Photo By Christopher Gillis | William Lietzau, Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) director,...... read more read more
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María Avellaneda, Latondra Bryan and Fernanda Powell – reflecting on the DCSA Hispanic Heritage Month Observance held virtually via Zoom throughout the nation – believe the event’s impact upon their professional lives will continue to gain momentum throughout their careers.
They were among scores of DCSA employees tuning in via Zoom to watch as Senior Executive Service (SES) members representing NASA, ICE, NSF, SBA and CNIC shared their wisdom, insight and experience as Hispanics climbing the ladder to senior leadership positions in the federal government.
The DCSA employees, however, were not only engaged as a viewing audience.
They participated as mentees with SES mentors in a series of breakout sessions at DCSA’s first Speed Mentoring event sponsored by the agency’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity (DEO) in partnership with the National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives (NAHFE).
“I was most intrigued with the possibility to speak directly with SES mentors and learn about their journeys. In particular, to understand how their culture and values as Hispanics played a role in their career decisions,” said Powell, government information specialist for the DCSA Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Freedom of Information Office, after the Oct. 6 event. “The mentors provided a great outlook regarding several career paths and the experiences necessary to advance in those fields. What resonated with me the most was the need to research and understand the leadership requirements for SES positions and to be certain of the responsibilities.”
Before the mentoring began, DCSA DEO Chief Dr. Theresa Horne welcomed the mentors, mentees and all in attendance.
“The beauty of this moment today is that these leaders are in service to you,” said Horne. “They will share their stories and insights through the lens of their struggles and triumphs – the highs and I’m sure the lows of leading as a person of color. My hope is that every mentee takes this moment to learn, grow and be inspired by this experience and opportunity.”
Jessica Vasquez, NAHFE Mentoring Program manager, introduced the SES mentors: Frank Ramos, from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center; Waldemar Rodriguez, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Javier Inclan, National Science Foundation; Yvette Collazo, Small Business Administration; and Lara Sayer from the Commander, Navy Installations Command and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command.
At that point, the mentors shared fascinating personal and professional stories while inspiring DCSA employees to find their unique career path to continued success in their government careers.
"The event allowed me to have a one-on-one session with all five of the SES mentors,” said Bryan, OCIO Information Technology Policy Planning and Governance division deputy. “Being able to hear about their experiences up close and personal was very educational. The major benefit for me was to hear about their experiences at the various DOD organizations and that they all were very supportive of others wanting to be a part of the SES service. All were so humble and genuinely enjoyed their work! If this opportunity were ever available again, I would encourage anyone in government service to attend.”
Al Gallegos, national president of NAHFE – comprising federal employees and retirees – briefed the audience on the NAHFE mission to identify, cultivate and prepare Hispanics for advancement into the SES ranks.
“I appreciated the mentoring part of the event, but also enjoyed learning about the career paths of the mentors and keynote speaker,” said Avellaneda, special agent in charge, Background Investigations. “Hearing their stories encouraged me to continue promoting a diverse workforce, something I'm very passionate about. I also enjoyed seeing the participation of other BI personnel. This event provided an opportunity for growth and I was happy to see others took advantage of the opportunity.”
Thomas Montero, director for counterintelligence in the DCSA Western Region, who spoke at previous Hispanic Heritage observances, was the keynote speaker one last time prior to his upcoming retirement in December.
“Our identification as Americans of Hispanic lineage in no way lessens our patriotism or allegiance to the U.S.,” said Montero. “If anything, it magnifies our loyalty and Americanism while paying tribute to those who came before us. I am comfortable with cultural differences because I believe those differences are what makes us American, and America great.”
Pointing out that the theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month observance is, ‘Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,’ Montero recounted how Hispanics and Latinos provided multiple contributions while integrating into American society, culture and history, enriching and strengthening the nation. Along the way, he reflected on his family’s story and shared his thoughts as a first generation American, born to immigrant parents.
“Hispanic Heritage Month provides the opportunity to highlight the diversity of our Nation and specifically within this venue – federal employees, contractors and our armed forces,” said Montero. “The values that overwhelmingly resonate in our community, are American values – faith, family, and patriotism. Hispanics have served our Nation since the American Revolution and have often received the nation’s highest honors in appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Unidos (united) we are a stronger nation. So, we chose, and will continue to choose, to serve. Nobody forces us. Not for praise. Not for glory. But for the American next to us, and the country that we all call home.”
DCSA Director William Lietzau’s opening remarks also focused on Hispanics contributions to the United States since the Revolutionary War.
“Each year, our nation pauses in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the contributions and positive influence of Hispanics in shaping the fabric of American culture through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and dedicated service to the defense of this great nation,” said Lietzau. “America’s Hispanic community has woven unique threads into the diverse fabric of our country and played an important role in shaping our national character as a people of limitless possibilities. Let us honor their distinct heritage while reaffirming our commitment to enabling them to build a future bright with hope and opportunity for themselves, their families and the country we love.”
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2022 14:13 |
| Story ID: | 432045 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 219 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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