Women’s History Month Spotlight: ShaKiesha Donley, Partnership and Acquisition Services

How do you support NNSA?

As a Contracting Officer within the Office of Partnership and Acquisition Services, I provide critical support by procuring mission-essential products and services that directly impact many programs and projects across the nuclear security enterprise. Acquisition professionals are integral members of our organization, because Contracting Officers are the only authorized employees that are legally empowered to financially obligate and enter into contracts on behalf of the NNSA. I consider my role to be solution-oriented, as I exercise personal initiative to discover innovative contracting methods and implement viable business strategies that are necessary to meet the agency’s needs.

I recently learned that a prominent figure in pop culture, comedienne Wanda Sykes, was once a Contracting Officer for the National Security Agency. Having Ms. Sykes as a federal contracting alumni is relatable to me because it adds a “cool” factor to our career field and reminds us to bring an element of cheerfulness and levity to our work environment. 

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

I am a first generation Bahamian American. I was born in Miami, Florida and my family is from Nassau, Bahamas. Culturally, the women in my family have been foundational in emphasizing and demonstrating the importance of education and employment in pursuit of the American dream. For me, they epitomized fortitude, perseverance, and resilience in skillfully managing their households, while also contributing to the successes of their employers. I bring these attributes, among many others, to the table.

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

For my undergraduate degree, I majored in business administration and for my graduate program, I obtained a master’s degree in acquisition management. I have also earned certifications in Professional Contract Management and Digital Information Technology Acquisitions. My aptitude for business has always been apparent in my personal life, even at an early age. 

One of my most formative childhood memories was participating in the Girl Scouts of America and being immersed in the concepts of business acumen, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. My natural affinity for business serves me well in my current profession since I am relied upon as a business advisor with the goal of acquiring mission-critical requirements at the best value to the U.S. Government. I am also responsible for the entire business cycle, including using relevant market research to inform strategy and employing incentives to manage contractor performance.

What is your proudest accomplishment while working at NNSA?

Serving as Acting Manager for the Specialty Acquisition Branch was one of my most challenging, rewarding, and proudest accomplishments at NNSA. This opportunity allowed me to push myself and face one of my foremost professional fears — managing others. As a working mother, I am proud of how I balanced my managerial workload with motherhood and was successful in both aspects of my life. I was able to keep the momentum of the branch moving forward, gain better insight into the various procurement instruments within the branch’s portfolio, and experience the organization from a unique vantage point. 

I have an enriched understanding of the important work each team member contributes and a greater respect for the leadership team and what it takes to accomplish the mission. Because of this experience, I now know that I have what it takes to hold a management position and am confident in my abilities as an effective leader. I commend the senior executive leaders within our organization for creating this and similar opportunities that promote diversity, inclusivity, and professional development. 

 Tell us something interesting about yourself.

The most interesting thing about me is that I am a mother to three amazing and beautiful human beings — my daughters. My husband and I are very active in our daughters’ lives and strive towards giving them a childhood of which we could only dream. We’re raising our daughters to be kind, strong, fearless, and self-confident. We thoroughly enjoy witnessing them thrive and flourish through each milestone of their lives.

Do you have any highlights from your time supporting NNSA?

I am currently a member of the acquisition team for the Nevada National Security Site Clean Energy Project, which is part of the DOE’s Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative. The goal of the project is to grant qualified developers with a realty agreement for solar generation and energy storage on land within the site. The significance of this initiative is that it is the first of its kind and aligns with the nation’s climate goals of generating carbon pollution-free electricity. I feel fortunate to be a part of this pioneering effort because the results of this initiative will essentially reduce the effects of climate change, thereby improving the planet for future generations to come. I believe this project truly exemplifies the important work that we do at NNSA.

How do you plan to celebrate/commemorate Women’s History Month?

I plan to commemorate Women’s History Month by continuing the work of the women in my family, instilling in my daughters the importance of pursuing their dreams, and celebrating their accomplishments. Honoring our history helps us learn who we are and helps us create our own moments in history by empowering us to dream and build a better future. As many prolific figures in history have taught us, to see progress, we must embody the changes we want to see reflected in the world.