RICHMOND, Va. –
Employee spotlights regularly feature outstanding nonsupervisory personnel from throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation and other DLA employees on Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia. Organizational directors may submit the names of employees they wish to feature in this column to DLA Aviation Public Affairs.
Name: Shameka Edwards
Organizational directorate/division: DLA Aviation Supplier Operations Original Equipment Manufacturer Directorate, Aviation Fixed Wing and Components Division
Years of Service: One year, 10 months
What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically? I am an acquisition specialist. As a buyer at DLA, I perform contracting actions such as soliciting, evaluating, negotiating and awarding contracts for supplies to support the warfighter.
Why did you decide to work for DLA? Before coming to DLA, I worked for the Social Security Administration for eight years. Several SSA coworkers moved to DLA, and after hearing about the agency, I decided to follow their lead. I am glad I made the move.
What do you like most about your job and why? The FMC team is what I like most about my job. My team is very supportive. The buyers and the product specialists work together to support one another to ensure we provide needed material to the warfighter in a timely manner. The leadership team encourages us toward greatness by applauding our successes and are constantly providing ways to help each of the team members reach success.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction (and why)? I gain the most personal satisfaction in my current position by helping my team reach their goals.
What are your best practices for achieving goals or accomplishing tasks? Workload management, setting reminders to follow up on tasks, and using all the tools provided by the agency for buyers, such as the QA Tool and Purchase Requisition Dashboard.
What are some of your passions outside of work? Outside of work, I fish as often as possible, and I like to build things when time permits.
What’s the most thrilling or adventurous thing you have ever done? Whitewater rafting on the Royal Gorge in Colorado.
Who is the most influential person in your life, either past or present? My father is the most influential person in my life. He’s my fishing buddy and has been an unmovable rock in life. I would not be the person I am today if not for his wise guidance and love.
Have you had a mentor that helped you grow in your career? Who were they and how did they help? Toni Schmiegelow, a former coworker at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is my mentor. She has always helped me stay on the path to growth in my personal and professional life.