NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Logistics Support Center Deputy Director Barbara Robinson has been named by the Career Communications Group's Women of Color magazine as a 2018 Technology Rising Star.

She, along with other Women of Color Technology Rising Stars and All-Stars, will be honored at the Technology Recognition Luncheon Oct. 12 during the 23rd Women of Color STEM Conference in Detroit, Michigan.

Robinson, who began her federal career 32 years ago as a wood crafter apprentice, was recommended for nomination for the award by NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Operations Department Deputy Director Fred Beredo. "It is my honor and privilege to recommend you for an award that recognizes not only your accomplishments, but your dedication of life-long service to this country as a civil servant for 32 years," said Beredo.

Barbara's career has been filled with a variety of positions and responsibilities, but one thing has remained constant - her drive to keep learning and to always be the best she could possibly be.

"When I first entered civil service as a wood crafter apprentice, my goal was to be the best wood crafter I could become," said Robinson. "Ironically, I quickly learned that being a wood crafter in the shipyard applied to a lot of work that had nothing to do with wood, so I learned to remove and apply fiberglass on ships; rubber tile for sound proofing submarines; formica, and floor tiles. It would be a few years before I actually got to work in the wood shop but once there, I learned to build tables; sawhorses; camels for the ships to dock on; office furniture; offices; plaques; plugs; cabinets, and containments. I even built a runway for a talent show we needed for one of our Federal Women's programs. I loved it, but I still knew I had other dreams and goals of a career that would improve the quality of life for people on a large scale that would force me to leave wood working if I was going to achieve those dreams."

Robinson says she was fortunate to have influential mentors who helped nurture her desire for pursuing greater challenges. In 1993, she had the opportunity to leave Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a position at SERVMART aboard Naval Station Norfolk. This was her first opportunity to have direct impact on the quality of life for Sailors.

"While I was working at SERVMART, the decision was made to transition it from a government facility to a contracted facility, requiring all government employees to be placed in other positions," explained Robinson. She learned of and applied for a GS-5 position at the Advanced Traceability and Control (ATAC) hub on Naval Station Norfolk. "While working at ATAC, I learned that a new department was forming called the Logistics Support Center (LSC) that would provide face-to-face service to the fleet, and I knew I wanted to try to become a part of this vision. One of the things I had realized about myself, and my career choices is that they often provided me with the opportunity to create a positive impact for others through customer service. Being a part of the LSC family, and completing the requirements for my bachelors' degree has allowed me to build the career I was planning all along."

Robinson says watching from the inside as the LSC has evolved has been breathtaking and surreal.

"I so clearly remember coming to the LSC almost 18 years ago and not really knowing what it would be like to be the face to the fleet, only that it was a new vision of customer service to ensure the fleet was mission ready in the age of downsizing and doing more with less - especially people. We had five LSR teams in the beginning and every day we went out to the piers meeting with supply officers and supply teams to share with them our goals to be their boots-on-the-ground so that they could keep their Sailors aboard ship for maximum training.

"It was not an easy sell. Most were skeptical of trusting us with 'their' responsibility to get parts and various services to the ship at the times required. We worked as a team; bringing together all of the various knowledge and skillsets that we each brought with us, and we built relationships with our supply departments that made us their shore extensions and earned reputations of reliability. Our greatest rewards were the smiles of appreciation on the faces of our Sailors when we came to the ship."

She and her LSC team personify the concept of customer presence - partnering with their fleet customers to custom fit solutions for any situation presented to them.

Robinson's journey has taken her from a wood worker apprentice to deputy director of the LSC. In addition to this most recent award, she has previously received the Civilian Meritorious Service Medal, Supervisor of the Quarter, and, along with other LSC members, several Work Team of the Quarter awards.

"I am very honored and extremely humbled because though I become the recipient, this award is not mine alone. I am thankful to my Command for seeing in me a person they believed worthy of this nomination. I hear my parents echoing in my mind that my best efforts were required in whatever I did because others were always watching; my dad saying that we had to "leave clear road signs for those who follow." My teachers; mentors; ancestors, predecessors, and peers who refused to be limited in life. I honor them. For the women and girls who will see this I want them to know that they are innovative explorers with the creative genius and mathematical capability to build the things - and societies - that others cannot yet envision, and I am thankful. I have never worked with the expectation of getting an award, but I am always appreciative when someone has found me worthy to receive one. When I receive this award, it will be with the understanding that I am representing not just myself, but all of you who have added value to my life throughout my life."

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