Navy Blog Archives | 爱神传媒 /blog_category/client-specific/navy/ Experience | Passion | Purpose Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:59:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /wp-content/uploads/cropped-Careers-Page-Browser-Tab-50x50px-01-32x32.png Navy Blog Archives | 爱神传媒 /blog_category/client-specific/navy/ 32 32 Employee Spotlight: Meet Samritha Menon /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-samritha-menon/ Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:05:00 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=13783 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.听 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Samritha Menon, Subcontract Manager, Critical Missions


How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

Been a Legacy DynCorp employee since 2010 and now part of 爱神传媒.

What is your professional and personal background?

Professional Background 鈥 SAP CERTIFIED Professional with nearly 19 years of experience in Supply Chain Management in government contracting / Retail & commercial businesses.

Personal Background – Completed my Bachelor of Commerce from Pune University, India with a Diploma Course in E-Commerce.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

As a Subcontracts Manager, I am responsible for leading a team who conducts market research, sourcing, evaluation, negotiations, and development of subcontracts on behalf of the organization and projects we support. I oversee the entire subcontract lifecycle from award to closeout. I facilitate communications between stakeholders, both internal and external to ensure everyone is aligned and thus ensuring smooth operations and successful delivery of the contracts.

My work contributes to efficient government contracting, supports small businesses, and ultimately benefits taxpayers.

It鈥檚 a challenging but rewarding role and by bringing people and processes together, my team and I help deliver successful projects while creating positive ripple effects throughout the contracting landscape.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

Throughout my career as an experienced professional, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous impactful projects and achieve significant milestones. In serving, I have had the opportunity to stand up several programs across the globe alongside my team and when the Program is successful in terms of operations and exceeding client expectations it鈥檚 a proud moment for me and my team. Throughout my career here at Legacy DI and now 爱神传媒, I have been presented with two Lightning Bolt Awards for contribution to success of a mission and several Certificates of Appreciation from various programs across the globe.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

I enjoy working for 爱神传媒 because it keeps me challenged professionally, because of the excellent team that I work with, and because I report to a goal-oriented leader 鈥 Mario Galiouras. To summarize, there is a sense of purpose, a supportive environment, growth opportunity and recognition.

What are you passionate about?

Photography and traveling the world. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring different cultures and cuisine. I would love to be a travel blogger one day.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

The career advice I can share with my colleagues will be to develop strong communication, negotiations and analytical skills which is crucial for success. I always encourage people around me to look beyond just managing our functional requirements to see the bigger picture of how our work contributes to the final project and the importance for working collaboratively with all concerned stakeholders. We must also focus on networking and staying relevant to be able to provide our teams with a competitive advantage to build a sustainable future.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

Safety to me is minimizing risk and ensuring to look holistically at situations to ensure physical, mental, and emotional protection to ourselves and the people around us.

Always be cautious and understand potential risks in a situation / project before sharing information.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?

The internet has undeniably transformed society in multifaceted ways. It has revolutionized communication, information access, commerce, education, and social interactions around the world.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Personally & Professionally 鈥 DARE TO DREAM 鈥 Then do something about it!

Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself. Please address one or more of the following questions:

Favorite film?

I love watching movies but the one film that is close to my heart is The Lion King. I love the song Circle of Life from the movie.

Favorite musician?

Music calms me on a rough day. Depending on my mood, songs can vary from artists like Bryan Adams, Coldplay, Imagine Dragons to soulful sufi music.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Normailed Heitjan /blog/employee-spotlight-normailed-heitjan/ Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:31:40 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=13712 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.听 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Normailed Heitjan, Program Manager, National Security.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

I was recruited by one of our legacy companies at a college job fair in 2004.

What is your professional and personal background?

I graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in 2004 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and minored in Project Management and Construction Management. Before joining the company, I worked for my family鈥檚 construction business.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

I manage a program of about 650 on-site employees who work around the clock to safeguard the nation鈥檚 assets. The work that we do is essential to the safety of our armed forces and our country.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

My proudest career moments have been the times when I receive notes from my employees telling me they feel valued or how I have positively impacted the program or their lives. I keep a printed copy of the notes on my desk to remind myself of what鈥檚 important.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

After being part of this company for close to 20 years, I have to say that it鈥檚 the people that I enjoy the most. My coworkers have become my family. Having moved several times through my career, my family consists of the people I have met along my work journey. These are the people with whom I have grown, both personally and professionally. We are our support system at work and outside the office.

