RICHMOND, Va. –
Alicia Jackson, a supervisory procurement analyst with Defense Logistics Agency Aviation’s Procurement Process Support Directorate’s Training Division, recently graduated from the 2023 Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program. The graduation took place at the National Center for Employee Development in Norman, Oklahoma, May 26.
DCELP is a Defense Department initiative offering a dynamic learning environment for entry-level and emerging federal leaders.
The program was broken up into four, one-week sessions held at the NCED between March and May. During this time, participants were immersed in a variety of experiential activities that promote self-awareness, enhance oral and written communication skills, share proven team building strategies and strengthen overall leadership capabilities.
“My goal for attending was to gain a more in-depth understanding of how to communicate with my team and senior leadership,” said Jackson.
Jackson was nominated to participate in the program by Sherry Mitchell, a supervisory procurement analyst and Jackson’s first line supervisor within the Procurement Process Support Directorate’s Training Division. Jackson was then selected at the DLA headquarters level to represent the agency enterprise-wide at the DCELP.
“The overall experience attending the course was phenomenal. I was able to use the competencies learned to apply to real world scenarios. I was deliberate in utilizing the opportunity to build lasting relationships that will increase my leadership skills and ability,” said Jackson.
While going through the program, Jackson was awarded the Dr. Fiona J. Burdick Special Act Award. The award was created by DCELP and is a peer-nominated award for outstanding service, leadership and teamwork. It honors outstanding graduates of the program for above-and-beyond contributions to their peers.
Jackson also served as a featured speaker during the graduation ceremony.
“I am extremely proud of Alicia and not at all surprised by [the] success she receives. She represented herself and the organization in a stellar fashion. To see her continue to excel and hone her skills is remarkable and gratifying. I look forward to witnessing her continual upward trajectory,” said Mitchell.
As Jackson reflects on her DCELP experience, she said the program gave her the tools necessary to thrive in today’s government work environment.
“I feel empowered to be able to lead my team as well as share the information with others. The experience has allowed me the opportunity to reflect on the exercises and networking opportunities, to continue to foster an environment of learning and developmental progress,” she said.