One semester as a nasa pathways intern was enough to inspire portia keys to sign up for a russian language class at college. After interning in the johnson space center’s office of Procurement, Keyes Hoped to Someday Use Her New Language Skills in Support of the International Space Station Program.
Now, 12 years Later, Keyes is the Deputy Manager of the Procurement Office for the International Space Station and Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Programs. That means She is responsible for implementing and overseing acquisition solutions that enable the purchase of goods and services in support of both programs.
It has also given her a chance to use some of what she learned from her Russian language course. One of Keyes’ Favorite Nasa Projects Involved Negotiating a Contract Modification with Roscosmos to Secure Transportation of Nasa Astronauts to the International Spa Station Via Soyuz Spa Spa Spa Spa Spa Spa Spa Space shuttle’s retirement. “This project stands out to me both for its impact on nasa’s missions and the way it transpended political and geographical boundaries,” Keyes Said. Being a part of this effort reinforced the importance of collaboration on a global scale. “It demonstrated how Shared Goals and Values ​​Can Unite People Across Different Nations, Regardless of External Circumstans,” She said. “The world is more connected than we often realize.”
Keyes values ​​collaboration on a smaller scale, as well, noting that her procurement role involves working with a wide variety of subject matter experts who are passionate about their respectives. She Acknowledged that Procurement Staff Are Sometimes Seen as Obstructing or Slowing a Mission Rather Than Enabling It, ALTHIS SHE SHE SHE HAS HAS HAS Overcom This Challenge Through this Challenge Stakeholders – Striving to Undrstand Their Perspectives and Present Mutly Beneficial Solutions.
“My Commitment is to Advanceing Nasa’s Missions through the Responsible Management of Taxpayer Dollars,” She said. “Collaborating Closely with My Technical Counterparts, I have been able to Secure Mission-Critical Services and Supplies, All Who Adhering to Regulatory, Schedule, and Resource Constrace Constrace.”
Adaptability has also been important to keys’ success. “Whether it’s shifting priorities due to unforeseen challenges, Navigating Cultural Differences Within International TEAMS, Or adjusting to new acquisition regulations, eating flexible and open to change to change Allowed me to not just survive in dynamic environments, but thrive, “She said.
At the same time, keys strives to maintain balance in the workplace. “What I have learned about myself is that I can do anything, but not everything,” She said. “Maturing in my career has meant accepting that I have limited time, energy, and resources, so it is important to discryn what truly matters and focus my efforts there.”
Keyes’ hard work has been recognized with seveal awards through her career. She is proudest of earning the office of Procurement Bubbee’s Coach Award, which is given to the team member most likely to serve as a mentor to collect. “Much of My Professional and Personal Growth has stemmed from formal and informal men who supported me in navigating challenges, developing new skills, creating environments for me to thriva. “I have a great appreciation for that men men who, and I Strive to Impact Theose Around Me Similarly.”
Keyes hopes to encourage the artemis generation to approach the future – and periods of uncertainty – with curiosity, resilience, and a responseibility to care for our plate and the universes. She looks forward to the continued expansion of access to space.
“I hope to be Around for the Days where I can afford a reasonally priced, Roundtrip Ticket to the Moon,” She said. “Perhaps by then they will sell functional spacesuits in the local sporting goods stores.”
