Spotlight On
Women at TMB: In Honor of Women’s History Month
For Women’s History Month in March, we celebrate trailblazing women that have made significant contributions to the world to make it a better place from politics, literature, medicine, and more. This month is also important for supporting women’s causes, continuing the fight for women’s equality, and boosting morale for women in the workplace. In the late 1970’s, the National Women’s History Project lobbied for national recognition of Women’s History Week, after its success in California schools, to honor the achievements, contributions, and leadership of women. Former President Jimmy Carter, inspired by the National Women’s History Project, issued a presidential proclamation to declare one week in March Women’s History Week in 1980. The celebration of women’s achievements, innovation, and leadership became very popular amongst many states. As a result, Congress passed legislation in 1987 to declare March as Women’s History Month for the first time. In the years since, a presidential proclamation is made annually for Women’s History Month. We at TMB have a very special reason to be grateful for the hard work of women and their accomplishments. TMB was founded as a Women-Owned Small Business in the summer of 1997 by Pat Bennett and her husband, Bob. Without Pat Bennett and her hard work to start the company, TMB may cease to exist. We have many reasons to thank and celebrate women, with Pat Bennett only being one of many. In recognition of Women’s History Month, I interviewed two women at TMB in different phases of their careers for their outstanding achievements and overall contributions to TMB. The two women we honor today are Ja’Quetta Byrd and Kayla Beale.
Ja’Quetta Byrd, Security Manager and Assistant to the FSO
Years with TMB: 3.5 Years
Q: What brought you to TMB? How did you get to where you’re at today in the company?
A: Initially, I was downstairs at the 100 M Street office front desk doing security for 6 years, and I wanted to do something different than I was used to. I reached out to James Masterson and he passed my resume along to Walt Griffin. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, and the security field works out perfectly for my degree. I reached out to Dan Clague and Felecia Chinn to get into my current position.
Q: What do you like best about your position as Security Manager and Assistant to the FSO?
A: What I like best about my position is that it keeps me active because I still do work with the facilities. I have to go to the office and run errands for the company, especially while we have been teleworking.
Q: What is a fun fact about you that people may not know?
A: I am very creative, and I am an event planner on the side. I just did a post-funeral reception for someone, and I do birthdays, baby showers, weddings, anything that entails event planning.
Q: What woman inspires you the most? Who is the most influential woman you know, and how do they inspire you?
A: My grandmother, my mother, and my aunts are all women who inspire me the most. My grandma inspires me because her and my grandfather came from Charleston, South Carolina to Maryland with nothing and raised 9 children. She is the strongest and shortest woman I know, and the most loving and supportive woman. For my mom, she was a single parent, and watching her grind to support me inspired me. That is where I get my drive from.
Q: Do you have any words of encouragement for women going into this field?
A: My words of encouragement would be to stay focused and stick to what you believe in. Do not let peers or the work you’re doing stop you from progressing in what you are trying to do. Keep to your goals and dreams. Do not let insecurities stop you from growing.
Q: What is your go-to productivity trick? What habits have helped you get to where you are today?
A: Finding new strategies to keep on track with all my responsibilities always helps. Mainly staying organized through a planner and color coordinating things. Taking breaks when needed by praying, reading scripture, or listening to music keeps me calm or puts me in a calm space. Knowing when you are overwhelmed is important to reboot your brain. Taking a step back is needed sometimes so that I can keep pushing and
avoid burnout.
Kayla Beale, Junior Program Analyst for PMS 326
Years with TMB: 2 Years
Q: What brought you to TMB? How did you get to where you are at today?
A: My cousin recommended the job to me. I had an interest in working with the military, and it was a good opportunity for a starter position. I helped with travel originally, but I did such a good job that the Egypt team wanted me to work with them permanently.
Q: What are you most proud of that you have done at this company so far?
A: The relationships we have built with our customers and our allied foreign militaries and being a part of that has been really rewarding. Learning the ins and outs of working with foreign militaries and our own military has been a pleasure. Being able to learn a little about the engineering of ships and understand some engineering terminology through my work responsibilities is an accomplishment for sure.
Q: What is your favorite memory at TMB so far?
A: My favorite memory at TMB was having the opportunity as a junior level employee to travel to Egypt for PMS 326. Being trusted with that responsibility was significant. Seeing the pyramids was amazing and seeing the Mediterranean Sea as we drove around the area and when I woke up every morning was a bonus.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: I enjoy volunteer firefighting for Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company. I also enjoy doing sporty activities such as hiking, and I especially enjoy Raven’s Rock Trail. Playing sports like flag football, softball, and longboarding are some other sports I like. Exploring wineries in Loudoun County and hanging out with my dogs are how I spend my weekends.
Q: What woman inspires you? Who is the most influential woman you know, and how do they inspire you?
A: My grandma inspires me because she is a very accomplished woman who always encouraged us to pursue our dreams and was very supportive of the many sports and other activities my siblings and I were a part of. Additionally, my former JMU professor, Dr. Manal Jamal, spiked my interest in Middle East policy and international affairs. She helped me practice my Arabic and she also led the study abroad trip I did to Israel / Palestine.
Q: Do you have a woman mentor or female higherup that supported you in this field?
A: Nancy Beard has been my mentor in this field. She is my mentor in every sense of the word. She has helped me navigate being a new employee and introduced me to the world of Foreign Military Sales. Nancy always provides great advice on work related tasks as well as providing life advice. Her best advice to date is the importance of keeping a work-life balance.
Q: Why do we need more women in the field of Foreign Military Sales and Defense Contracting?
A: Having more women in the workplace brings about a different perspective. If you only have one type of person in an industry or from a certain background, you only get one perspective on how things can work, how things are run, etc. A more diverse workforce makes for better ideas and better companies. Diversity makes for a better work environment and space for learning.
Q: What advice or comments would you give to women looking to work in this field?
A: My advice would be to always be open to new opportunities that make you uncomfortable, because feeling uncomfortable makes you learn. Learning new things makes you a better person and employee. Lean into the discomfort. I try to remind myself of this every day. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and always be learning something new.
Q: What energizes you at work?
A: The coffee from Bluestone Lane Navy Yard Coffee Shop.
Q: What is the best work-related advice you have ever received?
A: The best advice I ever received was to be a lifelong learner and let go of the idea of perfection.
~ Katie Flowers
