At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In March, we’ll focus on Women’s History Month while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today’s Q&A is with Tricia Kordon-Cortes, Program Manager, Data Analytics & Integration / Mission, Forensics, and Analysis.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I joined Amentum through their acquisitions of PAE and Metis.
What is your professional and personal background?
My professional and personal background aligns with my passion for challenging myself to improve and learn new things. I am self-taught, which allowed me to progress through diverse experiences. My path took a windy road from school to modeling in Paris and New York, starting a family, sales, executive assistant roles, CRM roles, facility and office management roles, and finally to a junior analyst role that quickly progressed to senior analyst and then Program Manager.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I manage a team of talented researchers and analysts furthering the mission of our valued client, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Additionally, I handle all aspects of client interaction with the COR and PM, ensuring the work of my team meets the client’s needs in an ever-changing global environment.
While much of what we do is sensitive, I am extremely confident my work and the work of my entire team is making a huge difference for Amentum, FinCEN, and the Treasury Dept in support of their many important missions. Our project has endured many acquisition cycles, including the most recent recompete when I sacrificed much of my December holiday period to ensure we submitted the best possible response to the government. By highlighting the work of the entire Amentum team, our proposal was accepted.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moment is seeing others succeed. I ran into a former junior analyst that I directly mentored, and he is now an Associate Director for the government.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
My project team is amazing, and it’s the reason I am so excited to come to work each day. The professionalism and attention to detail are critical to the success of what we do.
What are you passionate about?
My team, my partner, my kids, and our labradors!
What’s your career advice?
Do what you love with the people you love NOW!
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
If you see something, say something! The work we do is very sensitive, so we must remain vigilant, particularly in an ever-more “remote” work environment.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Golf. I started playing on weekends, and I love it!
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Life is short! Be true to yourself and remember that EVERYTHING is possible with hard work and determination!
Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself.
What author has influenced you the most?
My first favorite author was Shel Silverstein, who wrote my two favorite books: Where the Sidewalk Ends, and The Giving Tree. These books influenced me the most at a young age and carried with me throughout my journey.
The Giving Tree taught me about the dangers of being selfish. In all aspects of life (personal and professional), if we take and take and do not give in return, the relationship will suffer.
Where the Sidewalk Ends taught me to embrace my imagination and remember to enjoy life.
