Richmond, Va. –
Employee spotlight regularly features outstanding non-supervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs.
Name: Joi Downing
Organization: DLA Aviation Richmond
Years of service: 2 years
What is your job title and what do you do specifically? As a post award contract specialist, I’m responsible for resolving contract issues after a contract is awarded. That entails but not limited to - payment issues, contract errors which result in modifications, communication with all specialists on other teams (resolution, packing, product, etc).
What do you like most about your job? I love that I work on something different daily. Every day is not the same “robotic” work assignment. I come in not knowing what my day will consist of and I am always challenged in some way throughout my workday or weekly. I love that I am able to lean on my team for challenges that I face that I do not understand and/or need help with and that does include my branch chief, Konni Small, who is the most helpful person that I have encountered working here.
What is your fondest memory of working for DLA? Our teams Thanksgiving picnic! I met so many people in person who I only had email/phone communication with. It just felt good being able to come together and fellowship while also meeting “new” administrators and learning their backgrounds.
What aspect of your job gives you the most personal satisfaction? When I can help and assist someone else and guide them to the correct solution - it’s a rewarding feeling. One because it shows how far I came from just starting off in this role and not knowing anything to now being able to help others. That also builds my relationships with others for when I need help and I can go to them. This role is a “team effort” role. We all need each other to help support the warfighter and to do our job efficiently and in excellence.
What are some of your passions outside of work? I started a nonprofit called “NO CHILD LEFT ALONE” in memory of my niece and nephew who passed away in 2013 at very young ages. I run it with my mother, who has been with DLA for more than 30 years . I also have a closet organizing and styling business that I am also passionate about.
What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done? Went skydiving. Whew! That’s the most exhilarating, craziest, fearless thing I have ever done and probably will ever do, considering I am afraid of heights! Maybe ziplining will be next!
What is your proudest accomplishment and why? Moving to Brooklyn, New York on my own. I had never taken a big risk like that in my life and it was the best decision I had ever made. I didn’t have a plan just faith and it all worked out!