FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The timing is historically significant as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Chile all celebrate the anniversary of their independence in mid-September.
During a Defense Logistics Agency Energy Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Oct. 4, the Acquisition Workforce Development Team and Supplier Operations will recognize the contributions of DLA Energy employees. Learn more about Daisy Williams, DLA Energy Fuel Card Programs Contracting Officer.
What is your position title and role?
I work for DLA Energy Direct Delivery Fuels. I am a Contracting Officer for the Aviation Into-Plane Reimbursement (AIR) & Ships’ Bunkers Easy Acquisition (SEA) Card® Program; Fleet & Logistics Fuel (LOGFUEL) Cards; and SWIPE SEA Card service contracts supporting fuel requirements for the warfighter across each military branch and federal civilian agencies.
What made you get your start in contracting?
I found a contracting career would give me the opportunity to work with new technologies and unique projects, supporting government programs with global impacts on defense, security, and international developments. The federal government is a worldwide customer; therefore, I knew the opportunities were limitless.
What do you think about when you hear Hispanic Heritage Month?
It is a time to celebrate the very vast and diverse Hispanic culture from the Diaspora, and the accomplishments of so many Hispanics in the United States. The are many celebrations been held in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area during the month, like “Fiesta DC” on Constitution Avenue; and “Bomba in the Square with Semilla Cultural” in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, among others.
Years of Service:
Civilian: 18 years. I started in 2005 as an accounting clerk at Marine Corp Base Quantico, Virginia, and joined DLA Energy in 2007.
What is your ethnicity?
I am from U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; I was born on the west side of the island, in a town called Mayaguez. I moved to the United States in the mid 90’s due to a military change of duty station. I visit Puerto Rico as often as I can, as I still have family and close friends living in the island.
What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Never lose sight of your end goal.
What is the best piece of advice you can give someone?
Recognize the strengths that make you unique and shape your leadership style with perspectives and skills that only you can bring. Be always committed to do the best you can, and never stop learning.
What personal accomplishments are you most proud of?
To be able to complete both of my college degrees against all odds. I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in May 1995 from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. I went on to earn my master’s degree in contracts and procurement management, also with honors, from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in May 2006.
Do you have a personal motto or a favorite quote?
The best investment you can make is in yourself.
How has your family’s Hispanic ancestry/origins influenced your life?
I grew up with the example of a hard-working family, where integrity, honesty, and being responsible were our core values. My grandparents also taught me to respect and feel proud our culture and traditions, and to be kind to others. After moving to United States, I was able to put in practice those values and culture that were instilled on me and shaped me to be the woman and professional I am today. I have taught the same values to my kids.