An official website of the United States government         Here's how you know         
**Official websites use .mil**
A **.mil** website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
**Secure .mil websites use HTTPS**
 A **lock (lock )** or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Skip to main content (Press Enter).

Defense Logistics AgencyThe Nation's Combat Logistics Support Agency

Search
Search

Search

-  Home		 
-  What DLA Offers    -  Excess Property Disposal             
  -  Document Services             
  -  Products             
  -  Services             
  -  Programs 
-  Working With DLA    -  Applications             
  -  Small Business             
  -  Federal and International Cataloging             
  -  Defense Data Standards             
  -  Events             
  -  Procurement Policies             
  -  Government Programs             
  -  Forms 
-  Organizations    -  DLA Headquarters             
  -  DLA Aviation             
  -  DLA Disposition Services             
  -  DLA Distribution             
  -  DLA Energy             
  -  DLA Land and Maritime             
  -  DLA Troop Support             
  -  DLA CENTCOM & SOCOM             
  -  DLA Europe & Africa             
  -  DLA Indo-Pacific 
-  Customer Support    -  Self Help Tools             
  -  How to Order             
  -  Find Your Order             
  -  Customer Facing Offices             
  -  Training             
  -  Brochures             
  -  Warfighter Support             
  -  Customer Service Management 
-  Careers		 
-  About DLA    -  Contact Us             
  -  Locations             
  -  Leaders             
  -  News             
  -  History             
  -  Media Gallery             
  -  DLA Campaigns 

HomeAbout DLANewsNews Article View

PHOTO INFORMATION

** Download

** Details

** Share

# Employee Spotlight: Maria Friend

By Cathy Hopkins DLA Aviation Public Affairs

                Richmond, VA  –              
**Name:**  Ms. Maria Friend

**Organization:** Assigned to DLA Aviation, Career Development Branch DOB / OJT assignment with FAJE

**Years or Months of Service:** 1 year and 3 months

**What is your job title, and what do you do, specifically?  **DLA Aviation Pathways Student Intern (Contracting).  I support my section by performing pre-award functions inclusive of acquisition planning, soliciting, evaluation, negotiation, and the awarding of contracts compliant with Federal Government Regulations and Policies.

**Why did you want to become a DLA Pathways Student Intern?** My personal decision to change careers from private to public sector employment was a desire to increase my commitment to public service.  Over the last three years, I became interested in procurement and acquisitions within the Federal Government.  Due to the competitive nature of the selection process, I decided to advance my education by enrolling in a second Master’s degree program to gain a competitive advantage when the job became available.  As such, I was selected as contracting intern in May 2015.

**What degree are you working towards? **My second Master’s Degree will be a MBA concentration Human Resource Management, completion December 2016.

**What aspect(s) of being an Intern give you the most satisfaction? Why?** One of the most satisfying experiences of being an intern, is the awareness that I have the power to contribute to our Warfighters.  As an intern, you are a “Sponge” from the comprehensive classroom training, to coaching and development activities provided by everyone from Contract Specialists, Material Planners, Product Specialist, CASs, Contract Officers, and my own Team Members all to help me become the best Contract Specialist I can be in order to support DLA’s Mission.

**What is your biggest pet peeve?**  My biggest pet peeve is tardiness.

**What are some of your passions outside of work?** Some of my passions are mentoring High School ladies as they transition to various institutions of higher education or career choices.  I am actively involved in public service projects of cancer research and awareness related to Breast, Colon, and Lung cancer.  I value my family and long-standing childhood and college friendships that span over thirty-five years.  My dearest passion is my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, INC. and the best team in the National Football League (Dallas Cowboys).

**What is your proudest accomplishment? ** Recognized by Stayer University 122nd Commencement ceremony, October 2014 as a Distinguished Honor Graduate Student based upon achieving a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a 4.0 GPA.   Presently on the path to complete the Second Master’s with a 4.0 in December 2016.

**What type of music do you most enjoy?**  I love all types of music

**Who is the most influential person in your life ... past or present?**  My mother is the most influential person in my life.  She is one of the kindest person ever to walked this earth.  

**                    SHARE                

**                    PRINT                

Maria FriendEmployee Spotlight