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News | March 19, 2019

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Kari Riskedahl

By DLA Public Affairs

Editor’s note: The Defense Logistics Agency recognizes March as Women’s History Month. In honor of women’s contributions to the agency’s global mission, DLA is highlighting female employees who work day in and day out to provide logistics support to America’s warfighters.

My name is:
Kari Riskedahl

I am:
DLA Logistics Information’s business relationship manager to DLA Land & Maritime and chief of the Information Technology Operations Center Division

Describe your job in a sentence:
I look for IT problems and work to correct the problems or explain why something has to work the way it does.

How long have you worked at DLA?
Thirteen years, but it doesn’t feel like even half that.

What is your favorite thing about working for DLA?
DLA has been and continues to be a wonderful employer. The opportunities to learn, get involved, stretch your knowledge and extra-stretching your comfort zones for professional development are endless.

What are your best memories of working here?
I’ve been in several situations that required I develop new knowledge or skill sets quickly. The situations were all very challenging and I struggled to find the best course of action. Those “crucible moments” ended up being the best professional development experiences. Now when I’m faced with a very difficult challenge or something that seems uphill in all directions, I pause and remind myself that these experiences build me.

How do you make a difference?
I own problems. I work them from assorted angles and engage various subject matter experts to resolve them.

How do you resolve conflict in the workplace and at home?
I have core leadership principles and values that keep me focused. I try not to get caught up in the extras and keep focused on the principle.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
While this is a month to celebrate contributions of women in the past, I am mindful of this every day. I read the news and observe women in an array of responsibilities, and I marvel at what they do. I witness contributions by the women in DLA, my community and my circle of friends as they challenge the status quo knowing how far we still must go.