COLUMBUS, Ohio –
The Defense Supply Center Columbus has announced the federal and military nominees for the Defense Federal Community’s 2019 Woman of the Year Award. Winners will be named during the Women’s Summit March 27 at the installation’s Armed Forces Reserve Building. The award ceremony will occur during the luncheon scheduled to begin at 11:30.
The annual award program runs in conjunction with Women’s History Month and is supported through the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office and the Federal Women’s Program.
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order:
Eukia Bryant is a Contract Specialist for DLA Land and Maritime’s Maritime Supplier Operations. Bryant was an integral member of a cross-functional team who successfully developed a cross discipline Standard Operating Procedure for the remanufacture of unserviceable consumable material. Bryant is committed to many civic volunteer efforts such as collecting donations through Feds Feed Families to help local food banks, and serving with Faith Mission, a homeless shelter which provides various services for those battling homelessness.
Nancy Castillo is a Human Resource Specialist with DLA Human Resources. Aside from her normal duties, Castillo is a tutor for the Whitehall Mentoring Program sponsored by the EEO Federal Women’s Program. She also served as a volunteer for the DLA Supplier Conference for several years. Nancy has previously volunteered at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Eagle Rock Church by providing trainings, seminars, workshops and event planning. Nancy has worked with the Teen Challenge Program for Women, assisting with serving meals, bible studies and as a chaperone. Nancy is a true community activist and volunteered her time for a myriad of programs and events. She doesn’t hesitate to provide her talents for any organizations when called upon. She consistently mentors to young women. She participates in the Women to Women Delta Sigma Theta Sorority taking it to the streets campaign, which gives back to the community.
Tiara Crowder is a Supervisory Sports Specialist at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Fitness Center. Crowder is a true innovator, dedicated team player, creative problem solver and an enthusiastic and supportive leader whose focus on providing excellent customer service is second to none. From increasing programs and services offered at the Fitness Center; to making an environmentally friendly suggestion that will change the way DLA does business; to serving on the Wellness and Culture Councils to ensure the best possible work environment for associates; to reaching out to assist in her local community, Crowder is a shining example of an individual who’s making an impact on others in both her home and work communities and doing so with much moxie, dedication, enthusiasm and humility.
Bobbi Kinker is a Supervisory Financial Specialist at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service – Columbus. Kinker is an outstanding role model as a volunteer for a variety of organizations and also as a leader within DFAS. She motivates her staff through both word and action, and provides efficient and effective solutions to problems. Kinker is a regular volunteer at countless churches and community events throughout the year. Kinker has created quilts for an AIDS outreach program and for premature babies. Currently, she makes quilts for a children’s school in India and for African children. Kinker is regarded to be a woman of great fairness, understanding and action by her fellow volunteers, colleagues, employer, church and community members. She’s equally committed to guiding and supporting her family as a devoted and loving wife, mother and daughter.
Marcia Mitchell is a Management and Program Analyst in DLA Land and Maritime’s People and Culture Directorate. Mitchell currently manages the Virtual Mentoring Program and the Internal Rotation Program. She’s excelled in her leadership roles. In addition to her daily job, Mitchell is actively engaged with the EEO Federal Women’s Program and works with FWP members to ensure the enhancement of employment and removal of employment barriers for women. Mitchell is an active volunteer in many programs and has served in community leadership roles for programs such as The Dress for Success Agency, where she donates clothing so women have clothes for interviews and work. She doesn’t limit her giving to those who are less fortunate; she gives to anyone who can use her help.
Marlene Packer is a Contracting Specialist on Maritime Supplier Operations Directorate’s Pre-Award 2nd Look Team. Packer collaborated and coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines and directorates to resolve vendor’s issues and provide recommendations. Packer has mentored and trained in excess of one hundred co-workers in the contracting and purchasing job series disciplines. Packer is actively engaged with several federal and Ohio vicinity community programs. Packer's love of giving back to the community was further exhibited when she volunteered to participate in DLA Land and Maritime Volunteer Day at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank in Grove City, Ohio, where she assisted with food donations to several local families in need. Packer takes a selfless and caring approach when it comes to helping others and usually goes above and beyond.
Air Force Master Sgt. Dessie Rodriguez is a Logistics Career Broadener for DLA Land and Maritime’s Land Supplier Operations Directorate.
Rodriguez has served in the United States Air Force on active duty for more than 14 years and truly exemplifies the image of military women. Her willingness to give back to the community while continuing to excel in her military profession and care for her family truly demonstrates the Air Force's ideal of excellence in all that we do. She also serves as a certified Victim Advocate for Sexual Assault and Response raising awareness for women and strengthening their resilience. Rodriguez devoted her personal time over the winter 2018 break serving holiday meals to more than 350 veterans within the greater Columbus area. Her selfless service and unrelenting passion for others brings credit to herself, the Air Force, and DLA.