May 28, 2026
Get to know HR Generalist Ilda Rubalcava.
What did you want to be growing up?
My grandfather was a high-fashion designer in Mexico City during the 1950s, so I grew up surrounded by fabrics, sketches, glamour, and dramatic personalities. I was completely fascinated by that world and always imagined I’d end up somewhere in the fashion industry. Plot twist: instead of fashion week, I found myself in HR… which honestly still involves managing personalities, trends, and occasional emergencies.
What was your first job?
I was a swimming instructor for babies and toddlers, who ranged from about eight months to three years old. It started as a summer job and somehow turned into a three-year commitment. I’ve always loved being in the water, and apparently I was very committed to teaching tiny humans how to float.
What did you study in college?
I studied communications and journalism.
How did you end up at DVRPC?
Honestly, it feels a little like fate. I moved from Mexico to Boston, then eventually to Philadelphia, where my husband and I bought our first house. At the time, I was looking for an opportunity that would allow me to feel connected to the region I was now calling home. DVRPC ended up being exactly that, a place where I could grow professionally while contributing to work that genuinely impacts the communities around me.
What are your responsibilities? Has anything changed over time?
I started at DVRPC as an HR Coordinator, and I was lucky to have two amazing supervisors who really encouraged me to grow into my role. Over time, I transitioned into an HR Generalist position, and my responsibilities became much more autonomous. I’ve gained a lot more confidence in decisionmaking and problem solving, which has been really rewarding.
What is your favorite part of working at DVRPC?
One of my favorite parts of my job is managing the internship program. Since I started here, I’ve helped hire close to 30 interns, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of the beginning of someone’s career journey. I also love seeing how much talent comes through DVRPC every year.
If you could immediately implement any change to the region, what would you do?
I’d love to see more long term investment and compassionate support directed toward Kensington. It’s impossible to ignore the challenges people in that neighborhood are facing, and I think meaningful change requires not only infrastructure and policy solutions, but also dignity, empathy, and sustained community support.
What is your work/life philosophy?
Work hard enough to build the life you want, but never so hard that you forget to actually live it.
What 3 words best describe you?
Curious, creative, adaptable
What is something colleagues don’t know about you?
I cry from happiness and excitement way more often than most people probably do, especially when I’m visiting beautiful places I’ve dreamed about traveling to. It’s a trait I definitely inherited from my mom.
Who would you like to drive across the country with?
I’d cross the country with my husband or my sister any day–they’re my favorite travel companions. But if we’re talking impossible dream road trips, I’d choose Anthony Bourdain without hesitation.
What is your favorite leisure activity?
I love traveling, crochet, thrifting, yoga, reading, writing, watercolor painting… I’m not exactly a jack of all trades, but I’m definitely enthusiastic about all of them.
What is your recent obsession?
Weird obsession, but sardines. Somehow they became both a snack and a personality trait. I’ve fully fallen into the rabbit hole of trying different brands, flavors, and elaborate little “tinned fish” situations at home.
What is the best music you’ve heard recently?
I’ll probably be forever obsessed with Un Verano Sin Ti by Bad Bunny. It somehow became the soundtrack to an entire era of my life.
What are the top three places you want to travel to?
India, Vietnam, and China. The food, history, architecture, and sheer scale of everyday life in those places are endlessly fascinating to me.
Are you a cat or dog person?
I grew up always having dogs, but I got my first cat in 2022 and now I’m completely obsessed with him. He’s a Sphynx named Mango and genuinely the best boy to ever exist.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next year?
Hopefully more travel and family time, more growth, and continuing to build a life in Philadelphia that feels creative, grounded, and full of good people.