NNSA Defense Programs Spotlight (Black History Month Edition): Jahleel Hudson

What is your cultural background? Where did you grow up?

Both of my parents are Jamaicans who immigrated to the U.S. in the early 1980s, and are now U.S. citizens. I am the first American-born person in my family. I was born in Brooklyn, New York, where I spent my childhood years. My family moved to Alexandria, Virginia, when I was 13 and I’ve lived in Northern Virginia ever since.

Describe your role in NNSA.

Currently, I am the Executive Director and Technology Transfer Program Manager for the Office of Strategic Partnership Programs. In this role, we support a host of mission-enabling activities for NNSA and the greater Department of Energy. We do this by developing and maintaining partnerships with industry, government, and academia. For technology transfer (TT), I conduct oversight of TT activities at the labs and provide support via advocacy and programs to increase and promote these activities. However, during my tenure at NNSA I have had roles supporting ICBM and cruise missile programs, Annual Assessment of the nuclear stockpile, and liaison with the joint Department of Defense and NNSA Nuclear Weapons Council.

How did you become interested in the field you are in? How did you end up on this career path?

I studied Mechanical Engineering at Howard University. The Future Leaders Program was holding a recruitment event that piqued my interest. Though I spent many years in the weapons program, my initial desire to join was to facilitate cutting edge technology from nuclear weapons to the marketplace and advance society. Lucky me, I’m doing that now!

What’s one of your favorite things about working at NNSA?

When I was younger, someone told me that the joy of work is 20% of what you do and 80% of who you do it with. That has held true for my experience here at NNSA. I have had the opportunity to work with wonderful people, many of whom are friends that I communicate with outside of work. I have also had great mentors who have taken an interest in me to help guide my career. I repay that with being involved in the internship and recruitment activities in my office.

What are the characteristics of the best teams you have been part of?

In my experience at NNSA, the best teams that I have been a part of all communicated very well, trusted each other, and gave great effort to achieve the goal. Each characteristic lends itself to the others. I’ve been blessed to be a part of many great teams, which makes working here enjoyable.

What advice would you give members of the Black community who want to do what you do for NNSA?

Be confident in your abilities. There aren’t many of us in NNSA, and there will be rooms where you are the only Black person (or sometimes person of any color). Do not let imposter syndrome get the best of you. You were chosen to be here for a reason. 

How will you celebrate Black History Month?

Black history is more than a month to me. We celebrate Black history every day in my household. I teach my young daughter of the many contributions of Black Americans to society in all areas ranging from social justice to technology contributions. My fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, hosts various community service events, and I always look forward to participating.

What leader or cultural figure would you like to recognize this month?

Colin Kaepernick. Much of the media coverage was about him taking a knee in protest and the subsequent ”will he or won’t he” discussion about playing in the NFL again. In the time he has been steadfast in promoting social justice through the Know Your Rights Camp, where he advanced the liberation and well-being of Black and brown communities and elevates the next generation of change leaders.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy being with my family in the time away from the office. I have a young daughter and a loving wife who make me strive to be the best man I can be. My hobbies include sports, fitness, traveling, and cooking.