DLA - Defense Logistics Agency
08/14/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2024 03:03
Women’s Equality Day Spotlight: Ryan Harris
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -
Can you tell us about yourself? I am a Marine vet, just like both of my parents. I am originally from Cleveland, and I think of myself as a bit of a daredevil - I will try anything once. I've recently discovered skydiving, and I am hooked. I have a 13-year-old diva, I am engaged to be married and, we have two cats and a dog. In a nutshell, I run a zoo.
Jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft is not something most people would do, but that is exactly what Ryan Harris, DLA Disposition Services area manager at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, did. She said she was in North Carolina and saw a sign advertising skydiving. The Marine veteran stopped and gave it a try.
Jump
Describe your job in a sentence or two. As an area manager of a small site and field office I have to be extremely flexible. It is my job to be well versed in day-to-day operations as well as the regulations that are in place.
Jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft is not something most people would do, but that is exactly what Ryan Harris, DLA Disposition Services area manager at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, did. She said she was in North Carolina and saw a sign advertising skydiving. The Marine veteran stopped and gave it a try.
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How long have you worked for the federal government including military service? I have been in federal service for 14 years; time has really flown on that one.
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services? I have been with DLA for nine years now.
.What is your favorite thing about your line of work? The people that we meet make it interesting. Some of our routine generators become a friendly familiar face, you get to know some of them, they talk about their backgrounds, culture, families, and you feel good about the relationships you build.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? "One, two, three, jump!" Most people are capable of more than they think. Sometimes you have to get out of your own head, stop trying to plan every step and just go for it.
What do you think about when you hear Women's Equality Day? When I hear Women's Equality Day it reminds me of the additional work that had to be done so we could be seen as more than just wives and mothers. Even in today's world we still sometimes must double our effect to be seen as equal. Being a woman, we are expected to balance the world, but that is our strength.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Women's Equality Day? It's important to me because it shows how far society has come. It reminds us of sacrifices, views, and continues to remind of what not to do. History cannot be deleted, but if we forget it, we will repeat the same mistakes.
Ryan Harris and her daughter Amani. Harris has been with DLA for nine years
Daughter
Name your favorite/recent book(s) you have read. My favorite book is still "The Firm" by John Grisham. Love a good mystery. A good book still sends me into a world not of my own.
Ryan Harris and her daughter Amani. Harris has been with DLA for nine years
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What was your first job? Haven't thought about Orlando Baking in a long time. I worked in a bakery, making fresh Italian bread 10-12 hours a day. Never got hungry at work. Bread fills you up when you grab a fresh one out the 500-degree oven, but worth every bite.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Originally, I wanted to work with children who had special needs, but the Marine Corps got me first.
What are your hobbies? I love Extreme Hip Hop Step, I am considering getting certified as a instructor.
What is your favorite quote? "You are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel."