DLA Distribution Korea translates, briefs DLA Strategic Plan in Korean

To enhance communication and promote inclusivity amongst the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, Korea workforce, the agency's strategic plan was translated and briefed in Korean for the first time during a town hall held at Camp Carroll, South Korea, Nov. 28.

"Providing the strategic plan in Hangul demonstrates commitment to the professional development of our Korean National employees," said Army Lt. Col. Celina Pargo, commander, DLA Distribution, Korea. "The aim is to enhance clarity and improve comprehension of the content."

The translation effort was a collective endeavor by the support administration team, led by Kim Yong Ki, a compliance team lead who volunteered to spearhead the initiative.

"It is crucial that every team member feels empowered and well-equipped to contribute to DLA's mission," he said. "This initiative reflects our appreciation for the unique perspectives and skills of our Korean workforce, and it will further strengthen our support for the mission in Korea and to the warfighter."

The strategic plan and the director's town hall were both translated into Korean, recognizing that the majority of DLA Distribution, Korea's workforce is comprised of Korean Nationals.

"By offering Korean National employees the opportunity to engage with DLA's strategic guidance in their native language, DLA demonstrates its dedication to fostering a more inclusive, transparent and effective work environment," Pargo explained.

Yi Min Chong, a records and data management specialist who has worked at DLA Distribution, Korea for nearly two decades, reflected on the significance of this event.

"This is the first time the DLA director's strategic plan and its full contents have been communicated in our native language," Yi said. "It was a great experience, especially since the team made it a team-building opportunity with food and drinks."

O Hyon Yong, a team lead, expressed the value of the event. She noted how the event afforded the employees the opportunity to openly discuss how they interpret the strategic plan.

"I wholeheartedly agree that, as leaders, we must hold ourselves accountable with a positive leadership approach. The event clarified why we must embrace change in this transformative era," O said. "It also prompted us to reflect on the role DLA Distribution, Korea plays and how it aligns with the broader DLA Headquarters mission."

As part of DLA's broader transformation efforts, Pargo and her team are also developing a Junior Leader Development Program, which is set to kick off in January 2025.

"The program will offer effective training in Hangul, making it particularly meaningful as local leaders have volunteered to share their knowledge and expertise with junior leaders," Pargo said.

Pargo also intends to use this opportunity to share the DLA strategic plan, DLA Distribution annual guidance, employee benefit programs and leadership training to invest in the future leaders of the organization.

"When employees clearly understand their organization's vision and direction, they are more likely to develop a stronger sense of ownership and pride in their work," she said. "This initiative fosters a culture of transparency, trust and mutual respect, empowering employees to reach their full potential."

Pargo stated that providing critical information and guidance to employees highlights DLA Distribution, Korea's growing commitment to ensuring that all staff members are aligned, motivated and equipped to contribute to the agency's mission.

"As DLA Distribution, Korea continues to strengthen its workforce, this translation and briefing effort ensures that no employee, regardless of background, is left behind in understanding DLA's broader mission and goals," she said. "In a diverse, globalized world, language serves as a powerful tool for uniting individuals around shared objectives, fostering understanding and collaboration."