People of NRL: Juanita Washington

Say hello to U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Student Programs Coordinator, Juanita Washington!

Title:?U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Student Programs Coordinator, Personnel Operations Branch (Code 1810), Human Resources Office (Code 1800)

Education: Human Resource Management student at University of Maryland Global Campus

What was your career path prior to your current position: Human Resources / Administrative work.

What inspired you to pursue your particular field: I became interested in Human Resources when I started in the federal government in 2010. My main inspiration comes from wanting to understand the laws and practices behind a business. What peaked my interest was when I accepted a position at Navy Gateway Inns and Suites in Dahlgren, and I could not understand why the employees were not being promoted, provided raises, and simply just stagnate in their positions. Then an opening with the Human Resources Satellite office on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) became available, and I applied. I was promoted to a Human Resources Assistant with Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Nonappropriated Fund (NAF) office in 2012.?

How does your work impact the Navy’s mission: My work completely embodies the mission of the Navy. As a Human Resources Specialist we maintain our workforce, we focus on our people. We motivate, empower, train, and promote the advancement of our workforce.

What’s the most promising new development you’re working on in your field: Streamlining the recruitment and processing of student intern hires. Promoting more management involvement to align leadership with the coordination of student intern appointments.

How I came to be a U.S. Naval Research Laboratory employee: I was working as a Human Resources Assistant with CNIC and over time the training and promoting of employees had slowed. We also lost a lot of workers. I started to reevaluate my future. I also decided to make a change in my career path. That’s when NRL had a secretary position open, so I applied. That was in 2016. A couple of months later I received a call from a manager in Power & Advanced Materials Branch (Code 6880). I interviewed and was offered the position that day. This is where my life with NRL began. Even though I enjoyed working under Code 6880, my goal was to continue my career as a Human Resources Specialist. Once an opening became available, I applied and here I am.

What I like best about working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory: I thoroughly enjoy working at NRL. I especially love working with the Human Resources Office (Code 1800). I have a forward-thinking and supportive work family, who are focused on professionalism. NRL as a whole, is culturally diverse, and the organization fits and supports my career goals. The versatility, flexibility, and supportiveness from management is also a plus.?

Pivotal Career Moments/Experiences: Moving back into the HR field here at U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and gaining the responsibility of managing a program. Having a manager/supervisor that provides career development so I can be successful at what I do. Being surrounded by colleagues that empower me to flourish, promote productivity, and possess a wealth of knowledge and experience.?