What are you passionate about?

My family. I love spending time with my two daughters and encouraging them to continue learning about the world through their unique experiences and to try to understand how other people鈥檚 perspectives are based on the world that surrounds them. I鈥檓 also very passionate about my work and my career growth.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

Be your own best advocate. Opportunities will come if you work hard, have an excellent work ethic, and actively seek growth. Also, find people who can help guide your growth. Without the help from some of our leaders, I would have never been afforded the opportunities I鈥檝e had.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

Safety Tip: Most accidents are predictable and preventable. Before starting any job or action, evaluate the situation and identify and correct potential hazards.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?

The smartphone. It is an amazing thing to have almost the entirety of the world鈥檚 knowledge in the palm of your hands.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

There is no job out there that should be beneath you. If you see something that needs to be done, do it. If you can help make a difference by going above your duties, don鈥檛 hesitate to do so.

Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself. Please address one or more of the following questions:

What鈥檚 your favorite book?

One of my favorite books is La Isla Bajo el Mar (Island Beneath the Sea) by Isabel Allende.

What author has influenced you the most?

Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors. She typically writes historical fiction from a female point of view. I read my first Isabel Allende book, La Casa de los Espiritus (The House of the Spirits) when I was 16. Through her books, I learned at a young age that women can accomplish whatever we set out to do if we work hard, have determination, and seize every opportunity that comes our way.

Favorite film?

The only movies I see in theaters these days are Star Wars, James Bond, or Disney movies. One of my favorite Disney movies is Mulan.

Favorite musician?

My favorite musician is my nephew. I am the proud aunt of a United States Army Band trumpet player.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Jennifer Grant /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-jennifer-grant/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:59:48 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=13715 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.听 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Jennifer Grant, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Manager, Talent Management and Culture.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

I joined 爱神传媒 through legacy PAE.

What is your professional and personal background?

I grew up in Mesa, Arizona where I would run around in the desert throughout my childhood. I have lived in several different states and finally landed in Northern Virginia in 2016. My husband and I have two beautiful children who we cart all over the place following their passions. Our daughter, 15, is an All-Star Cheerleader, and our son, 9, is a Black Belt in Karate and competes in several competitions.

I stumbled into the Human Resource (HR) career field when I had to make the decision to either become an executive assistant or a human resource associate. I went with HR. I knew nothing about HR and have continued to grow within this career field ever since.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

I am part of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team for 爱神传媒. Along with supporting the DEIB initiatives, I manage the Employee Resource Networks (ERN) by providing support, and guidance, and being the liaison between the membership and executive leaders. The ERNs have provided employees with a community where they can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Being able to come together and share a story, or an experience, or get tailored professional development is what makes the ERNs a unique experience for those who participate. I am really excited to continue expanding and growing our networks.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

My proudest career moment was when I completed my six-sigma green belt certification program, and then subsequently won the Continuous Improvement Award for my work. My most recent accomplishment, that I am also very proud of, is launching an ERN Mentoring Program for the members of our ERNs.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

The people! I have been surrounded by the most supportive, caring, and passionate people. From business leaders to general clerks, the people that I have interacted with are so passionate about what they do and how they impact their customers (internal and external).

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about employees feeling like they belong. I want to ensure that every employee can come to work as their authentic self and truly feel welcome, respected, and valued.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth doesn鈥檛 happen without stepping outside of your comfort zone.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

Safety means that employees can go home the way they came in. It鈥檚 everyone鈥檚 responsibility.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?

There have been so many great inventions, but I would say the best invention is the ability to harness electricity and run it to our homes. Without it, we wouldn鈥檛 have any of the comforts that we enjoy today.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself. Please address one or more of the following questions:

What author has influenced you the most?

The Author that has influenced me the most, is one I recently read, Dr. Peter Attia. He wrote Outlive, The Science & Art of Longevity.

Favorite film?

When thinking about Women鈥檚 History Month, I would say one of my favorite films is Hidden Figures.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Alyson M. Gibson /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-alyson-m-gibson/ Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:42:07 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=13711 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we鈥檒l […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we鈥檒l focus on Women鈥檚 History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Alyson M. Gibson, Senior Security Manager, National Security, Corporate/Legal/Security.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

I started working for 爱神传媒 back in 2010. The company I was working for lost the contract I was on. The best decision I ever made was coming on board with 爱神传媒!

