Diane C. Torres

Emergency response activity manager

Hanford Mission Integration Solutions

Age: 39

Current city of residence: Pasco

Briefly describe your company:

Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) is a trusted partner tasked with aiding in the largest nuclear cleanup efforts of the Hanford site. HMIS is responsible for providing value-added services to the site such as adequate and reliable water, power, road maintenance, information technology, safeguards and security, sitewide standards, training and many more integrated services to deliver a strong One Hanford mission.

How long have you worked there?

1 year, 8 months

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• Master of Science in Safety, Security and Emergency Management, Eastern Kentucky University.
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with prerequisites for occupational therapy; minor in psychology, Eastern Washington University.
• Emergency Management Master’s Certification.
• Occupational Safety Master’s Certification.
• Safe Start Trainer Certification.
• Six Sigma LEAN Certified.
• Graduate Safety Professional Certification by Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

Briefly describe your job and what you do.

I am responsible for overseeing and maintaining the emergency response and waste management programs. This includes updating any regulatory changes to training programs such as medic first aid, bloodborne pathogens, fire watch, etc. Training within my program services more than 400 students per month. Through ongoing revisions and innovative processes, top tier training is provided to kinesthetic, visual or auditory learners. Part of my position is promoting an all-inclusive training environment, celebrating diversity and encouraging participation to foster a supportive atmosphere. I also have the opportunity to work alongside and build relationships with other subcontractors who are crucial entities toward the Hanford cleanup mission.

Tell us about your work history.

My professional journey began with state services, where I had the privilege of working in social services. In that role, I supported the public sector by helping ensure the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults, protecting them from potential harm or abuse. It was incredibly rewarding work that allowed me to dive deep into comprehensive assessment and truly connect with the needs of the vulnerable populations in our community.

From there, I transitioned into conducting assessments for Home and Community Services. My focus shifted to evaluating individuals’ care needs, often working with people recovering from accidents. This exposure opened my eyes to the importance of preventative care, and I realized I could have an even greater impact by focusing on injury prevention. While working full time for Washington state, I took on the exciting challenge of enrolling in a master’s program for safety, security and emergency management. Balancing work and studies fueled my drive, and earning my degree has empowered me to proactively enhance worker safety in meaningful ways.

Tell us about your first job.

My very “first” job was at the age of 15 working at Goodwill Industries sorting donations. It was such a wonderful starting point for me! I got to work alongside a diverse group of individuals, which opened my eyes to different perspectives and taught me the value of teamwork in a hands-on environment.

After graduating from college, my “first” professional role was with Child Protective Services for Oregon state, and I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful way to begin my career. This position gave me the chance to work with a vulnerable group in our community – children in need – and I was driven every day by the desire to make a positive difference in their lives. It was incredibly rewarding, and it helped me develop some key skills that I’ve carried with me ever since. I learned to pay close attention to details, which was critical in that line of work, and I honed my de-escalation skills, navigating tough situations with care and empathy. Perhaps most importantly, I grew my communication skills, learning how to connect with people from all walks of life in a way that built trust and understanding.

I have included both “first” jobs since I truly believe both helped shape me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

Embrace who you are ... your personality, your quirks, all of it! Success doesn’t come from being perfect and when you are your authentic self, you will feel acceptance. Also, another key advice I would give myself is that it is OK to make a mistake or have a stumble along the way. Mistakes are part of the process and self-growth. “Give yourself grace girl!” Each achievement, big or small, builds on the last.

What was your dream job as a child?

Astronaut

Who are your role models – and why?

I’m so blessed to say my biggest role model is my incredible mother! She came to this country not even knowing the language, driven by this amazing dream to give her children a greater opportunity at life. Watching her face hardships head-on and rise above them with such strength and grace has shaped me in the most profound way. Her journey gave me a strong backbone that I can achieve great things, no matter the odds. I owe so much to her example, and it’s what fuels me every day to keep pushing forward with heart and hope!

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

My top priority is ensuring resources, such as food and support programs, are available and clearly communicated to all despite their level resources, language or limitations. I believe everyone deserves a lifeline during tough times.

