ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- An Army Contracting Command-Rock Island leader was recently honored for her service as an equal opportunity role model.
Kristan Mendoza, ACC-RI civilian deputy director, was presented with a National LATINA Style Distinguished Service Award at the11th annual National LATINA Symposium Sept. 10 in Washington, D.C.
According to LATINA Style, Inc., the award recognizes individuals who promote the development, advancement and retention of women and minorities in under-represented vocations, as well as supporting the elimination of barriers that hinder equal opportunity.
Mendoza said she is fortunate to be part of an organization and community that respects and encourages diversity and attributes the honor to the culture within the community that supports equality.
"While I appreciate that the award recognizes my individual efforts to achieve certain goals, I feel that ACC-RI and the other Rock Island Arsenal tenants should share in it as well," said Mendoza. "Without the collective efforts of all, I would not have been in a position to have been nominated."
Mendoza has actively pursued diversity through outreach methods designed to broaden the pool of candidates reached through recruitment announcements. As a result, ACC-RI has experienced improved Equal Employment Opportunity statistics, and the infusion of a culturally diverse intern population whose presence has added vitality and perspective to the workforce, according to ACC-RI's business operations office.
Mendoza has emphasized the importance of providing employment for persons with disabilities. She developed and is presently promoting a plan to expand ACC-RI's employment of AbilityOne contractors supporting a long-term Army Contract Closeout Center of Excellence located at Rock Island Arsenal.
Additionally, she is an advocate for Wounded Warriors, not only within the center, but the community at large. She meets with community leaders to help ensure those who served in the Armed Forces are provided meaningful opportunities and advancement.
Mendoza is also member of two local outreach committees located on Arsenal Island: the Barrier Analysis Working Group and the Hispanic Advisory Committee.
Tommy Marks, Senior Services Manager, Office of the Deputy Assistance Secretary of the Army (Procurement) and Melanie Johnson, ACC-RI executive director, joined Mendoza at the awards ceremony.
"They are two very important people to me, and they graciously accepted the invitation to attend and accept the award with me," said Mendoza. "Of course Ms. Johnson is my current leader, and Mr. Marks has been a mentor and a role model for me during my career. This award means that I have been able to, in turn, pass on to others, some of those principles they have taught or shown me."
Johnson said she nominated Mendoza for this award because of her ability to make sound decisions in personnel matters that take into account the true spirit of the laws and regulations that govern hiring.
"She is a champion for compassionate treatment of individuals, displays the courage to challenge conventional thought, and seeks input from others with viewpoints that differ from her own," said Johnson. "In doing so, she has a unique perspective from which she makes objective and equitable decisions, and forges a culture of diversity and inclusiveness in the organization."
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