#AAAProud: Abel Barajas - Assistant Branch Manager, AAA Modesto, CA
"Making the decision to work for AAA was easy. It was the only Emergency Roadside Service I knew growing up in a loyal AAA household. My parents were so proud that I would be working for a company they’d trusted for over 30 years."
#AAAProud: Abel Barajas
Meet Abel Barajas. As a DAWN Business Resource Group leader at AAA, he is passionate about helping other Team Members be their best self through mental health resources and events. He’s #AAAProud of the company’s commitment to doing good in our communities and empowering Team Members to make positive change.
What makes you proud to work at AAA?
AAA truly cares about their Team Members and gives so much by offering paid volunteer time and Business Resource Groups (BRG) like DAWN, which focuses on well-being and mental health. For example, we recently held a BRG Wellness event for Team Members. Where else can you work and have an hour dedicated to your well-being? AAA did it!
What made you decide to work at AAA?
Making the decision to work for AAA was easy. It was the only Emergency Roadside Service I knew growing up in a loyal AAA household. My parents were so proud that I would be working for a company they’d trusted for over 30 years. Best career choice I’ve ever made!
Why did the BRG decide to focus on mental health?
The overall statistics about anxiety, depression, and mental health show a great need for support and resources, especially now. We felt that through the BRG, we could bring awareness to mental health. One thing my BRG co-chair Bernadette Orosco always says is, ‘If we help just one person, then we did a great thing.’ I believe it.
What’s your proudest moment related to the Dawn BRG?
I’m proudest of our most recent lunch and learn, “Easing Anxiety During Back-to-School.” Anxiety is a hard topic to handle on your own. During the event, BRG members were given best practices they could use that day to help their families and communities. There were so many great questions and the feedback was amazing.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
While at a previous job, I was featured in a book authored by a coworker that detailed his experiences as a professional in retail. He wrote about my passion and approach to sales.