VIEW ORIGINAL
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Human Resources Specialist Keonna Kenion, an intern with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command G-1, said her job allows her to make a difference and plan for a successful future.
Kenion, who describes herself as “ambitious” and “a people person,” was hired through the Black Engineer of the Year Awards and Becoming Everything You Are STEM Conference, which she attended virtually in 2022.
“This role has given me the opportunity to assist Soldiers and civilians to thrive and help support the mission,” she said.
The Harford County native said she appreciates the work-life balance a government career offers. Previously, she worked six days a week in the banking industry, as a “universal banker” and attended school five days a week.
“I love that the government provides benefits like weekends off, RDOs [Regular Days Off] matching retirement and career development,” she said.
Supporting others
Kenion’s duties include updating military records, assisting with awards and leading the Wellness and Nursing Mother’s Room programs. In this role, she is involved in establishing a nursing mother’s room in each building of the C5ISR Campus and ensuring each mother has access to that room. She said having a dedicated nursing room helps new mothers make a more seamless transition back to the workforce.
“It’s my responsibility to make sure that every mother has everything that they need in the lactation room,” she said. “I love spearheading the nursing mother’s room program; because becoming a mother is a life changing event, that has impacted their health and lifestyle as they knew it tremendously.”
Kenion said it’s important to empower mothers so they can have a healthy work- life balance.
“I am here for them,” she explained.
Kenion also leads the CECOM Wellness Program. This program provides two virtual lunch and learn sessions per month. She said the Wellness Program partners with physicians and nutritionists who offer information about healthier lifestyles.
Additionally, she enjoys participating in job fairs, which allow her to tell others about the various careers available as an Army civilian. She also participates in the Pathways in Technology Early College High School program at Joppatowne High School. In the fall, she represented CECOM in the P-TECH Showcase, and in March she conducted mock interviews with the P-TECH students.
“I love the youth; being able to give them advice to help pave the way for a successful future means the world to me,” she said.
‘It runs in the family’
Kenion said she always pictured herself working in human resources. Her mother, Rosalind “Tina” Kenion, works as a human resource professional for the Civilian Human Resources Agency and her sister and father also work at human resources in different agencies.
“It runs in the family, us wanting to serve others,” she said.
Kenion describes her mother as a role model. She admires her integrity and work ethic.
“She is a strong woman, and gets the job done,” she said.
Kenion holds an associate degree from Harford Community College in business administration and attended Towson University to obtain her bachelor’s degree in business leadership and management. Currently, she is attending Eastern University online to earn a master’s in business administration in organizational leadership. She is set to graduate later this year.
Kenion’s desire to help others and better her community extends beyond her career. She is active in the community as the vice president of the praise team and is a youth facilitator at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Aberdeen. In this role, she leads a youth program called “Friday Night Fire.”
“[This is] where the youth can get the spiritual tools needed to conquer obstacles in their daily lives,” she explained.
Achieving personal goals
Kenion understands the value of setting professional and personal goals. This summer, she will work with a vocal coach to improve her singing talent. After finishing graduate school, she plans to operate a small business called Shashi Hair Company, which will sell hair extensions and provide hair products to promote growth. She also plans to attend real estate and investing classes to learn more about the financial market.
“Having a work-life balance in this career gives me the opportunity to give back to the community and [gives me time] to focus on achieving my personal goals,” she said.
Kenion thanked Elaine King, chief of the Military Personnel Division, for her leadership and support and Pamela Delaine, CECOM G-1/Director of Human Resources, for “taking a chance on her.”
“I am grateful to be able to serve our country by assisting our Soldiers and have a career that I love,” she said.
Social Sharing