What is your professional and personal background?

I have been happily married for the last 19 years and blessed with an amazing 13-year-old son. The last 18 years of my professional career have been spent in the Security field. I started as a Security Monitor on an Intel program and worked my way to becoming a Contract Security Officer and then a Program Security Manager. Two years ago, I was promoted to Senior Security Manager supporting several contracts in the Intelligence business line through onsite security management and oversight.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

As a Senior Security Manager, I provide program management insight, security management, and operational oversight across 爱神传媒鈥檚 Intelligence Community portfolio spanning multiple agencies and mission-critical contracts. I provide Contract Security Officer (CSO) oversight and management of security staff for several contracts, supporting 1,000 (+) personnel throughout the Intelligence Community. I also oversee a team of seven Security professionals that spans over the Mission Support and Critical Operations sectors of the Intelligence business line. This team of Security professionals ranges from junior-level to mid-level Contract Security Officers providing direct onsite support for our customers mission while also supporting the corporate security infrastructure. I also support new contract pursuits as a security Subject Matter Expert (SME) to include solutioning, writing, and reviewing.

The work we do has a great impact on our customer’s mission. Focusing on our customer’s mission by working as a partner with them is very important to me. One of the areas I focus on is Security education. I collaborate with our customer to make sure our workforce understands what they are required to report and how they are to operate at customer locations. Another area of focus has been processes and procedures. Ensuring we have documented how and why we do work is important for our people to be able to work with ease and gives our customer confidence that we know how to do the job safely and securely. Supporting our people and our customer will always be my number one priority.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

Over the course of my career there have been many things that have made me proud to be a part of the programs and people I have had the opportunity to work with. When I was on the DIESEL program, we were asked by the customer to provide security support to a new location. This required us to quickly hire and train over 100 new staff. Being a part of that transition allowed me to really grow as a manager. The opportunity allowed me to grow into a Program Security Manager and made me realize how much I love mentoring and managing. I would say the greatest accomplishment for me has been this last year. While we moved through the transition of becoming 鈥淥ne 爱神传媒, 鈥 I was given the opportunity to construct an onsite security team. I have to say, being a part of this team and watching how each member has grown in the past year, and helping to shape the security structure on these programs has been priceless. The entire team that I have the privilege of working with is some of the best Security professionals I have ever worked with. When I sat back at the end of 2023 and looked at what we accomplished, it made me so proud to see what we were able to do in just a year鈥檚 time. I am looking forward to continuing to grow the Security culture and the team in the next year.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

What I enjoy most working for 爱神传媒 is the people.

I get to interact with all levels of the business line, and all different departments in the organization (Recruiting, Operations, Trade craft employees, etc.), and interact with 爱神传媒 employees on the programs. It鈥檚 a pleasure to experience the diversity of all the people and departments on programs I support. I love being able to help people no matter if it鈥檚 a security concern/question or not. The customers we support and the mission are as so important and I really enjoy being able to make even the smallest difference towards their mission.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about so many things. I am passionate about helping people. I want to do whatever I can to help someone. I love to strategize and find solutions. To me, that鈥檚 how you really help people. I am passionate about Security. I truly love what I do! Having the opportunity to support the customer and make even the smallest difference to their mission is an opportunity that I am so grateful for.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

Get involved and don鈥檛 stop learning. The more you know the bigger impact you can have. Don鈥檛 be afraid to take some risks and do things a little outside your comfort zone. Sometimes the greatest rewards come from the smallest risks. Love what you do. When you are passionate it will resonate and I truly believe you will be more successful.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

鈥淪ee Something, Say Something鈥 applies to both Safety and Security. I think Safety and Security have a unique relationship in how important they both are not only to each other but also to the workforce. We should always make sure our people leave to go home to their families the same way they arrived, safe and secure.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?

I think the telephone is the best invention in the world because it connects people. As technology has advanced so has the telephone and now we can not only connect our voices to our friends, family, and coworkers all over the world, but we can connect through video chat right from our phones.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Communication is the bedrock of all relationships. Make sure to always communicate with your coworkers. It is so hard to be successful when there is a lack of communication. The best way to ensure a healthy relationship and success is to treat others the way you want to be treated.

Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself.

