People of Public Service

Monica is a trailblazer in improving access to digital content featuring veterans' stories. She leads the Veterans History Project’s (VHP) special focus efforts on Vietnam veterans, women veterans, Native American veterans, and integration of the Gold Star Family Voices Act. Monica's impactful work includes refining VHP's workshop program and creating training materials to preserve and share veterans' experiences.

Dylan is a biologist in the Environmental Fate and Effects Division where he assesses the ecological effects of pesticides, contributing to our understanding of their environmental impact. Dylan is also a first-generation college graduate from Bassett, VA, and earned a Biology doctorate from Binghamton University.

Alicia Jose is an administrative professional at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where she serves as chair of Goddard's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group. A singer-songwriter in her free time, her colleagues praise her strong leadership skills.

Dr. Ndiaye is a Project Manager at the Social Security Administration and a Chief Executive Officer (CXO) Fellow. Beyond her implementing new agency-wide strategic projects, she devotes her time to mentoring junior staff members.

Dr. Kim, Division Chief at the Census Bureau's Decennial Communications and Stakeholder Relations, focuses on equitable access to census data and enhancing participation. She received the 2021 Department of Commerce Public Service Award for Diversity Champion and Leadership and the 2021 Department of Commerce Gold Medal for her outstanding contributions.

Cecilia is the Designated Federal Officer leading the Equity Commission at the USDA. Through her leadership, the Commission has published 66 final recommendations that address equity, environmental justice, diversity, and inclusion related issues across the Department. Cecilia consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment towards equity and USDA’s goal to improve access to programs and services for all stakeholders and communities, especially historically underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners.

Felipe is the Disability Program Manager at the Department of Labor. He works with the Office of Human Resources' Division of Workforce Development and Inclusion and leads strategic planning related to outreach, recruitment, and retaining individuals with disabilities. His efforts ensure a more inclusive workplace.

Kara is the Collections Information System Administrator for the National Museum of the American Indian. She leads teams to improve the accessibility and information about the collections under the museum’s care. She's at the forefront of reimagining museum systems, shifting from traditional approaches to a more people-centric and story-driven paradigm.

Ethan is the Director of Statistical Program Coordination at the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). In this role, Ethan ensures BTS data reaches major media and news publications through facilitating interviews, tutorials, and unprecedented access to program managers and experts. His success in government communications has even earned him the National Association of Government Communicators Award for Best Web Article (2014).

Dr. Kimmel is a Health Science Administrator at the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Director of the PATH (Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health) Study at NIH, which is an ongoing longitudinal cohort study on tobacco use behavior, attitudes and beliefs, and tobacco-related health outcomes. The PATH Study is conducted through a collaboration between NIDA, NIH, and the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Marisa, the Director of Public Works in Stuttgart, Germany, plays a vital role in enhancing mission readiness for the United States Africa Command and United States European Command. Marisa coordinates a broad spectrum of services, from construction and maintenance to housing and environmental initiatives. She is a key contributor to the well-being of our service members and their families.

Jean, honored with the 2023 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive, is leading the charge as the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Her efforts are reshaping HUD OSDBU and allowing more federal contracts to reach small businesses. Jean drives positive change with her commitment to implementing new rules for fair federal procurement.

Sonia is a dedicated Special Agent at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's (DCSA) Kansas City Field Office. She actively engages in various local initiatives to support her colleagues and the DCSA’s mission, advocating for improvements that benefit both DCSA operations and customer agencies involved in the Federal Government’s personnel vetting mission.

Leah's leadership at the Library of Congress is rewriting the digital playbook! Her pivotal role in crafting the Library's 5-year strategic plan, 'Library for All,' is expanding access, enhancing services, and fostering innovation for a truly 'novel' experience.

Ashleigh, Public Affairs Deputy Director, manages a range of communication projects, drawing from her experience as a former Marine Corps broadcast journalist. Steering communication plans for the American Battle Monuments Commission, she ensures priority messaging campaigns meet mission goals through responsive feedback and shared communication.

Sana is the Lead Evaluator in the Analysis and Evaluation Division at the Small Business Administration (SBA). She has played a crucial role in shaping the SBA's equity framework. Her ongoing efforts to implement equity at every stage of evaluation make her a significant asset to the agency.

