Women in Defense Programs: Dr. Nina Rodriguez

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Spanning September 15^th through October 15^th, this heritage month provides an opportunity to shout out some of our Latina leaders in Defense Programs. Meet Dr. Nina Rodriguez, a civil engineer who keeps NNSA's production mission going, and celebrates #HHM by going to speak with and inspire students in local Hispanic communities.

What is your cultural background? Where did you grow up? Are you bilingual?

My parents are Cuban and Spanish, but I primarily consider myself Cuban-American. I was born and raised in Miami, FL. Spanish was my first language. My mom always told me that my brother and I learned English by watching Sesame Street.

How do you support NNSA?

I am the Division Director for the Production Operations Division in the Office of Stockpile Production. Production Operations provides a multifaceted, skilled labor force, focusing on engineering and manufacturing labor, quality assurance, and programmatic equipment support for the manufacturing base that we need to sustain NNSA's production mission. Currently, I am attending the National War College at the National Defense University in Washington, DC.

How did you become interested in the field you are in? How did you end up on this career path to this point?

It's funny because most people assume I studied nuclear engineering because I work at NNSA. Academically, all my degrees are in Civil Engineering. Professionally, my career path has been somewhat of a zigzag.

During college and after graduate school, I worked on construction sites doing construction management. I loved being on construction sites, And I particularly liked talking to the tradesmen and construction laborers that were doing the actual building. 20 years ago, you had to work for an engineer to be eligible to get your professional engineer's license. So I transitioned to a job where I could be under engineers and focused on facilities engineering. I worked on several projects for two nuclear submarine bases. That was my first real exposure to the federal government and the Department of Defense.

I had the unique opportunity to go back to school and get a PhD in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering. When I finished my doctorate, all the construction companies that I talked to said I was overqualified, yet the geotechnical companies that I interviewed with said that I lacked experience. Finally, I found a job at WMATA, the DC transit system, as an Assistant Project Manager. I knew that I wanted to work for the government and applied for a position at Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard. I look back at the time in my career very fondly and have many happy memories with coworkers and friends.

Several years later, I was looking to advance my career and learn something different. A prior boss of mine had a connection with someone at NNSA who was looking for someone with my background, and the rest is history.

What's one of your favorite things about working at NNSA?

It sounds cliché but by far, the best part is the people. The labs and plants are truly American gems. I've had the opportunity to work on certain programs that span all of the Nuclear Security Enterprise sites. I am always amazed by how smart everyone is, and how many subject matter experts are willing to both teach and learn. I also have seen some really cool stuff that not a lot of people get to see. Learning the history and reasons why NNSA exists and meeting the people that are doing the day in and day out at the sites always makes it come back full circle for me.

What are the characteristics of the best teams you have been part of?

The best teams that I have been part of worked in cooperative and supportive environments. The team members felt comfortable to contribute and not be judged. They were energetic, diverse, and creative. Last but definitely not least, we had fun doing what we were doing, even if it was hard and complex. Making it fun made somewhat difficult tasks a lot more bearable.

What advice would you give members of the Hispanic community who want to do what you do for NNSA?

NNSA needs you, and you have a lot to contribute! It is your diversity and unique experience that makes NNSA stronger every day. Be proud of who you are. Never forget where you come from and where you want to go.

How will you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

I'm currently at the National War College and helped organize the Hispanic Heritage celebration. We had food, music, and camaraderie. I also cooked the one dish that I am known for --- my mom's Cuban arroz con pollo. Later this month, alongside a US Marine Corps classmate, I will be speaking at several Hispanic high schools in Washington, DC.

What leader or cultural figure would you like to recognize this month?

I just recently learned of Dr. Ellen Ochoa, who was the first Hispanic woman in space. She got her PhD from Stanford University and went to work for NASA. Her first mission in space was aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1993 and served on three more missions, spending almost 1,000 hours in orbit. She was the first Hispanic director and the second female director of Johnson Space Center.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don't find myself with lots of spare time these days. When I am not taking care of my 2.5-year-old son and my 1-year-old daughter, I am quite the bookworm. Being a student at the National War College requires a lot of reading. On the weekends, if we are not wiped out from the craziness of the week that we just survived, my husband Brian and I like doing something fun around town with our kids and friends.

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