Name: Candy Muñoz
Title: Operations and Finance Manager
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Where did you work prior to joining CYFS? What was your role there, and what did it entail?
“My professional career has given me experience in both high-level financial strategies and direct student support. Immediately prior to joining CYFS, I served as the Director of Student Financial Services at Creighton University, where I led a specialized team responsible for integrating financial aid, student accounts and billing processes. This team provided streamlined support to students, parents and academic staff.
“Before moving back to Nebraska and my work at Creighton, I spent many years in corporate finance at the Walt Disney Company, where I managed teams that provided financial planning and analysis support across a diverse portfolio, including Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disney Destinations, ESPN and the Disney Institute.”
How did you become interested in your field?
“My interests out of high school evolved from pursuing electrical engineering and joining the Peace Corps. Through a wonderful mentorship in the university, my focus changed to societal and other economic challenges of underdeveloped countries and how financial structures and resource management could unlock potential. This shifted my studies to International Business and Finance.”
What are you looking forward to at CYFS?
“I’m looking forward to leveraging my background to support this world-class, high-impact research center. The center’s dedication to addressing critical issues that support positive differences in our community and the lives of our future leaders of tomorrow is exactly the purpose that I want to support.”
What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?
“I enjoy hands-on activities outside of work. I spend much of my time on our property and at the lake with my family and our dogs. I’m also an amateur gardener, appreciating the patience and precision required to maintain a garden, and I like to relax in quiet time through reading or crocheting.”