USAF

My Story of Survival and Courage

/ Simply Ebony / Leave a comment

#TBT @simplyebony1 @success.creators #ThursdayThoughts #SimplyEbony #MyStory

Who was this woman four years ago? This woman had just transitioned from the Air Force a world she knew all her adult life. This woman had just launched her non-profit The Next Chapter and started her new position with the government. This woman fled her apartment in the middle of the night fearful of her life. Her abusive, manipulative, and controlling ex-boyfriend threatened to kill her and he was law enforcement. The police and courts failed to protect her. She spent years in court when her abuser refused to comply with the protective order. She lived every night in fear and had to leave her job, her apartment, and the life she knew to escape her ex-boyfriend who was not only abusive but a stalker. This woman was unemployed for four months trying to figure it all out. This woman never lost faith. This woman was in transition on the path to rebuilding her life. She found strength in her Sisters of Queen Esther at @fbcglenarden First Baptist Church of Glenarden. She joined @bosseduporg Bossed Up Courage Community! This woman found a community of Sisters with @emiliearies Bossed Up! This women kept a smile. She wasn’t deterred. She fought her way through her circumstances. She wasn’t a victim nor did she ever once ask for a hand out. She picked herself up. She leaned on her support system. She entered the Next Chapter of her life like a Boss! This woman is a survivor. This woman is ME.

#WINsDay Celebrating 18 Years of Government Service

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This month I celebrate over 18 years serving in the Government of the United States of America! 🇺🇸 My first 14 was Enlisted in the United States Air Force and the past 4 was serving as a government civilian. In these four years I’ve achieved tremendous goals.

My proudest moment was serving on the team that successfully implemented Project SOAR a Pilot Program that provided approximately $2 million of Grant funding to public housing authorities (PHAs) to deploy education navigators that provide individualized assistance to youth and their families in FAFSA completion, financial literacy and college readiness, postsecondary program applications and post-acceptance assistance. Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles were amongst the cities that received funding.

I received recognition for my work and was awarded the Innovator of the Year by the Next Generation (NEXTGen) of Government: NEXTGen Award Winners. I currently serve on the board that plans the NEXTGen Training Conference for future government leaders. I also serve as a senior mentor for both NEXTGen and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Cyber Professionals.

My agency paid for me to earn my certificate as an Associate Certified Coach for the International Coach Federation and my Masters Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University.

This was all in four years time. Imagine the possibilities in the next four years! I’m excited to see where this journey will lead me. I share my experience to inspire others and to show you that anything is possible. You can choose to just go to work and clock in and out or you can choose to make a difference. Your choice!!! Choose to be GREAT!!!

#SimplyEbony #SuccessCreators #WINsDay

Employment Readiness Tips by Ebony Johnson

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Getting Started: To start inquire with your state sponsored employment services. For example in Maryland we have the Maryland DLLR that provides career training, résumé writing and review, career search help, college/trade programs and grants for unemployed workers to receive training. All of these services are free and state sponsored. Also, look up local non-profits that specialize in job readiness training.

Résumé writing: Every single one of you needs a résumé. Even if you are unemployed include activities such as volunteer work. Do not forget to include your credentials and experience such as college, certifications, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access). Write the résumé to fit the job. If you possess those skills in the advertisement make sure it is highlighted on the résumé. Invest in résumé writing books or do a google search for resumes fitting your job skills.

Employment options: Consider owning your own business. Take free or low cost courses on starting your business via your state sponsored Small Business Association. Apply for positions via Temp Agencies. You earn income and this may land you a permanent job.

Job Fairs: Do a google search and look for job fairs in your area. Dress to impress and bring several resumes. Research the employers before you go and ask questions. The recruiters are there to hire but are also willing to answer any questions. Get names of the recruiters and submit your cover letters addressing them to the recruiters.

Career Resource Advisors: Colleges have career advisors and offer job search assistance for alumni students. Use them!

Social Media: Create a LinkedIn account. Join groups relevant to your career. This is one of the top recruitment tools. Ensure your profile is complete with your résumé and make it stand out with your skills. Chose a professional picture.

Networking: Carry business cards and be ready to hand them out to any and everyone. Include your name, contact info, LinkedIn profile, job title, and three or four billets of your skills. Attend networking events. Gather lots of references and ask everyone you meet if they know about any employment opportunities. Most companies offer recruitment incentives, it pays to ask friends/associates about job opportunities.

Job Search: Great sites include USAJobs, Indeed, Monster, Craigslist, and your State/City employment websites.

Are You a Stay at Home Parent Looking for a Job?

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#FriYAY: Parents are you seeking to enter back into the workforce? Did you know that you have the toughest job on the planet? Daily Skills: Management of the household, Budgeting, Financial Management, Shopping, Meal planning and preparation, Childcare, Scheduling, Advising, and Counseling. Let me help you translate those skills onto a resume so you can transition back into the workforce. The Success Creators provides free career readiness assistance. Like the “Success Creators” FaceBook Page for more career tips: https://m.facebook.com/LandYourDreamCareer/.

Does My Abaya Offend You?

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Let’s reflect on this. This picture is from the “Glow Photo Series: Philly Edition.” I purchased my Abaya in preparation for the Dubai Blackout trip last year. When I wear my Abaya I feel beautiful. I feel empowered. I feel LOVE.

