A PROFILE OF FEDERAL SERVICE then ‘getting ahead’ will take care of itself,” she advised.”
On lessons learned she said “the most important is you should always be prepared.” Just as important as being pre- pared, she added, is trust and integrity. “You can’t buy either, but they are both easily lost. So you must always do the right things, and make sure your actions match your words.”
She has also found that written and oral communication skills are critical for success. “The more you do it, the better you get,” she advises. But she cautions against a risk-averse environment where employees won’t take chances because they’re afraid to make a mistake. “Everyone makes mistakes, the important thing is to acknowledge when you’ve made a mistake and immediately take action to correct it. I have yet to see a mistake that could not be corrected. In the middle of the storm, it may not seem that way, but trust me, everything is fixable.”
In her role as coach/teacher/mentor, Ferrell said she shares the following lessons she has gleaned from the exceptional civilian and military leaders she has worked with. » Commit yourself to life-long learning in your functional area.
» Learn about yourself—what you do well and the areas where you have opportunities to develop and improve. Because no matter how good you are, there’s always some room for improvement or growth, personally and professionally.
» Make the best of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to take on the hard jobs, because nothing earns you respect and provides more valuable experience than taking on difficult challenges and giving them your best shot.
Monique has been married to Major General Robert Ferrell for 29 years. Her husband currently serves as commanding general, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. The couple first met when they were both students at Hampton University, a histori- cally black college located in Hampton, VA., where Monique majored in accounting. They have two adult children, Robert II, a graphic designer at Goucher College in Maryland, and Michael, a sergeant in the U.S. Army, assigned to the White House Communications Agency. Michael represents the third generation of his family to serve in the Signal Corps, which develops, tests, provides, and manages communications and information systems support for the command and control of combined arms forces.
“I am a living example that military spouses can have successful careers alongside their active duty service member, “Ferrell said.
“ I’m not saying it’s easy. As a military spouse I have faced unique challenges including frequent moves to accompany my husband in his assignments. And as we both progressed, we’ve faced sacrifices and separations so that we could both take advantage of opportunities and meet our career goals. My hus-
band inspires me, encourages me, and even picks me up when needed. He and our two amazing sons have been the mecha- nism that creates the necessary balance in my life,” she said.
Ferrell also said she has had the privilege of seeing the op- portunities that exist in the STEM field through association with Aberdeen Proving Ground, where her husband is senior commander.
“I believe the key to increasing female participation in STEM education is outreach. Corporate America as well as STEM- related activities in the federal government should partner with elementary, middle and high schools to expose students to STEM. Women engineers, scientists and technology profes- sionals should visit schools so that young, eager students can see successful women in these fields.”
The same is true for the finance field, Ferrell added.
“Whether a young woman is interested in working as a finan- cial executive in corporate America, or she desires to dedicate herself to public service like I have, there are plenty of oppor- tunities out there. And I’m proud to say that the landscape looks very different than it did almost 30 years ago when I entered federal service. There are more women in these fields than ever, and they’re making it to the top! So I advise young women to follow their passion into whatever area of STEM or other professional field most excites them. Take advantage of every opportunity—whether it’s an internship, part-time employment or a full-time position- to gain experience.”
Less than a year ago, Ferrell’s mother retired from a company where she worked for 42 years. “My Dad, at 71 years, is still serving the Government of the Virgin Islands. Both of my parents taught me the value of hard work and never settling for less than my best. And by watching them and how they progressed in their careers, I learned that the only real limits that exist are the ones I put on myself.”
When it comes to her approach to living life fully, Ferrell said she must give credit to her deceased sister.
“Renee’ was only 24 years old when she passed away twenty- seven years ago. But her 24 years on earth were truly lived. Renee was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia when she was only 17 and she fought a courageous battle. She never asked ‘why me’ and was always positive, even in her most sickly and grueling days from chemotherapy.
“From Renee’ I learned that:
» Tomorrow isn’t promised so live each day fully and with no regrets.
» You don’t know how strong you really are until you have to be.
» Love unconditionally. Give everything you have without expecting something in return, and laugh until your stomach hurts!”
www.womenofcolor.net
WOMENOFCOLOR | FALL 2013
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