Veterans Day Spotlight, Melanie Ramirez, Management & Budget

How do you support NNSA?

I support NNSA as the Director for Human Resources Policy, Accountability, and Security Programs, leading a team of specialists that carry out some of the most foundational aspects of the human resources arena. Our responsibility is to make suitability determinations for employment with NNSA as well as ensure that credentials and badges are being processed, and that all human resources programs and policies affecting our employees are in line with laws and federal precedent.  

What is your personal background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?

I have a diverse background! I was born to immigrant parents, learned English as my second language, grew up as a military child, and then served in the US Air Force for 10 years myself. I consider myself lucky to have grown up surrounded by many people from different cultures and backgrounds. That experience has given me a strong sense of public service and helped me shape not only my approach to my career but my approach to life. It also gave me motivation and passion to lead, whether that was in my early career or now in my role as a senior HR leader.   

What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?

I’m a perpetual learner. Early in my military career, my goal was to become a lawyer. I was a paralegal for part of my time in the Air Force and found passion in fighting for what was right, which led to my degree in paralegal studies. As I grew in my career and became busy being a mom as well, I found passion in people. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in management and human resources and my first master’s degree focused on public affairs with concentration on government and business relations. After some time in federal civilian career, I found that I really enjoyed working with people and went on to receive my second master’s degree in business administration. I still am interested in getting my doctorate in organizational leadership or a field close to that, but for the meantime I am focused on how I can apply my knowledge, expertise, and empathy in leading people.

What led you to a career in nuclear security?

I believe that what is meant for you will find you. Me joining NNSA came at a time where I knew I needed to transition to a place where I could best use my skills and experience to help further a program and its people. Every day I am grateful for the opportunity that I was given to join NNSA, supporting the people that move mountains to carry forward the mission of nuclear security. 

What is the best part about your job?

The people. As corny as that sounds, I really do enjoy the people. In everyone’s unique way, they are contributing to something bigger than themselves and daily I get the privilege to witness and be a part of that.

What is your proudest accomplishment while supporting NNSA?

There are so many things I am proud of over the course of the last 4 years I’ve been with NNSA, but one of the biggest things was a team project that took an innovative thinker, former HR Director and current Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security Lewis Monroe, to spearhead. Through Mr. Monroe’s initial vision, the first-ever NNSA HR automation platform, OneHR Connection, was able to become a reality. Early on in his vision, I was fortunate enough to take an active lead role to start the framework and buildout of the platform. I know from experience that we cannot be better if we don’t think bigger and push ourselves to be better. Being a part of the early package and watching the implementation of this platform has been a dream realized for NNSA. Although still in its infancy stages, this will help make NNSA OHR more agile and the employees of NNSA will reap the benefits of this for years to come.

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

My husband and I were both active-duty Air Force. We met as we in-processed in Turkey, where we stayed for more than a year. We ended up getting married while in Turkey, where we had to say, ‘I do’ in Turkish, which is ‘evet’. We are now getting ready to celebrate our 23^rd wedding anniversary. 

What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in public service? 

My advice for anyone interested in public service is to really challenge the status quo. To best serve the needs, interests, and well-being of the public is to be open to new and innovative ideas, thoughts, and views. 

Who is someone that inspires you and why?

I’ve had many people in my professional and personal life that have inspired me, and for different reasons; therefore, I do not have one specific person. I find that everyone I try to surround myself with encompasses different aspects that inspire me. My mom inspired me to become a person that isn’t limited by hurdles that we encounter. Now, my husband inspires me. He too is a federal employee in a senior leadership role. He inspires me because I see how his leadership style motivates and brings people together to be a strong cohesive team. I get to see how people he has led more than 25 years ago are still reaching out to him as a mentor and friend. That inspires me because he can move something in most everyone he encounters, and he enjoys seeing them rise and grow to become the best versions of themselves.

How do you plan to commemorate Veterans Day?

My husband and I spend time reflecting on our military service, because for us, it truly marks an important moment in our lives having met each other while stationed in Turkey many moons ago. Veterans Day is only one day for most folks, but I really reflect on my experience all the time. Being at NNSA, I come across many colleagues that are veterans themselves, and it reminds me of just how small the world is. I appreciate every single person that has served, whether it was one enlistment, or if they retired from the military.