I spend as much time with my family as I can. I am a workaholic and I tend to throw myself into my work. I don鈥檛 watch too much TV but when I do it’s either old comedy shows (like the Golden Girls, Reba, Friends, or Everybody Loves Raymond) or the Investigation ID channel. I like all kinds of music and will listen to whatever is right for the mood.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Artemisa Costa /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-artemisa-costa/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:35:22 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=13645 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we鈥檒l […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we鈥檒l focus on Women鈥檚 History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Artemisa Costa, Category Manager, Global Supply Chain Management/ Corporate.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

I really wanted to join the company. I read in an article that 爱神传媒 was chosen as one of America鈥檚 Greatest Workplaces 2023 by Newsweek. So, I saw the opportunity for a position, and I applied for it.

What is your professional and personal background?

Born and raised in the heart of Mexico City, I have embarked on a transformative professional journey spanning over two decades in Supply Chain across multiple industries.

My journey across continents provided me with a global perspective that was enriched by diverse cultural experiences. I consider myself very adaptable because I understand global dynamics, which proved critical in orchestrating successful collaborations with diverse teams from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and South America.

I have a background in International Commerce and a master’s degree in Quality and Productivity, but my real learning experience has come from several mentors who have helped me advance in my career.

On a personal level, I am passionate about lifelong learning and development. I enjoy reading books and spending time with my family. Outside of work as a proud Latin individual, I embrace cultural heritage and enjoy sharing with others.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

I am currently working on a variety of projects for the corporate group, focused on innovation and enhancement initiatives. My job also entails conducting analysis and data evaluation, identifying opportunities for automation and value addition in Supply Chain domains. I am open to assignments (regardless of my level of expertise) because I believe that exposure is essential for ongoing learning and professional development.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

One of my proudest achievements was the establishment of expert networks across regions, coupled with spearheading of process enhancements that resulted in a staggering 40% improvement in process compliance audit results in 2018. As a result of this project several processes were consolidated and standardized across four regions.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

爱神传媒 is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for. They are a very mature organization from a leadership standpoint. They genuinely care about their employees and communicate effectively while overseeing all aspects of change management. 爱神传媒 is consistent in their values and application.

What are you passionate about?

I’m deeply passionate about making a positive impact on others and leaving a legacy. I firmly believe that people will remember us based on how we treat them; even the smallest interactions can leave a significant positive or negative impact on others’ lives. Additionally, I find joy in learning from others and continuously growing, both personally and professionally. I devote time to reading books focused on self-improvement and motivation.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

I recommend to never assume you know everything regardless of your title or position, be humble, and open to learning from others. Every individual has a valuable insight to share, you just need to be receptive and willing to view things from different angles. This approach will expand your vision and perception of the situations that come across at work and will enable you to think outside of the box.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

Safety requires thinking beyond yourself. It entails thinking of your family and others. It means being responsible to yourself, society, and anyone else around you.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?

I think it will depend on the age, but I believe the internet is the invention that has had the broadest and most profound impact across various aspects of life. It has transformed communication, commerce, education, and has connected billions of people worldwide revolutionizing information sharing, global trade and facilitating distance learning and providing platforms for social interaction and activism.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

The role or rank you hold within an organization does not inherently define genuine leadership. True leadership is characterized by distinct qualities that authentically shine through. It becomes evident when people willingly embrace your guidance and place unwavering trust in your decisions. This trust isn’t blind; it’s earned through a consistent record of success that extends beyond mere career advancements.

A true mark of leadership lies in your ability to empower others for their success. You champion their cause, regarding them as integral internal stakeholders. Your authority is wielded responsibly, free from any abusive tendencies or the imposition of fear. Instead, you foster a nurturing and positive environment. You can be a leader regardless of your title and start making a positive impact in others.

Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself.

What鈥檚 your favorite book?

I have several books that I have enjoyed. I don鈥檛 have a preferred book but I can mention a couple:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Anatomy of an Illness by Norman Cousins

Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins

鈥 The Bible

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Cecil Bowen /blog/employee-spotlight-cecil-bowen/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:33:58 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=13407 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. For February, we鈥檒l […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. For February, we鈥檒l reflect on what鈥疊lack History Month鈥痬eans to all of us while shining a light on one employee at a time. 爱神传媒鈥檚 next spotlight is on, Cecil Bowen, Program Manager, NS Intelligence/Critical Operations/DoD Programs.

