Tabatha Thompson

I attribute my success to being willing to take leaps and step outside my comfort zone. When opportunities arose in my career, I jumped on them, even when they meant quick-paced learning experiences moving from retail to government contracting. I've been fortunate to have two managers who really supported me along the way and pushed me to be better than I was yesterday. They let me know that it was okay to go outside my comfort zone and really encouraged me to keep growing. I also believe in not being afraid to ask questions and learn along the way. It was something I kind of learned as I went, and it became something I fell in love with and have maintained throughout my 12-year career. My organizational skills and attention to detail helped me transition into quality control, and I've always focused on leaning heavily on my team and maintaining strong performance.

The best career advice I've received came from two managers who really supported me throughout my journey. They pushed me to go outside my comfort zone and consistently encouraged me to be better than I was yesterday. They let me know that it was okay to take risks and grow professionally, and that support made all the difference in helping me advance in my career.

My advice to young women entering this field is simple: don't be afraid to ask questions, and definitely don't be afraid to take the leap. I think any opportunity that you're given, you have to jump on it and not be afraid of the unknown. You also have to know when to adjust fire and when to adjust your focus, because time management is everything in this field. Take opportunities even when they feel challenging, and always be willing to learn and grow.

The biggest challenges in my field right now are knowing when to adjust fire and when to adjust your focus. Time management is everything when you're constantly putting out fires and switching gears based on mission needs. You have to be able to think outside the box to figure out how to fix issues, prevent them from happening again, and come to a happy medium that ensures we meet the standard while doing it safely and within regulations. As for opportunities, I'm currently exploring the business management path. I have a bachelor's in healthcare administration, which has nothing to do with my current role now, but it reflects the turn my career has taken. I'm exploring options to obtain my Master's in Business Administration with the hopes of becoming a business manager within the next five years.

In my work and personal life, I value staying active and taking care of myself. I'm a big beachgoer and I love the beach. I go on runs often, especially at the beginning of spring when I spend multiple days running along the beach and enjoying the view - it's a nice outlet for me. Beyond staying active, I'm committed to giving back and staying involved in my community. I sit on the booster club for my daughter's high school JROTC, which keeps me busy between family and work. I also value growth and pushing myself to be better. My CEO award highlighted my aspirations and community outreach, as well as my commitment to leaning heavily on my team. I believe in taking opportunities, not being afraid of the unknown, and always being willing to step outside my comfort zone.