A Natick Soldier Systems Center employee received the Diversity and Leadership Programs Award for exceptional service at the annual Secretary of the Army awards ceremony.
Donna Leon, a lead technical writer/editor and team leader for the Aerial Delivery and Soldier Protective Equipment Logistics Support Team at the Soldier Product Support Integration Directorate, said she is honored to have gotten this recognition.
"I feel almost as if I'm living a dream," said Leon, "because I never would have thought that doing what comes natural, or what means a lot to me, would affect so many people or people would take notice."
Leon, who also was recognized last year by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as the U.S. Army's recipient of the 2014 Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award and received the 2015 Greater Boston Federal Executive Board Outstanding Diversity and Inclusion Award, said she strives to always help others when she can.
"Sometimes, just offering a hand makes all the difference," said Leon. "It makes people feel good. It lets them know that they are seen."
Leon, who at a young age had to overcome segregation and racism, said this diversity award is something she stands behind.
"That's very important to me, especially bringing people together regardless of ethnicity or race or anything like that," she said.
Leon regularly volunteers with several councils and committees that are managed by the Equal Employment Opportunity office, and she also encourages participation in community events to educate and reinforce knowledge in a diversified environment.
"I think it's easy to complain about unfair treatment if you don't make an effort to participate," said Leon. "So my goal is to strengthen the talents."
One way Leon said talents can be strengthened is by identifying and working on one's shortcomings, and she added that it's important for people to work more as a team and help their fellow man.
"When other people see you trying to do the right thing," said Leon, "they tend to follow suit."
Leon said her concern for others was instilled in her as a child by her parents. From a young age, she always wanted to help other children and her older relatives.
"Of course, throughout my years, I, too, have been the recipient of someone's kindness, kind words, (or) acts," Leon said. "It just further instilled in me that whenever possible, do what you can for somebody else, because it makes a difference."
Hard work, honesty and integrity are most important to her, Leon said.
"It's all in order to establish a more open communication, more stable relationships," said Leon. "Whether they are friends, or co-workers, or acquaintances, they know that what you speak is true."
Leon said she is humbled by this latest award.
"Whether I had won or not, it meant all the world to me that someone took the time to try to recognize me," said Leon. "I didn't ask for recognition for the things that I've done, and that I hope to continue to do.
"I did it because I wanted to do it. That's a part of who I am."
Leon also spoke about what leadership meant to her.
"There are a lot of upright people who assist, encourage and promote the wellbeing of others. They try to serve with proper morals, be supportive, and do not expect credit," said Leon. "They are true leaders."
According to Leon, true leaders are grateful for the good things that occur, and are able to stand up when the bad things occur.
"Ask yourself these questions," Leon said. "If no one knew of what I try to do for the good, would I still do it? If my effort leads me to an uncomfortable situation, would I waver?
"Recognition for certain actions or accomplishments is encouraging and that is OK, but do not do things simply because you want to be noticed."
Leon added that it is important to recognize and know what your motivation is.
"You can feel good about what is accomplished and good about yourself without being false," said Leon. "Get involved, get others involved, and do things that are good and have a positive impact.
"Most of all -- remain humble and grateful."
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