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News | April 12, 2022

Employee Reflection: Mc Keisha Inniss

Property Disposal Specialist, Sagami General Depot, Japan

A woman poses.
Property Disposal Specialist Mc Keisha Inniss.
A woman poses.
220402-D-D0441-300
Property Disposal Specialist Mc Keisha Inniss.
Photo By: Courtesy photo
VIRIN: 220402-D-D0441-300
Describe your job.

I am the operations chief at DLA Disposition Services Sagami. I supervise Japanese local national employees and support the disposal mission across the Kanto region.

How long have you worked for the federal government, including military service?

20 years.

How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services?

15 years.

Any memorable times with DLA?

My deployment to Afghanistan as a civilian employee – it was challenging, but rewarding. I had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing Disposition Services employees from across the world that are still my friends to this day.

What part of the job gives you the most personal satisfaction? 

Being a supervisor to a self-motivated and hardworking team and supporting our customers with their challenging disposal needs.

Any good advice you’ve received?

When I just started working with Disposition Services, the area manager at the time, at Fort Bragg, advised me to apply for the intern program, now called the PACER program. It was one of the best decisions that I’ve made and has contributed to my success within the organization.

What training has helped in your current role?

The best training that has helped my performance has been from my military experience, especially on resilience and the ability to continue to work during periods of uncertainty.

What have your major projects been this past year?

Supporting the Navy at Yokosuka with disposal of property that has been accumulating for years on their installation and setting up an ongoing scrap contractor presence there.

What, if anything would you like to tell warfighters?

Don’t be discouraged by our processes for turn-in; we are always ready and available to assist through it.

Where do you see yourself five years from now? 

Being able to provide mentorship and taking on more challenging roles within DLA. 

Favorite DLA memory? 

My best memory is working with Japanese employees and experiencing their culture.

What was your first job?

My first job was a “runner” for traders. I worked for a stock exchange company at 4 World Trade Center in New York City and left to join the military two months before Sept 11th.

Who’s your biggest influence?

My mom. She taught me many life lessons and the true meaning of dedication and never giving up on yourself and your dreams.

Any good books to recommend?

My favorite book is “The Power of Now” by Echhard Tolle.

Quotes worth sharing?

I have two. “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” – Maya Angelou. There are so many more commonalities between people than differences. Understanding this, in my opinion is the foundation to having great relationships. Also, “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Buddha.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a graphic designer.

Any heroes? 

My mom.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? 

Travel to a place that I’ve always wanted to visit to experience the culture there.

What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done?

ATVing in the sand dunes of Qatar.