Our employee spotlight shines a light on one employee at a time. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome diverse thinking. It takes a village — through collaboration, living safely and driving innovation we realize our goals and help our clients achieve mission success. Our mantra is people first, mission always. In March, we’ll focus on Women History Month (WHM). Today’s Q&A is with Leilah Johnson, Capture Manager, Mission Readiness.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I joined Amentum my first year after transitioning out of the Army. I was looking for a career where I could continue to use my lessons learned as an Army officer while still building a life outside of the military.
What is your professional and personal background?
Prior to Amentum, I served for eight years as an Army logistics officer.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
As a capture manager, I help to develop strategies for bringing new work to the company. This entails working with talented teams of professionals who do everything from research, proposal writing, pricing and various other specialties, ultimately creating solutions that meet customer needs and also help the company grow.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
My proudest moment came from completing my first vehicle convoy OCONUS. I was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving in Honduras, and this was my first mission outside of the United States.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
I most enjoy being able to still have a mission-focused career that impacts people around the globe, while at the same time enjoying the stability that comes with my home being tied to a location of my choosing.
How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at Amentum?
As an Army officer, my soldiers and I were often on the receiving end of many of the kinds of contracted work that Amentum provided. For example, when I was in Honduras, our motorpool was staffed by what was then DynCorp International personnel. Having had the end user experience gives me insight and perspective to better understand customer needs and solutions.
What are you passionate about?
I enjoy coaching and teaching other people. Whether it is reviewing resumes or helping my younger cousins with school work, I like being able to help the people around me reach their goals.
What’s your career advice?
You can learn a lot from independent research, but there are unique benefits to having the advice of a mentor who has been where you aspire to go.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Always have an emergency kit in your personal vehicle. You never know when you might need a flashlight, tire pump, or other small necessities.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
The iPod/digital music; my cassette player was not going to make it in the long run.
What does this year’s IWD theme, #BreakTheBias mean to you?
To me, the biggest part of breaking biases is fostering the growth and expansion of our human connections. Talk to someone new, learn their story, and challenge some of your existing beliefs.
