For Shekita Robinson, knowing that her actions or words have positively impacted the lives of those she's mentored is her greatest accomplishment.
National Nuclear Security Administration
March 2, 2023
minute read time
What is your cultural background? Where did you grow up?
I am African-American and I was raised in a small, sparsely populated community of about 500 people on the coast of North Carolina.
How do you support NNSA?
As the Kansas City Field Office (KCFO) Deputy Manager, second in command for the office, I lead the KCFO in various functional areas including: review of new or modified contract work for the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) Management & Operating Contractor, maintenance of a strong contractor assurance system, continuous improvement initiatives, ISO certification, and site enterprise risk management. I am also responsible for broad direction and leadership of two assistant managers, who lead engineering, science, and administrative staff in conducting oversight of the KCNSC prime contract work scope.
How did you become interested in the field you are in? How did you end up on this career path?
My passion for math and science, as well as teachers and mentors, guided my decisions to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T), Greensboro, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU), and I also earned a master of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I was introduced to the Nuclear Security Enterprise and its significant contributions to maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent by attending a career workshop held by Sandia National Laboratories at NC A&T, over 25 years ago.
What’s one of your favorite things about working at NNSA?
Collaborating with a talented workforce in delivering effective technical or business solutions to our nation.
What are the characteristics of the best teams you have been part of?
Diverse, collaborative, active engagement, “out of the box” solution-oriented, readiness and adaptable to change, and above normal risk tolerance.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Receiving feedback that my actions or words have positively impacted the lives of those I’ve mentored.
What advice would you give members of the Black community who want to do what you do for NNSA?
Become the “go-to” person for “getting the job done” on projects/programs under your purview, occasionally serving as the expert, but more importantly, trusting and tapping into innovative solutions offered by your highly-talented and skilled peers.
How will you celebrate Black History Month?
I will continue our family’s legacy of watching Black history documentaries, discussing advancements and ways we can positively influence our community.
What leader or cultural figure would you like to recognize this month?
Dr. Marian Croak, a technology trendsetter and engineer, who worked on advancing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), was recently inducted in the National Inventors Hall of Fame and possesses over 200 patents.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy running, and as a local “SmartPacer,” I delight in helping others achieve their running goals.