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News | March 9, 2020

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Vivian d’Alelio

By DLA Public Affairs 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: Vivian d’Alelio

I am: A management assistant in DLA Installation Management’s Multimedia Division

Describe your job in a sentence: I make sure the office runs smoothly, assist customers with questions and help with small graphics jobs.

How long have you worked at DLA? 11 years

What is your favorite thing about working for DLA? My graphics teammates. We have so much fun while making sure the mission gets done. I also really enjoy all of the lasting relationships I’ve made with my DLA teammates, whether here at the Headquarters or another site.

What are your best memories of working here? I was 22, working in my very first professional job and at my first DLA Family Day – I couldn’t believe all the fun activities we were able to do during work. Also, running the Frosty Bear 5K with my friend Laura who was my “backup engine” when my arms got tired of pushing the wheelchair. Finally, I was asked to speak at an Installation Management town hall on behalf of DLA’s Equal Opportunity Office special emphasis program people with disabilities subcommittee, and share my DLA journey as a person with a disability.

How do you make a difference? Throughout my DLA career in the administrative field, I’ve been in a few different offices. Although it’s been challenging at times, my favorite part is being able to bring a smile to people’s faces and make their work environment and jobs easier by helping out wherever I can. I’ll never forget when I was moving from one office to another, a co-worker said she was really sorry to see me go because I brought the sunshine to their group. I make a point to say “hi” or “good morning” to everyone who walks by, no matter if they’re on the janitorial staff or in Senior Executive Service positions. My family taught me that no human is beneath or above another; that we are all equal. I hope to move up in my career, whether here in multimedia or within the cybersecurity field, but I never want to lose sight of this valuable lesson. 

What does Women’s History Month mean to you? When I reflect on Women’s History Month, I think of all we have overcome, whether it’s the women’s suffrage movement or the right to work with equal pay. Then I ponder how lucky I am as woman who lives in the United States to have the freedoms that not all women have across the globe.