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News | March 13, 2023

Women's History Month Spotlight: Margaret Ross

By Kylie Young, DLA Distribution EEO Assistant

In honor of Women’s History Month, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution spotlights Margaret Ross, the director of Acquisition Operations for DLA Distribution Headquarters in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.

Ross has worked at DLA Distribution Acquisition since 2003.Throughout her tenure here, she has had various positions.

“I have sat in many different seats at DLA Distribution Acquisition,” she said. “I worked a variety of procurement actions as both a buyer and contracting officer and held a position with our policy team as a procurement analyst. Those positions all provided varying perspectives and experiences that led to my growth as an acquisition professional.”

An important accomplishment throughout Ross’s life is that she has a daughter who she is proud of.

“I have a daughter and more than anything I want to serve as a good example to her throughout school as she entered the workforce. I am proud of the young lady that she has become, full of confidence and striving to be successful as a professional. While I may not take full credit, I would like to believe I had some small part in her development into the adult she is today.”

A little-known fact about Ross is that she was originally a history major in college.

“When I first entered college, I declared as a history major. I believe there are many things that history can teach us and can be applied to current and future problems. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all.””

Ross believes that recognizing Women’s History Month is important because it acknowledges the achievements that women have made throughout history.

“Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements of women in all disciplines throughout history and highlights the successes of our predecessors,” she said. “I believe that it is important for us to all have role models. This month helps to inspire future generations to pave their own ways to success on the foundation built by those women that proceeded them.”

One thing unique about women’s history that Ross finds unique is how influential female historical figures were.

“I believe there is much women’s history for us to all uncover. I am an avid reader of historical fiction, and I am overwhelmed at times in learning about women historical figures and their impact in history; women behind the curtain, if you will, that influenced those in power and those that fought for our rights.”

It is important to Ross that the DLA workforce recognizes Women’s History Month because it is important to recognize the female DLA Distribution leaders that trailblazed the way for other women to come into positions of power.

“We have so many women that shaped DLA Distribution into the organization it is today. As you look along the Hall of Fame at the HQ building, you see a glimpse of those women that served at the helm of DLA Distribution to ensure that we met our mission requirements. There are many women today that have taken up the mantle to ensure warfighter support.”