Denise’s approach was pretty simple and definitely successful. After hearing her experience, it’s hard to believe she wasn’t sure about Environmental Health. She’s a natural fit and a welcome team member.