Lisa Cauldwell

My career path has been one of resilience and transformation. I started in public safety, working as a paramedic for both the Norfolk Police Department and the Norfolk Fire Department. After experiencing sexual harassment in that environment, I won my case, which became a turning point in my life. I went back to graduate school, and the Air Force picked me up. That led me into the world of contracting, where I've been for the past 12 years. As a contract administrator, I've had the privilege of handling the largest contract in the history of the Navy for ship repairs. It's a male-dominated field, and every day presents huge challenges to get all teams from the government and the company working together to meet the mission of getting the ship back out to sea. Having served in the Navy for 4 years, I'm very mission-driven and pro-military. Even as a civilian, being able to support the men and women in uniform means everything to me. I'm so proud to be able to do my part. Coming out of adversity and figuring things out, then being picked up and working for the government with a mission has been my most notable professional achievement. Contracting was never my career plan - it was always going to be public safety - but I've found purpose in this work.