How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at 爱神传媒?

The Marine Corps has always challenged me to do more than what I thought I could do and leave all things in my control better than how I found it. This drive has helped me learn more and grow as a professional within 爱神传媒.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

I joined 爱神传媒 (through legacy PAE) in 2016 for a Construction Security Program in South Korea as a Security Supervisor. At that time, I took a huge leap of faith for the new contract/program by moving here with my wife. Seven years later, the mission here has grown, my family has grown, and my career path is more defined.

What is your professional and personal background?

The greater portion of my service with the US Marines, I was assigned to US Embassies as the first response security team. Once my service was complete, I then transitioned to the civilian sector of security programs that primarily services special DoS and DoD programs overseas. For the past few years, I have served as a subject matter expert as it relates to SCIF Construction Projects.

I was born in Jamaica and lived my elementary and high school years in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I have been married for eight years but have been friends with my wife Jacqueline since elementary school. We are proud parents of two boys Myles (6) and Wesley (4) who were both born here in South Korea.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.

I have dedicated most of my adult life working overseas in friendly to hostile environments in support of security programs focused on preserving the National Security of the United States.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?

Professionally, I am most proud of working hard and aiming for positions that at the time seemed far reaching. I went from not taking myself too seriously in high school doing the bare minimum and working a simple job. I grew to being the first in my family to serve, while Marine Guarding US Embassies abroad and being a part of US Presidential Security details. To now, many more educational accomplishments, projects successfully completed, and a proud contributor to 爱神传媒鈥檚 overall success.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

I enjoy working with 爱神传媒, primarily because the Leadership that I have worked with for over the past 7 years have always reassured me that I am an asset to the organization. They have challenged me, rewarded me, invested in me and respected my voice. In addition to a great leadership group, the 爱神传媒 brand is well respected amongst the many organizations here in South Korea supporting the DoD.

What are you passionate about?

I am most passionate about being a father, a husband, and a reliable role model to my very large and loving family. Additionally, I am passionate about building bridges that create a greater degree of understanding for people despite the many differences in personal life and throughout the workplace.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

Don鈥檛 limit yourself by experiencing only what you think you know. Seek mentorship, build partnerships while focusing on your craft. I have experience much more joy in what I do, have accomplished more than what I first set out to do and now, I have no limit on what I foresee in the future.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

We all deserve to live, work and rest with confidence that we are indeed safe. I strongly believe, through partnership and community we can maintain a safe place. My favorite practice as it relates to safety, is to prepare for the day and be conscious in your movements by planning for, rather than reacting to.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?

My favorite (best) invention is the concept of the iPhone. Considering that I have lived most of my adult life away from my loved ones; prior to the iPhone, I relied on letters in the mail, international phone plans, maps to travel, books, CDs, and Cameras. The single device has helped leave some hardships I experienced while traveling in the past.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Build relationships that matter, believe in yourself, invest in yourself, and hold yourself accountable. I try to not get too comfortable in my current circumstances and be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. I try to always imagine how can we make it a tad bit better. This is my approach in both personal and professional life.

Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself. Please address one or more of the following questions:

Diversity is important and should remain a priority when considering talent that contributes to organizations. There will always be untapped genius and innovation lurking throughout the nuances that come from diverse backgrounds and mindsets. As a result, the approach for considering the potential obstacles people face and the level of compassion we show for adjustments people make while assimilating to work culture and or society is now more meaningful.

What鈥檚 your favorite book?

One of my favorite books is New York (the Novel) by Edward Rutherfurd.

What author has influenced you the most?

The author that has most influenced is Khaled Hosseini鈥檚. The topics that he writes about has shaped my perspective on the world.

Favorite film?

Forest Gump is my favorite film.

Favorite musician?

Bob Marley is the most inspirational musician who seems to always bring me the most peace when I listen to his music and message.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Nicole Dircks /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-nicole-dircks/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:29:58 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=10965 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.听 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Nicole Dircks, ES&T, Fusion Center TDL Lead, Development Engineering & Innovation (DEI), INDOPACOM Innovation & Experimentation Support Services Program.

 

How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at 爱神传媒?