Leigh began her career with an internship at the Bureau of Land Management in 2007 and now supports the next generation as the partnership lead for California. Leigh is developing an intergenerational mentorship network, weaving together volunteer, educational, and partnership programs. Through her support of community engagement programs, Leigh builds capacity and a career development ladder for the next generation of land stewards.

Karla is the Senior Procurement Executive and Assistant Administrator for Procurement at NASA. She is responsible for managing the $22B agency procurement function. Karla oversees the training and development of over 750 procurement professionals, as well as the development of policy guidance, and regulations supporting the award of over 26,000 contract actions and over 10,000 grant/cooperative agreement awards annually. Karla’s impact has led to the recruitment and selection of the next generation of NASA contracting professionals who will ensure the success of the nation’s civil space exploration, space technology, space operations, science, and aeronautics missions.

Dr. M. Taylor Rhodes, an evaluator at the National Science Foundation, serves as a technical representative, conducts quality assurance reviews, and oversees technical skills and training interests. With a doctorate in economics from UNC Greensboro, Rhodes has held federal positions at various departments and contributed research published in esteemed journals.

During my 25 year tenure at AmeriCorps, the public service superpower I have always relied on is a combination of three things — customer service, teamwork and treating my fellow employees the way I want to be treated.

My public service superpower is traveling to the outer edges of a problem and working my way back to reveal all the parts and how they connect.

My public service superpower is the ability to put aside all ego and any perceived status in order to be approachable and accessible.

Being a public servant allows me to feel connected to a larger community where I can share thoughts and ideas that address public policy challenges. Public service empowers you to be part of something bigger than yourself and improve situations for many, not just a few.

My public service superpower is having extraordinary levels of endurance, tenacity, and focus.

My public service superpower is resilience because no matter how big the challenge is, I encourage my team to collaborate with our partners to turn every obstacle into an opportunity, to help others and grow our abilities. With this we are finding more innovative ways every day to support acquisition and protect taxpayer dollars.

I'm passionate about making our workplaces more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible by recruiting the best talent, connecting with communities, and sharing the stories of our employees.

I'm proud to be a public servant because I know the work I do every day is directly impacting communities around me in a positive way. It feels awesome to give back to communities that have given so much to me.

I'm proud to be a public servant because I'm passionate about applying my education, experience, and abilities to contribute to the incredibly important and meaningful work of the Federal Government, alongside my brilliant, dedicated, and public-minded colleagues.

My public service superpower is customer service. I try to always have the customer as excited with the end product as they were with the initial idea. I love showing them I understood what they wanted and knowing that they're satisfied and feel heard.

My public service superpower is adapting to the changing needs of the federal workforce and the citizens we serve. I’m proud to serve, because I know everyday my efforts, regardless of how big or small, positively affect the lives of millions of citizens.

I am proud to be a public servant because the acquisition work I do supports the mission of the EPA to protect human health and the environment. Even though I am just one person, I know that I am a small part of making the planet a better place for future generations.

As a Detective with the Town of Erie Police Department, my public service superpower is working closely with victims throughout the criminal justice process.

My public service superpower is being a leader that listens, delegates, and encourages and exhibits empathy, accountability, and resilience.

There are few occupations better than one that allows people to be in service to their country. As a public servant, I am proud to promote American ideals at home and abroad through my work at USAID.

My public service superpower is leading teams by overseeing projects and bridging communication of all collaborators with an end result that positively impacts Veterans.

My superpower is a fusion of tireless enthusiasm, persistence, and focus for harnessing evidence to design and deliver government programs that really work for the American public.

I'm proud to be a public servant because every day of my Federal career I have worked closely with people who are committed to public service and who, often without credit or recognition, work tirelessly for the good of the American people. I could not be prouder to call them my colleagues and friends.

I'm proud to be a public servant because when I'm 80, I want to be able to look back and say that I devoted myself to something that was worthwhile.

My public service superpower is my ability to use collaboration effectively by bringing diverse ideas together to accomplish the mission in a strategic way. The work that we do matters and ensuring the safety of the public is the cornerstone of our mission.

My superpower is ensuring that my professional knowledge and skills are passed to my fellow teammates and colleagues across DOT. I am proud to excel in my job and perform at a high level because it is the representation of my career development during my journey in the United States.

In my mind, there is no greater profession than helping others. My public service superpower is being able to connect people to nature and our National Forests, not just today but for generations to come.

No matter what grade or position a public servant is in, they can lead from where they are by doing things like providing excellent customer service, proposing innovative strategies, and embracing diversity in order to make positive changes.

