Amanda Jaffe, Department of Defense on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Defense technology

Amanda Jaffe

Department of Defense, Department of Defense

Sunrise, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Associate's degree Degree Supply chain training Cert Certified program management certificate

Her Story

About Amanda

Amanda Jaffe brings 6 years of experience to her role in the electronic warfare division, where she supports Department of Defense governmental accounts through material handling, procurement, and component engineering. She coordinates between sales orders and government requirements to meet deadlines, manages vendor relations for bare boards and components, and leads teams to maintain a 90 percent effective rate. Her career path includes prior work with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, serving as HR coordinator for eight preschools, handling books for a brewing company, and progressing from procurement to program management in her current industry. She holds an associate's degree, a certified program management certificate, and supply chain training, though much of her expertise comes from on-the-job learning and mentors. Jaffe attributes her success to a willingness to get her hands dirty by assisting with accounting, payroll, and other tasks as needed, while emphasizing honesty, dedication, integrity, teamwork, and paying it forward. She advises admitting mistakes, keeping a game face, respecting others, and always being willing to help.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Amanda

01What do you attribute your success to?

I have no problems getting my hands dirty. I mean, besides what I do, I help out with accounting, I help out with payroll, I'll help the cleaning ladies if I have to. There's no judgment, no hiding information. I put my pants on one leg at a time, just like everybody else.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Always admit when you make a mistake.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Always keep your game face on. Always pay it forward. Don't ever lose your gut instinct. Always respect others, regardless of what malice is out there in the world. Always be willing to help. There's never a job... if you need something done, I'm gonna do it.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The most difficult is the communication. You look at different departments as customers. You always treat a customer with a certain amount of respect, and you make sure that you have that information wrapped up with a perfect bow to hand deliver to the next person to get that mission done.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Honesty, dedication, integrity. Being part of a team and a family is what makes you motivate yourself. It's like paying it forward.

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