Veterans Day Spotlight, Nilsa Taylor, Management and Budget

How do you support NNSA? 
I support NNSA as a Human Resources consultant to managers, staff, and peers on matters related to staffing and recruitment services. 

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

I’m a first-generation government employee who became a civil servant by way of veteran’s preference. Being a veteran instilled the satisfaction of being a part of something that is bigger than me. It also enabled the path to civil service for me in an entry level position in Human Resources as a Processing Clerk. Early in my career, I realized that I thrive in organizations that reward teamwork and mission accomplishment, something the military instilled in me. I knew right away that no matter what agency I worked for, I wanted to work in human resources because I do my best in customer service-oriented roles. My civil service work helps me to maintain my skills, something very important to me. 

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

Neither of my parents went to school past high school so it was not something I knew I wanted to do. It was in the military where my squad leader relentlessly encouraged me to sign up for my GI Bill and I promised then that I would use it once I separated. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management. It wasn’t until after I became a civilian employee that I pursued a master’s degree taking evening classes after working days at the Department of Army.  

What led you to a career in nuclear security? 

In my role as a Human Resources Specialist, I’ve been lucky enough to learn enough about nuclear security to wear a badge of pride for facilitating hundreds of candidates beginning their careers in this field. 

What is the best part about your job? 

Meeting and working alongside (and for) the selfless and dedicated civil servants are certainly the best parts of my job. 

What is your proudest accomplishment while supporting NNSA? 

I honestly do not have any one moment. I encounter a great sense of pride almost daily while supporting NNSA. There is not one week that has gone by in the last three years where I didn’t receive a message, email, or phone call from someone, thanking me for the assistance I provided. I have never been a part of such a generous and appreciative group of individuals in my 20+ years of federal service. I honestly mean that. 

Tell us something interesting about yourself. 

Ooh – I have a lot of fun facts about me and always so happy to talk about any of them.  Most people who know me would expect me to say I am a dog mom to two adorable dogs, or that I am super proud of being a mom of five (not all by birth) – but that is no fun, because it’s a known fact by now 😊. I will share that my personal goal these days is to learn how to decorate cakes. Not just icing the cake either, but to masterfully create and decorate a fabulous 3-tier cake!  

What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in public service? 

My personal note to anyone interested in a career in public service, it will be one of the most satisfying jobs you will ever have! 

Who is someone that inspires you and why? 

Anyone who helps anyone without judgment or an expectation of something in return is always someone who inspires me to keep doing what I do. It is what inspires me most because it is so rare, that when I see it happening, it reinforces that there is still good out there. 

How do you plan to commemorate Veterans Day? 

I plan to do my seven year-strong tradition of taking a vacation. This year, I will be taking a vacation to indulge in the West Coast life.