post originally published on this site
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
I took a class in nuclear security that was taught at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). This class inspired me to pursue a career in nuclear security and I started off my career as an intern at NTI.
What is the best part about your job?
My role involves managing the development and advancement of bilateral relationships, which includes identifying ways to develop new partnerships. The best part about my job is being able to think outside of the box to come up with creative approaches and strategies to conduct outreach with new partners in hard-to-reach countries.
What is your proudest accomplishment while working at NNSA?
Supporting the drafting and development of an agreement (Terms of Reference) that allows our office to work with international partners on counter-nuclear-smuggling issues. Since its inception, I have facilitated and managed the signing of 22 agreements.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
Dance has been a key part of my life. Growing up, I took classes in Indian classical dances and was on a dance team through college. In 2010, I traveled to India to volunteer at a non-profit to teach English and dance to children with special needs.
Do you have any highlights from your time supporting NNSA?
I supported and managed our office’s 20-year anniversary that required extensive coordination that lasted over a year and had multiple stakeholders. This included coordination with the Administrator’s office, other NNSA offices, and the interagency. The event included participation from Congress, interagency offices, NNSA sister offices, the press, NGOs, think-tanks, and academia.
Why do you think diversity and inclusion is important to your profession?
They are important to any profession. In this field, we deal with complex policy issues and, in many cases, our jobs involve dealing with international partners. Having a working environment filled with individuals from different backgrounds and experiences leads to an increase in innovative and creative ideas and it creates an environment for looking at policy issues from diverse perspectives. It is also important to foster an environment of inclusivity to encourage those from different backgrounds to make their way up in this field in leadership positions.