20 years of military service gave me the fortitude to tackle tough projects independently and lead them through to a high standard of completion.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?聽

As Joint Interagency Task Force West鈥檚 Counter Narcotics Operations Center (JIATF-W CNOC) Chief, I worked with an 爱神传媒 employee (Lynn Mariano) on continuity of operations (COOP) planning. He recognized that I was retiring soon, and 爱神传媒 and I might be a good fit for each other. I had worked closely with U.S. and partner nation interagency organizations throughout the Indo Pacific, namely Oceania. I loved the work. Meanwhile, 爱神传媒 was charged by INDOPACOM with establishing a fusion center within Oceania. As it turned out, it was a great fit.

What is your professional and personal background?聽

I was born on Kauai, raised in Nevada, spent a good portion of my career either deployed or based out of San Diego. I came full circle and returned home to Hawaii. I went to college in Las Vegas where I majored in Public Relations and Minored in Marketing. I joined the Navy after college; my original intent was to be a public affairs officer, but intelligence officer sounded so much cooler! Turns out, they鈥檙e very similar 鈥 both distill information for an audience, which is a passion of mine. On the personal side, I grew up in the kitchen next to my mom, who was a fierce woman. From her I developed a passion for cooking and learned to face challenges head on.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.听

I essentially bring partner nation interagency organizations together to improve their ability to view and analyze their operating environment. It鈥檚 crucial in this era of great power competition to unify efforts with likeminded partners viewing the same operating environment. There鈥檚 definite overlap with Women Peace and Security that I look forward to exploring.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?聽

I received my Master Training Specialist certification from the Fleet intelligence Training Center in San Diego in 2011. I earned a master鈥檚 degree in defense and strategic studies from the Navy War College in 2016, recently received my PMP certification, and I鈥檓 the boss of my PTSD every day. My proudest moment is actually kind of funny 鈥 I was briefing Vice Admiral William Gortney and his Council of Captains when he was Commander, U.S. Navy Central Command. I was the Section Chief for counter piracy operations at the height of Somali piracy. VADM Gortney asked his captains if U.S. operations were actually deterring pirate operations. There was dead silence in the room. So, I spoke up and told him no, that in fact piracy attacks were increasing exponentially. He asked his Captains why it takes an O3 to be honest with him, and again 鈥 total silence. So, I spoke up and told him half-jokingly it鈥檚 because I had less to lose. This really tickled him, and he stood up, shook my hand, and gave me his command coin. It reinforced my conviction to always speak truth to power, which I鈥檝e endeavored to do throughout my career. I find that strong leaders appreciated it.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?聽

爱神传媒 makes a concerted effort to take care of me and gives me the trust and room I need to execute my responsibilities. Leadership is there to guide me, but not micromanage me, which I truly appreciate. Moreover, the people I work with and for are just top notch personally and professionally. I鈥檓 honored to work alongside them.

What are you passionate about?

Downtrodden people, animals, work, empowering women, and designing my condo. I have a soft spot for up-and-coming women and take them under my wing whenever possible. Conversely, I look up to women more senior than me and seek their guidance and mentorship.

What鈥檚 your career advice?聽

Empower your subordinates, your peers and your supervisors. That entails anticipating their needs, forging through rice bowls, taking the high road in conflict, being a calming and steadfast presence, and generally taking care of people, regardless of their position.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?聽

I鈥檝e lost friends in the armed service due to safety mishaps both on and off the job. So, safety is ingrained in everything I do. From taking an Uber if I plan to have a cocktail, to defensive driving, to observing my surroundings, I鈥檓 constantly planning ahead to mitigate any mishaps, and I encourage my team to do the same.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?聽

Sliced bread! I don鈥檛 know what I鈥檇 do without sandwiching a bounty of foods between two slices. I鈥檇 have to stop working to eat!

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?聽

Two times in my career I experienced harassment and gender discrimination. Both times debilitated me emotionally, but never professionally. My mother always said, 鈥淣ever let them see you sweat.鈥 So, I handled those incidents head-on with my head held high. In the face of harassment, I became my commands鈥 equal opportunity program manager. In the face of discrimination, I ultimately raised the issue to the INDOPACOM Inspector General鈥檚 Office. Seeing the matter through was not an easy process, but it endeared me to several women who experienced what I experienced; and speaking up for them made it worth it.

