Tanisha Kettle

Make sure you are always on your A-game.

My journey to the Laboratory

I grew up in Queens, New York. I earned a BA in journalism from Brooklyn College in New York and an MS degree in urban planning from Hunter College, also in New York. My career path started out in finance as a client services analyst and later as a finance administrator in the pharmaceutical industry. I moved to Massachusetts and began working at the Laboratory in 2016 as an administrative assistant for the Security Services Department. In 2017, I transitioned into my current role as a cybersecurity administrator.

Why I joined the Laboratory

The Laboratory was a new world for me. I had never heard of such a unique place. I was intrigued with the work done by Federally Funded Research & Development Centers, and unbeknownst to me, how important the Laboratory’s mission is to our country. The Security Services Department leadership assured me that the Laboratory would be a great place to work, and that was indeed the truth!

What I do

I help keep the engines running in the cybersecurity group. I support the entire team by troubleshooting and helping the team stay on track. Every day is different, and I like that. I am also pursuing my PhD in organizational leadership with the intent to conduct pioneering research that advances the practice of leadership in diverse organizational contexts and to formulate strategies to solve contemporary organizational issues.

What makes me proud

I am proud of playing a role in the cybersecurity group’s hiring and recruiting initiative. We have worked diligently and collaborated with Human Resources and the Contracting Services Department to reduce our open requisitions. I am also proud of being a member and previous executive officer of the Black Experience and Cultural Organization Network, which helps influence diversity and inclusion within the Laboratory.

My advice to others

Be true to yourself. Be authentic, and you will find happiness.