Wearing my Abaya is a personal tribute to that little black girl lost that finally found herself. At 14-years old when I was raped I had on a similar outfit. It was Forest Green. Loose fitting. Long and flowing. Oftentimes when Rape victims share our stories the first question is: “What did you wear?” It’s classic “victim blaming.” The assumption is if you wear certain clothing (short skirts, tight jeans, revealing clothes, etc.) you are “asking to be raped.” This is FALSE!!! The truth: Rapists Rape. It doesn’t matter what you wear. Time of day. What you look like or any of the many assumptions people come up with to victim blame and shame. Unfortunately people still ask intrusive questions and think this way. If you do it please stop asking these questions it’s extremely offensive and insensitive. 😔😔😔

I’ve periodically posted pictures in my Abayas of various colors. I love the way they flow and enjoy the vibrant colors. Each time I post I get comments or inbox messages saying: Why did you wear that? You look fat in that garb. 😑 Are you Muslim now? 🤔 I’ve even been told I can’t dress and need a fashion consult because of my Abaya. 😫 It’s a shocking what people freely feel the need to say. It’s rude and offensive.

I proudly come from a predominantly Islamic family, it’s a large part of Philadelphia and our history. The Nation of Islam is very prominent in my city. I’m Christian. I’m troubled that it concerns others so much what religion I am or what I wear. Why? Why is it necessary to comment on someone else’s attire? Does my Abaya offend you? Are you uncomfortable that I’m comfortable being fully clothed in my garb? I love who I am and what the Abaya represents: Beauty, Confidence and Love. 💛💛💛

DC Bourbiz (The Veteran/Military Spouse Resource Event) is Back on April 26th 2018: (Open to all Business/Professional Networkers)

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DC Bourbiz (The Veteran/Military Spouse Resource Event) is Back on April 26th 2018: (Open to all Business/Professional Networkers)

Register for Free today: http://bit.ly/Bourbiz

Team VSRG/GCO is excited to start the spring right in DC with the improved Bourbiz Networking format. Veterans/Military Spouses come network with resources ranging from Matchmaking for Businesses, to personal and professional development support in a relaxed but high energy environment:

• Business Matchmaking (Presented by FWDthink)

• Job Seeking and Transition Support

• Resume and Interview Resources

• Compensation and Disability Claims Resources

• 9/11 GI Bill Support

• Veteran/Military Spouse Health/Wellness Resources

• Access to Capital Resources StreetShares

• Legal and Business Compliance Resources

• Meet & Greets with Redskins Fred Smoot, WJLA’s Erin Lynn Hawksworth, @Justin Constantine Jack Mandaville, JW Boothe and more!!!

In addition to the vast networking opportunities, Bourbiz offers our signature a Bourbon, Whiskey, Wine and Single Malt Scotch tasting with over 20 different types to sample from during the event. Additionally, we have added our new icebreaker name tags that allow for easy recognition of resources and connectors for your benefit as an attendee.

TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Events: A Secret Clearance or Above is Required to Attend

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If you have a Secret Clearance or above, then you’re invited to interview with the Defense Industry’s leading employers at the March TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Events in MD and VA! Don’t just rely on applying for jobs online. Attend the events this week and meet face-to-face with employers to secure your next career opportunity.

TECHEXPO Top Secret Hiring Events: A Secret Clearance or Above is Required to Attend

Wednesday, March 14

BWI Marriott

1743 West Nursery Road, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090

Register: https://www.TechExpoUSA.com/jobfair.cfm?jobfairid=761

Thursday, March 15

Sheraton Tysons Hotel

8661 Leesburg Pike

Vienna, VA 22182

Register: https://www.TechExpoUSA.com/jobfair.cfm?jobfairid=762

Schedule for both events:

9:30am – 10am: Career Seminars

10am – 3pm: Hiring Events

Please share / forward this opportunity with your cleared friends & colleagues.

If you’re unable to register in advance online, you can still do so onsite at the event. Bring copies of your resume with you.

By registering in advance, employers will have the ability to review your resume and contact you prior to the event.

Confirmed on March 14 in MD:

AMEWAS

BCT LLC

Booz Allen Hamilton

BrainTrust

By Light Professional IT Services

Chameleon Integrated Services – Virtual Exhibitor

Electronic Systems / Harris – Virtual Exhibitor

INNOPLEX

IntelligenceCareers

Leidos

MacAulay – Brown Inc. / MacB

Microsoft Corporation – Virtual Exhibitor

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

NERC / E-ISAC

Raytheon – Integrated Defense Systems

The Josef Group – Virtual Exhibitor

The MITRE Corporation

The US Department of Veterans Affairs

and more!

Confirmed on March 15 in VA:

AllCom Global Services

Chameleon Integrated Services – Virtual Exhibitor

Deep Learning Analytics

IntelligenceCareers

Leidos

Microsoft Corporation

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

NorthTide Group

Parsons

Peraton

REAN Cloud

Scientific Research Corporation

SEI / Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University

Smartlink

The US Department of Veterans Affairs

and more!

Hundreds of Job Opportunities are available: Cyber Sec. Specialists, All-Source Analysts, Application Architects, Cloud Engineers, Developers, Information Assurance Engineers, Help Desk Specialists, Information Security Managers, ISSEs, ISSOs, Linux Administrators, Network Engineers, Program Managers, Project Managers, Risk Managers, Software Developers, SW Engineers, System Administrators, System Engineers, Technical Managers, Test Engineers and many more!

For details and to view upcoming hiring events visit https://www.TechExpoUSA.com/jobfairs.cfm

Best of luck,

The TECHEXPO Team