What does Women鈥檚 History Month mean to you?聽

To me it means I鈥檓 not alone and my voice is heard. I was raised in the ranks before #MeToo and saw and experienced both active and passive discriminations. More often than not, I was the only woman in a room and felt compelled to ensure that what I had to impart was heard. For it, I earned the moniker 鈥淗oney Badger,鈥 which I鈥檓 proud of. Women鈥檚 History Month gives me the conviction that I have value to contribute, and so I will, even if I have to battle issues head on.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Staci Collins /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-staci-collins/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:12:42 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=10941 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.听 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Staci Collins, Program Security Manager, INDOPACOM.

 

How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at 爱神传媒?聽

The military taught me to adapt and overcome, to work efficiently and build trust with my teammates, and how to provide the very best customer service through any situation imaginable.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?

An old colleague recommended me for this position when he and his partner were suddenly requested to transfer off-island. Since we had worked together before, he thought I would be a perfect fit for the task at hand and join in well with the 爱神传媒 team here.

What is your professional and personal background?聽

I am all things Security. I have worked over 10 years supporting secure facilities for the military, making sure that physical and personnel security are maintained at the highest level possible.

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.听

On a daily basis, I work tediously to maintain all aspects of program security for our customer. I make sure they receive the best customer service and stay within the policy guidelines to protect not only the program but the personnel who take pride in making this the best military in the world.

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?聽

While working in this field, I am proud to say I have never failed a single compliance inspection. My proudest moments are found in the day-to-day tasks where I can be an asset to this community and add to the success of the bigger picture.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?

I love the team I have here with 爱神传媒. It is rare and refreshing to work with members who take pride in going above and beyond in even the smallest tasks.

What are you passionate about?聽

I am passionate about helping and uplifting others through philanthropy. I love to give back to this land by volunteering in nature, planting and pulling up harmful weeds. I also volunteer a few times a week with a local elementary school. Spending time with children revives me and keeps me open to new ideas.

What鈥檚 your career advice?聽

Be the employee and teammate you would want working for your own private business. Remain flexible and put in daily effort. The work you do will not go unseen and you will leave each day fulfilled knowing you gave 100%.

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?

Safety is a number one priority of mine. My favorite safety tip is to REPORT. Being able to feel safe to speak up in your working environment and to let others know when you are in need is a key to success.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?聽

The camera. Pictures allow us to create our own time machine. Capturing moments and being able to share them with others is something I never take for granted.

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?

Smile more and take initiative; both are free but the rewards you will receive from these small gestures is priceless.

What does Women鈥檚 History Month mean to you?

For a very long time, women have been written out of history. Women鈥檚 history means we as humans recognize the unique impact women have in this world. We are seen, we are capable, and we are creating new ways for this world. Women鈥檚 History Month gives us an opportunity to research, write about, share stories and raise awareness of the diversity of women鈥檚 lived experiences and the work that still remains to be done to bring about equality.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Nicole Petty /blog/employee-spotlight-meet-nicole-petty/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:16:20 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=10838 At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll […]

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At 爱神传媒, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month聽while shining a light on one employee at a time.听 Today鈥檚 Q&A is with Nicole Petty, Capture Director, National Security/Intelligence.

How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at 爱神传媒?聽

My military service enabled me to become an accountable, reliable, and trustworthy employee focused on the mission, but more importantly, mission success. The military allows individuals to form a bond and rely on your counterparts to enable teamwork鈥攖his truly helped me learn how to collaborate across all functions to ensure mission outcomes are met.

How did you come to join 爱神传媒?聽

I joined 爱神传媒 to gain the experience and structure needed to support large business development organizations. The knowledge I learn daily from my leaders and my co-workers enables me to be more proficient in my trade and then to help others grow alongside of me!

What is your professional and personal background?聽

My professional background includes joining the U.S. Navy at 19 years old and becoming a CTT where I supported my country for almost eight years. I later moved on to become a government contractor where I supported the Office of Naval Intelligence and Marine Corps Intelligence Activity Office as an Electronic Warfare SME. These career decisions formed who I am today at my core, and it allows me to bring those characteristics, goals and aspirations for the future into my current job at 爱神传媒.

My personal background includes a loving husband, Joseph, and my two beautiful children, Mason (14), and Erica (8). I could not be where I am today without the dedication, love and support my family gives to me on a daily basis! I also have two cute pup pups, Chunky (French Bulldog), and Biggie (Old English Bulldog) whom I get to spend all of my free time cuddling with the kiddos!

Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.听

I currently support 爱神传媒鈥檚 business development goals in pursuing and winning federal government contracts to help grow our company鈥檚 presence around the world. This work really means a lot to me and it is something that I love doing!

What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?聽

I was nominated Sailor of the Year on my ship in the U.S. Navy. It was out of 5,000 people, and I had to do boards and answer very specific questions. It truly made me proud to be a part of the Navy and I will remember that day for the rest of my life.

What do you enjoy about working for 爱神传媒?聽

I enjoy working in a collaborative team environment at 爱神传媒. I feel like my voice is heard, and I have input in our daily operations. My leaders enable me to be a positive, outside-the-box thinker, and I would not be where I am today without their continued and dedicated support.

What are you passionate about?聽

I am most passionate about influencing those around me to be the best that they can be. Everyone has a unique talent 聽they can bring to the table to make our solution more impactful. I like finding out those unique talents and showcasing them to everyone for recognition and then ensuring those talents get leveraged.

What鈥檚 your career advice?

My career advice would be to be the best that you can be in your field. Typically, this involves doing a lot of tedious work and learning about your trade inside out. It is not easy, but the most rewarding things in life are not easy. If it is hard, or you don鈥檛 understand something, ASK the question! Find your mentors and people who want to help you succeed. Build those relationships. This will enable you to become more successful in your career鈥攂ut again, it takes hard work, long hours, and sacrifice. But know, YOU CAN DO IT!

What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?聽

My number one safety tip would be to not forget about self-care. This is crucial鈥攁nd something that I often forget. On the flip side, it is not something that you lose forever, you can always get it back. So take some time in your daily life to focus on YOU. Your self-care time is critical to your path to success.

What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?聽

The best invention in the world would be communications! Sometimes for work I have to travel or work long hours but having the ability to call or video home makes me extremely grateful for communications! So thank you, Mr. Bell!

Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?聽

Be yourself! You can never go wrong with being your positive, encouraging and happy self!

What does Women鈥檚 History Month mean to you?聽

Women鈥檚 History Month is a time to reflect. To acknowledge contributions made by women past and present, for the sacrifices and impacts of those women, and how we can continue those efforts for decades to come. This month means everything to me, and every woman should know how truly special they are and what they do matters. We got this ladies!

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爱神传媒 Navy F-5 Contractor Logistics Support Team Declared 鈥楽afe to Fly鈥 /blog/amentum-navyf5-contractor-logistics-support-team-declared-safe-to-fly/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 21:00:29 +0000 /?post_type=blog&p=10418 Congratulations to 爱神传媒鈥檚 U.S. Navy F-5 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) team at Naval Air Station (NAS) New Orleans! On February […]

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Congratulations to 爱神传媒鈥檚 U.S. Navy F-5 Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) team at Naval Air Station (NAS) New Orleans! On February 3, 2023, the NAS New Orleans squadron was certified as 鈥楽afe to Fly鈥 aircraft.

The 鈥渟afe for flight鈥 designation means a squadron has the right personnel and equipment, as well as maintenance and safety programs, in place to support itself in conducting routine flight operations. The squadron must also be in physical custody of at least 30 percent of its assigned aircraft.

鈥淲e had a government team of 17 inspectors spend three days assessing maintenance practices and workforce performance during scenario drills,鈥 said Jeremy Beckham, USN F-5 CLS Program Manager. 鈥淎 big thank you to the team 鈥 this achievement is the culmination of more than a year of planning and executing to the plan for establishing a new F-5 squadron at a new location 鈥 completely from scratch.鈥

The 爱神传媒 team identified, recruited, and hired 106 skilled employees who received F-5 specific maintenance training by sister contractor site personnel at Fallon, Nevada and Yuma, Arizona.

鈥淭he team moved parts, tools, and equipment from Fallon, setting up shops and learning the peculiarities of a new aircraft all while moving themselves and their families to New Orleans 鈥 and did a great job,鈥 said Jeff Lunday, USN F-5 CLS Site Manager. 鈥淥ur customer is pleased with how well the 爱神传媒 F-5 team overcame hurdles enroute to achieving certification.鈥

There is little time to celebrate, however. The squadron is headed to Fallon for a ten-week detachment for adversary air support to an Aircraft Carrier Airwing and Top Gun class, starting February 10.

Congrats to the team for all their hard work!

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