# Women's History Month Spotlight: Jenny Norvey

/ Published March 25, 2024

**Throughout March, in honor of Women’s History Month, DLA will celebrate women who have made an impact through their sacrifices, public service, and inspirational work. This year’s theme, “Women Who Have Made Great Achievements,” acknowledges women who have shaped U.S. history and made contributions to pave the way forward. By regularly highlighting DLA employees through Special Emphasis Program observances, we gain valuable insight and perspective from individuals who represent the full diversity of our agency's workforce.**

*The following Women's History Month Q&A features Jenny Norvey, who serves the agency as chief of the DLA Disposition Services Workforce Development Program.*

**What strategies have you found most effective in navigating challenges and achieving success in your leadership role?**

I have utilized two different strategies within my roles in leadership. First, building a large, strong network of diverse professionals, both within the agency and outside of DLA Disposition Services. This network offers mentoring, supports resilience, may aid in building consensus, and lends to resolution, accomplishments, and overcoming challenges. Second, I believe in owning my own leadership style. It may not, nor should it be, the same as everyone else, but I’m at my best when I capitalize on how I serve and lead rather than modeling after someone else’s leadership style.  

**How do you prioritize and balance different responsibilities to ensure both personal and professional growth?**

It is truly easy for those lines to become blurred. While admittedly, they do meld at times, focusing on them as separate, yet parallel, efforts helps me to prioritize.  **What advice do you have for aspiring women looking to advance in their careers?**

Don’t be intimidated to ask for opportunities, especially those outside of your comfort zones. Those opportunities may not always be a promotion, but a chance to lead a team or project, to participate in a new initiative, to take on an additional assignment. I would also recommend finding those leaders that you admire and asking for some of their time to guide and advise you. Building relationships with great leaders, mentors, and coaches does NOT need to wait for a formal program. Step on it to make it happen on your own. 

**How do you stay motivated and inspired as a leader?**

I am truly excited about seeing someone I have invested time and energy in achieving their goals. I am so incredibly fortunate to have the DLA Disposition Services Pathways to Career Excellence (PaCE) program fall within my responsibilities. This program allows me to see growth in new sets of employees every year. I am so excited when employees reach back and thank me for the role I played in their careers, it sincerely feeds the fire within me to continue giving more! **Have you ever felt imposter syndrome, and if so, how did you navigate your way through it?**

Yes. During my early years as a supervisor, I sensed myself being pulled into believing great leaders were aggressive and commanding. As I moved into this new role and expectation, I struggled at first. It took me some time and a healthy dose of self-awareness to understand that that is not me. I’m at my best and give my best when I perform in a servant-based leadership style. I also recognize strong cultures use a diversity of leadership styles to add strength to a team.  

**Who was/is your role model and/or leadership mentor?**

First, Ms. Sherry Low, retired DLA Disposition Services leader. Ms. Low hired me into my first supervisory position, Army Customer Support Branch chief. The true legacy that she left was not just her successes with processes, data, or customers, it was the people she developed, invested in, and held to high standards. Second, Mr. Joe Arnold. I value the way in which Mr. Arnold develops relationships through a flattened hierarchy. He offers respect, regardless of position or grade, and values learning and growth, maintaining working relationships that benefit and support all involved.  

**What makes you a strong woman? What fulfills you?**

My roles outside of the workplace fulfill me the most and that give me strength. Growing two amazing children, supporting and loving my spouse, transitioning to a role as an adult child with an aging parent, and finding ways to give back to my community.  

**What advice do you have for women that want to do more?**

Find your passion and follow it.  Doing more is relative to what is meaningful to you.  

**What advice do you have for women looking to grow within the government?**

Seize opportunities when they are offered, don’t simply check the box.