# Women's History Month Spotlight: Shontavia Ortega

/ Published March 14, 2021
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 

# Shontavia Ortega

## Property Disposal SpecialistDLA Disposition Service Riley

                Shontavia Ortega                            Shontavia Ortega is a Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services property disposal specialist who specializes in assisting customers in disposal efforts at the tactical and unit level.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: DLA Courtesy PhotoVIRIN: 210226-D-D0441-102**Can you tell us about yourself?**I’m assigned to the DLA Pathway to Career Excellence Program as a property disposal specialist with environmental duties and will be heading to Fort Riley, Kansas, for phase two of the program. I joined the program from the DLA Disposition Services, Colorado Springs, Colorado, field site, where I was a material examiner for the past 18 months. I served in the U.S. Army as a  logistics supply specialist for over six years and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and  Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. While serving, I was deployed to Afghanistan. I attended Hawaii Pacific University where I earned an associate’s degree in general studies and a bachelor’s  degree in business administration with a major in management. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring and learning new things, spending time with family and accomplishing personal goals.

**Describe your job in a sentence or two:**I’m a property disposal specialist who specializes in assisting customers in disposal efforts at the tactical and unit level.

**How long have you worked for the federal government including military service?**10 years

**How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services?**Two years and nine months

**What is your favorite thing about your line of work?**I get to continue my service to my country by helping the warfighter accomplish the mission and goals.

**What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?**Don’t sweat the small stuff, and do not take things personally, especially if it will help you grow and develop.

**What do you think about when you hear “Women’s History Month?”**I think about the countless efforts where women have tried to be heard. I hear about barriers being broken and the vital role that many women have played and continue to play in American history.

**Who are some women you admire?**Michelle Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (who was considered an icon for women’s rights), and Vice President Kamala Harris (first female vice president and highest ranking female official in U.S. history)

**Why is it important to you that we celebrate Women’s History Month?**It is important to continue to recognize and celebrate the achievement that women have contributed to American history, to society and culture. It also gives young girls and women hope in knowing that they have the power to do good and make a difference in the world.

**What challenges remain for women today?****How can understanding history help us overcome them?**I see gender equality, not enough women being in higher positions. Women not being able to have a voice and do what they really want to do. Not having to worry about the typical stereotype that society has placed on us, and that we must act and carry ourselves in a certain way. Understanding women’s history and how challenges that were overcome can inspire more woman to be leaders and activists allowing women to continue to break barriers and raise the bar a little higher.

**What was your first job?** My first job was working for Child and Youth Services and Lodging at Joint Base Lewis McChord.

**What is your favorite quote?** What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.

**What did you want to be when you grew up?** I wanted to be a doctor.