Another big goal of mine is sparking curiosity in children in my community by exposing them to exciting career paths they might not even know exist yet. Seems like all the young kids want to become YouTube stars or influencers but don’t realize you are able to make a difference within the community.

Another priority close to my heart is fostering a sense of connection and support by encouraging mentorship in our community! I’d love to help create spaces where people – especially young folks – can lean on the wisdom and encouragement of those who’ve been there before. Seeing how much I’ve grown thanks to the guidance of others, like my mentor, makes me so excited to pay it forward. Building those bridges can inspire confidence, spark new ideas, and remind all of us we’re in this together.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

I can’t tell you how much helping others warms my heart. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering with Second Harvest, helping ensure food resources reach those who need them most. As I’ve said before, I firmly believe everyone should have easy access to essentials like food. This was a need that really hit home during my time with Child Protective Services days. I’ve also loved leading STEM tours at HAMMER, and I’m so excited to step up as one of the main tour guides. Taking kids through the campus, showing off the training programs and cool props, and making learning a blast is something I’m passionate about. I pitched in for the Earth Day cleanup at Bateman Island. Keeping our community safe and clean for the next generation is a priority I’m thrilled to support.

What else should we know about you?

As a first-generation Mexican American, I’m the first in my family to graduate high school, and I’ve been blessed to go further, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I started working at 15, and through every step, I’ve tried to stay humble and show gratitude to everyone who’s supported me along the way. I try to pass these values to my daughter. Right now, I’m so thankful to be in a chapter of life where I have a wonderful work-life balance, doing work that fills me with purpose and joy. I’m just so grateful for this journey and the chance to keep making a difference in spreading my safety skills and knowledge.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

I’m so grateful to share how I’ve found a work-life balance that truly means the world to me, especially because it wasn’t always that way. In the past, I worked for employers where 50- to 60-hour weeks were the norm, and while I gave it my all, it meant I couldn’t be as present for my family or my daughter’s day-to-day life. Facing that hard reality was tough. I even left a job where I saw real growth potential for myself because I knew something had to change. Since then, I’ve discovered it is possible to have a fulfilling career and still go home to what matters most. I’m so thankful now to have a job I love and the chance to spend time with my daughter. I appreciate helping her grow her passion which is art. I love exposing her to different types of art, visiting museums and art festivals, cheering at her band concerts and just being there. It’s a balance I never take for granted, and I feel so blessed to have found it.

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

I’m so blessed to have an amazing family that fills my warms my heart. I’ve been with my wonderful partner, Billy, for 15 years, and together we have one beautiful daughter, Billie. We also have a sweet rescue Pomeranian named Paco who keeps us on our toes. My mother and siblings live in the community too, and I’m so thankful we’re all close. Together, we strive to teach my daughter as much as we can about our culture.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

I’m so thankful for the path that’s brought me to where I am today. I’ve lived in the Tri-Cities since third grade when my family moved here from California, and it’s truly become home. I graduated from Pasco High School and then ventured out for four years to attend Eastern Washington University. Like so many college grads, I hit some bumps finding my first professional job, but I landed my start as a Child Protective Services worker in Hermiston. After four years there, I felt the pull to return to Washington where my family is and where my heart has always been. Coming back to the Tri-Cities just felt right, and I’m so grateful to be rooted here again with the people and place that mean so much to me.

What’s your dream vacation?

Spain!

Planner or procrastinator?

A planner ... definitely a planner.

Introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert

First car?

1991 Mercury Sable

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

Go to the local wineries with my family. My partner and I get the opportunity to converse while the child plays. Many wineries have a lot of grassy areas, and my daughter enjoys exploring.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I want to go on the show “Survivor” REALLY bad but I do not know how to swim. I have taken lessons before but can’t seen to get past the fear of not touching the bottom.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Bookwalter

Favorite day of the week?

Thursdays

Text, email, phone call?

Text

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

Travel back in time and hang out with my kid self.