I have wanted to work at EPA since I was a little boy. I am proud to work for an agency with a mission to “protect human health and the environment” – how much more noble of a mission can you ask for?

I am proud to be a public servant because my current role is purposeful and necessary. Our work can be challenging, but the outcome is always to serve the American public.

I feel proud to be a public servant because my efforts, talent, and expertise are put towards the greater good. Through my work, I contribute to the US government fulfilling its mission of serving the American public.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the frontline of clinical care or the backend of research administration, what I do greatly impacts our Veterans. Whatever contribution I can make to improve their care, I’m honored because they are our Nation’s heroes.

I am proud to confront the issues of equity in our underserved communities. I believe we can all make a difference to improve the current ethnic and gender disparity in the federal government. It's when we achieve racial and gender equity will we have a diverse workforce to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Working as a public servant enables me to use my diplomacy skills to impact change in dealing with so many different people, priorities, and personalities.

I'm proud to be a public servant because I get to share the stories, histories, & cultures tied to some of the world’s greatest artistic achievements with the American people. I learn so much from my colleagues, and it’s my honor to amplify their scholarship & hard work through social media & communications.

Public service is truly a calling. As a blind person, I could not serve in the military, but I consider my federal career as my military service. I am gifted at bringing together diverse thought leaders and brokering visionary outcomes and deliverables.

I am proud to be a “Section 508 Evangelist,” advocating for accessible technology and digital content, while changing the culture at the Department of Labor. I motivate and inspire my coworkers to work towards providing services and resources that are much more accessible to people with disabilities.

My pride in public service stems from the ability to contribute to programs and projects that directly benefit Americans across the country and worldwide, especially targeting the underserved. As public servants, we are so fortunate our projects can improve the quality of life for millions of people.

What makes me proud as a public servant is getting the opportunity to improve environmental conditions for all Americans. In my job with DOE, I empower communities through knowledge & connecting them to the right experts to better understand wind energy development & what it means for the places they live.

As a first-generation Latina, it is an honor to be a public servant. Working at the U.S. Treasury and doing my part in creating an equitable world through strategic planning is the most fulfilling job I’ve had, and I look forward to a long career serving the American people.

I consider public service to be a calling. I get the opportunity to help save lives by speaking about safety at Travel Planner industry conferences throughout the year. I teach the travel industry about the importance & use of FMCSA’s safety resource tools when selecting passenger carrier services.

In my position as a Regulatory Health Scientist at the FDA, I focus on improving public health by finding solutions to complex problems & giving every task 100% effort. I stand behind the FDA mission of ensuring safety, efficacy, and security of drugs, food, and products.

Public service is an opportunity to give something back to the community and the nation for the things they've given to me. In my role at HUD, I always set aside my biases and include everyone in the conversation, especially people who have a different viewpoint than me.

My public service superpower is taking vast amounts of information and data to create products that are useful to the public, businesses, and policy makers.

I'm proud to be a public servant because I know what I do makes a difference in the lives of everyday Americans. Food was always important in my Italian American family & knowing that through my work at USDA, I can make sure families have access to food as I did, makes every day a rewarding work experience.

Working as a public servant enables me to use my skills to affect change and support national security efforts thereby benefitting all Americans. Maintaining the right mindset helps me tackle problems both large and small to further our national security interests.

I'm proud to be a steward for American tax dollars and humbled to be a protector of federal funds. As a USPTO contracting officer, it's an asset to be both adaptable and resilient. I quickly adjust when customers’ needs and requirements grow and change.

I am proud to be a public servant because in doing my job I can make a small difference, which in turn leads to change in the lives of Veterans. I make sure to show up and be present every day because I care deeply about Veterans.

My public service superpower is optimism! I try to keep my team engaged and excited no matter the challenge. Together, we help our employees and our taxpayers become more aware of digital tools which assist us all, and for that I am very proud.

I love my job because Challenge.gov is a portal for equitable public participation in problem solving and innovation within the federal government.

Being able to help taxpayers in need of assistance makes me very proud to be a public service member. It is uplifting, heartwarming, and touching knowing that at the end of each day I was able to aid people with their concerns.

My public service superpower is Mining the Archive. This superpower uses research tools to extract meaning from documents produced by and for an organization over many decades, locating useful insights that promote institutional learning, shape policy alternatives, and inspire historically-informed futures.