Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas Commanding Officer Capt. Stephanie Jones recognized Contract Specialist Roanna Peredo with an induction letter Feb. 2 for her acceptance into the prestigious NAVFAC Leadership Development Program (LDP).

Peredo will soon depart for a weeklong training session in Washington, D.C., to begin the program. She expects her participation in the program over the next two years will be an opportunity for self-growth, will benefit her career, and will make her a more valuable member of the NAVFAC Marianas contracting team.

"I've always aspired to be a leader, but I was never given that opportunity," Peredo said. "I'm hoping to one day use the tools and skills that I acquire to lead an organization."

The competitive program is designed to develop future NAVFAC leaders by providing employees who demonstrate an aptitude for leadership with core management skills and an in-depth knowledge of the NAVFAC enterprise.

Peredo is excited about the program as it matches her enthusiasm for her work and for continuous growth in the career field.

"I love contracting," she said. "I enjoy waking up every day. Each day is different, and I learn every day."

Much of Peredo's enthusiasm for her work can be attributed to the teamwork ethic fostered in her current workplace by her supervisor, Olga Muna, who she considers a mentor.

"[Muna] lets us know that we can't all be successful if one of us is not doing their part," Peredo said. "She instills in us that 'If you need help, we'll help you.' Everyone on our team works with each other so that we get to the end goal. Eventually, there are going to be times when you need help or they need your help."

Employees selected for the program will be challenged to perform outside their sphere of influence and comfort zone. With her training in the leadership program will come a responsibility to mentor and help build similar teamwork, she said.

NAVFAC Marianas Business Director Dr. Samuel V. Roundtree said succession planning is vital to a vibrant workforce which supports NAVFAC Marianas' growing requirements.

"We know how important it is to develop leaders within our organization," Roundtree said. "We are delighted to have our employees selected into the LDP as it is a testament to the caliber of our people."

Peredo was born and raised in Guam. She holds a bachelor's degree in management and an MBA, both from the University of Guam. After working at several local banks, Peredo started working at NAVFAC in March 2009.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/.