DLA - Defense Logistics Agency
08/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/19/2024 03:21
Women’s Equality Day Spotlight: Elizabeth Carroll
BATTLE CREEK, Mich -
Can you tell us about yourself? I am a single mom to a beautiful daughter who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and a granny to the most beautiful grandson. I am also a fur mom to a crazy Frenchie named Mater and a gentle giant, Calypso the Cane Corso. Those who know me know me as the loud, positive, always laughing kind of woman that would do anything to help someone out.
Elizabeth Carroll, pictured here with her daughter on her wedding day, is the environmental branch supervisor for DLA Disposition Services' DSD West. She has been with DLA Disposition Services for eight years.
Wedding
Describe your job in a sentence or two. I supervise seven employees in ensuring that all hazardous waste removals are completed according to regulations for military units in our area of responsibility. I also am the culture champion for the West region and assist the culture representatives at all the sites to ensure that our culture is constantly improving and that all employees know where they fit in the DLA mission.
Elizabeth Carroll, pictured here with her daughter on her wedding day, is the environmental branch supervisor for DLA Disposition Services' DSD West. She has been with DLA Disposition Services for eight years.
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How long have you worked for the federal government including military service? I have worked for the federal government for a total of 24 years - 10 years as a contractor for DLA and as a civilian employee for 14 years.
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services? I have worked for DLA Disposition Services for almost eight years.
What is your favorite thing about your line of work? I truly enjoy working with all the different military units in assisting them with their hazardous waste removals.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Always be yourself and go to work each day as if you were on a job interview.
What do you think about when you hear Women's Equality Day? When I hear Women's Equality Day, I think back to all the women who worked so hard to ensure that women are treated equally in all aspects of life.
Why is it important to you that we celebrate Women's Equality Day? For me, Women's Equality Day is important because I wouldn't be where I am today and in the position that I am in if we weren't recognized as equals.
What challenges do women face today and how can understanding history help us overcome them? I think that one of the biggest challenges that women face today is gender inequality. There are still some deep-rooted beliefs that women are not as smart or educated as men. In some cases, this leads to exclusion and can lead to domestic and sexual violence and sexual harassment. I think that we need to take a moment to look back at all of the women that fought for women's equality like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and women who have changed history like Marie Curie who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her discovery of radium and plutonium and research for cancer treatment and cures. All these women were incredibly brave, smart and changed history. We can learn from everything that they have accomplished. One thing that I think we forget is that each and every one of us is so unique, man or woman, and we have so much to bring to the table.
Who's your biggest influence? My biggest influence has always been my grandmother, Rose.
Name your favorite/recent book(s) you have read. Green Lights, Matthew McConaughey and All Good People Here, Ashley Flowers.
Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate? One thing that people might not know about me is that I grew up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).
What was your first job? Food service and cashier at Target.
What is your best memory of working here? The one memory that sticks out the most to me while working for DLA is when I was able to assist and train the Fort Irwin National Training Center hazardous waste branch with coming to DLA to dispose of their waste. They had not utilized DLA in over 12 years, and I was able to make the transition very easy and we continue to assist in their hazardous waste disposal to this day.
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an American Sign Language teacher or interpreter for children.
Who is your hero? My hero is my brother.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Travel with my daughter to Ireland to explore the Carroll castles.
What are your hobbies? Jeeping, farmer's markets and True Crime.
What is your favorite quote? "Embrace the struggle and let it make you stronger. It won't last forever."