Her Story
About Lisa
My career journey has been one guided by faith and chance rather than traditional education. I've spent 19 years as a logistics specialist in healthcare, starting unexpectedly in animal research before transitioning into this field, which I truly believe was God's blessing. For years, I worked at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, where I was responsible for supplying all medical supplies to numerous clinics throughout the hospital and outer-line clinics. Three years ago, I moved to an Army clinic setting, where I continue to ensure all necessary medical supplies are available. What I'm most proud of is the experience I've gained and the diverse people and cultures I've had the privilege to meet and work with, along with navigating the different challenges these settings present. As a high school graduate who grew up very poor and couldn't afford college, I've built my entire career on hands-on work experience and free training opportunities offered through my workplace. Now, five years from retirement, I'm still pushing forward, looking to take classes in project management and business management, and even considering getting my real estate license. The biggest challenges I face include funding issues in the government setting, especially with recent administration changes, and limited promotion opportunities due to not having a bachelor's degree, as preference often goes to veterans with degrees. Despite these obstacles, I've persevered through faith, hard work, and the belief that it's never too late to learn and grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success mainly to my morals and the way I was raised. I grew up in a God-fearing household where God comes first and prayer is central to everything. Through prayer and faith, I've been able to overcome struggles and challenges throughout my career and life. I truly believe that everything in my life has been guided by God, and I let Him lead me. All of my opportunities and blessings have come by the grace of God, and that's what has driven me most throughout my 19-year career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to just pray about it and let God guide you. He will guide you. And just don't give up. Don't listen to the naysayers. There's going to be a lot of people telling you that you're not good enough, or you can't do this, or you can't do that because of your status or your financial status. Don't give up. Don't ever let anything stop you from what you want to do. Try it. Go for it. If you don't succeed at that, then there's other options. Don't ever give up. Just keep trying, and keep going for what makes you happy, most of all. And go where you feel comfortable and safe at.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are funding issues. Being in a government setting, we've had a lot of shutdowns and, especially with this administration lately, there have been a lot of funding issues to get the things that we need. For the most part, I get what they need, but sometimes it's a little bit of a challenge. As far as opportunities, they are very challenging for me because I don't have a degree. Promotions usually go off of point preference for prior veterans who have bachelor's degrees and all that. The fact that I don't have a degree makes it very challenging for me promotion-wise. It usually has taken me a long time to move up the ladder, and it's still taking me a long time to get where I should be.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are spirituality, prayer, respect, and gratitude. I have been a single parent of two boys, and that was a struggle for me, raising two boys on my own. I think what I value most is integrity and humility. Humility is a big thing in my life.
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