At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. For February, we’ll reflect on what Black History Month means to all of us while shining a light on one employee at a time. Amentum’s first spotlight is on Taliyah Lefeged-Darkins, Human Resources Generalist, Critical Missions
How did you come to join Amentum?
I joined Amentum in 2019 through a staffing agency – Aerotek.
What is your professional and personal background?
I received my Bachelor of Business Administration from Morgan State University in 2019. Six months after graduating, I joined Amentum’s Shared Services team in Germantown, Maryland as a temporary hire and became a full-time/permanent employee shortly after.
In 2021, I moved into a new role in garnishments and provided support to Amentum’s PAF HRMS team. In 2022, I joined the Critical Missions – Human Resources department and completed my Master’s in Human Resources Management from the University of Arizona Global Campus, thanks to Amentum’s Tuition Assistance Program.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
As a Human Resources Generalist, I provide support to our employees in areas of onboarding, policies/procedures, timekeeping, etc.
I believe that my role has allowed me to connect with members of Amentum to support/resolve their inquiries and improve their experience with Amentum to promote growth for our company.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
My accomplishments include providing support for our start-up efforts for new contract awards.
My proudest career moment is becoming an HR Generalist. This was my goal during undergrad. And completing my Master’s degree.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
I enjoy the energy and team environment that has been encouraged and the growth and development that I have experienced with the teams that I have been a part of. I also enjoy that development has been encouraged and can be tracked through our performance management/annual merit process.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about providing support to others and making any aspect of employees’ work experience better. Growing up, I loved going to bring your child to work day with my mom. She was a receptionist and I saw her as the first point of contact and the face of her organization. During the holidays, clients at her job would always send desserts or cards to our home, and I could see how important my mom was to her clients and how she helped to make their income tax filing process easier. I personally carry this with me and I am passionate about ensuring anyone I come into contact with (personally or professionally) has a positive experience, can be heard, and have a point of contact.
What’s your career advice?
My motto is to do what makes you happy! My career advice is to find your passion or purpose and keep it at the forefront of what you do no matter what role you are in (personally or professionally).
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
My favorite safety tip is “Click it or Ticket” in reference to wearing seatbelts. Aside from the ticket, seatbelts are in our vehicles for our safety and I think this phrase is a good reminder to wear our seatbelts and to make sure our passengers are strapped in as well.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
The best invention in the world is the front-facing camera on smartphones! Why? Selfies of course.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
In my professional experience, I have had the pleasure of having great mentors and managers who have provided me with opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I look forward to mentoring others in my career path in the future.
Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself.
What author has influenced you the most?
The author that has influenced me the most is Reginald Price. He was the leader of campus ministries at my university and his commitment to servicing the community and taking us along as students grew my passion for supporting others and giving back.
Favorite film?
My favorite film is Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.
Favorite musician?
My Favorite musician and entertainer is Beyonce Knowles-Carter
