Kondwera: Rising after a layoff after almost a decade of service.

After more than eight years at MITRE, last Thursday, I was impacted by layoffs. Since then, I’ve been deeply moved by the reflections shared by colleagues on our time together.

There is a Chewa word, kondwera, meaning unrelenting joy. Joy remains, no matter the circumstance. I have joy, pride, and gratitude for what I built here. With clarity, I look forward to what’s next.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited to explore new opportunities, particularly in the private sector. Uncertainty touches every industry, and I’m eager to help organizations navigate today’s landscape and build resilience capabilities.

I Excel At:
- Leading complex organizational transformations, with verve.
- Earning stakeholder trust through thought partnership and data-driven insights. I speak candidly and with tact, because I care about securing winning results for my clients.
- Innovating resilience strategies for managing low-probability, high-consequence events, beyond traditional risk management.
- Driving bold solutions for the future of organizations using my expertise in I/O psychology, business management, and systems thinking.

If you know of opportunities or connections I should explore, I’d be happy to chat.

Highlights of my MITRE Tenure:
1) April 2024 Promotion: Earned after leading an organizational effectiveness effort for a key federal client. Advised on strategic integration, governance, and performance measurement strategy.
2) Three Years with the William And Mary x MITRE Externship: Organized and served as panelist and mentor to W&M students. To my mentees, I remain a resource. 💚💛
3) Leading the qualitative team on a national health study: Coauthored an award-winning academic journal article on our findings.
4) JASON: Briefly shared an office with Dr. Walter Munk and told Dr. Freeman Dyson I heard his name on Star Trek TNG as a child in Zambia. Their group cheered my plan to earn my doctorate.
5) Completed said doctorate while working full time, delivering impact, leading my teams with care, AND being a mother. I walk away with a forever title.
6) Yesterday! I presented the final component of my self-directed work on resilience drivers to MITRE’s executive leadership. As I teach my little guy, “Mondolokas finish strong!”

Parting Thoughts

As he and I say bye to “Big Silver Building,” my heartfelt thanks to my manager from 2019 to 2024. Jen, you embody why Mission-First, People Always is the winning way.

My gratitude to Mark Peters and April Castañeda for centering Grace and Respect at the top. May MITRE and my former government clients, whose work drives the Nation, thrive.

To those also impacted by the layoffs: I see you; Please stay encouraged. To those remaining: Please take care of yourselves and each other. I recognize that this is hard for you too.
I believe that God uses circumstances for good. And even thought I cannot see it now, I hold onto my faith that it is well.

I’m a coffee chat away! In the meantime, I’ll be:
Writing here and on Substack: FACETS and FLUX coming soon!
Vibing: Improving my vibrato for my violin cover of “Legends Never Die.” I will share my eclectic playlist to inspire.
Recharging + Building: Ready for what’s next!

Qapla’!

I shared a version of this post on my LinkedIn profile.