Q4: What would people be surprised to know about your career path, or what
it’s like to work for a combat support agency/the U.S. intelligence community?
Many people are often amazed by how much I have already accomplished. I hold four college degrees: a
bachelor’s and a
master’s in applied physics, along with a master’s
and a doctorate in mechanical engineering. I studied at three fantastic universities, including a
historically Black
college, an urban university and a large research university,
which gave me a variety of experiences and skills. In 2016, I was honored as Engineer of the Year by a
major, U.S.
engineering-student organization for my work in K-12
engineering competitions and mentoring efforts with students across different states. I also
participated in exciting
research at several national labs and elsewhere.
Additionally, I spent a year teaching high school math and science, when I started a rocket team for
talented but
underserved students. After that, I became a certified
nuclear engineer before joining DIA. My time at DIA has been outstanding. I approach my work with an
‘analytically
driven, warfighter-focused’ mindset, striving to use my
skills effectively. The work is challenging, but the rewards are great when you know your contribution
is vital to
national defense.
Q5: How do you really know you’re making a difference?
I have to say, it can be quite tough to fully appreciate the impact you’re making in your early years as
a DIA employee.
With so many elements in play and the time it takes
to refine your analytical skills, it’s easy to lose sight of the ‘why.’ However, when you invest the
time to truly grasp
and value the ‘why’ behind your work, everything clicks
into place, allowing you to see how your unique contributions align with the broader mission of the DIA.
I know I play a
crucial role in enhancing the agency’s
understanding of threats and our responses to them. I influence decisions and I contribute to shaping
the nation’s
defense strategies. Collaborating with others, I help to
ensure our country remains safe and prepared for any challenges. Additionally, I take pride in having
meaningful
conversations with some of the agency’s most senior
leaders, which have led to significant actions like expanding DIA’s recruitment efforts to previously
overlooked schools
and organizations. This level of impact has truly
affirmed that DIA is the right fit for me.