At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In May, we’ll focus on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today’s Q&A is with Cherish Evans, Common Operational Picture Manager/Senior Analyst, Engineering, Science, & Technology.
How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at Amentum?
It provided the skills and experience necessary to perform the job successfully and provide improvements on current systems and processes based on previous experience.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I worked active duty Air Force in the 613th Air Operations Center as a Common Tactical Picture Operator. Prior to separating, I heard there was an opening for a position at US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) with Amentum and I applied.
What is your professional and personal background?
I served 10.5 years of military experience as a C2 Battle Management Operations Operator.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I provide situational awareness support to Indo-Pacific Command on-going operations and missions as an Amentum Common Operational Picture Operator.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
I believe serving 10.5 years within the military is my greatest and proudest accomplishment. It takes great sacrifice to be away from family so often to serve and protect family and country. It has also allowed me to become the person I am today.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
The people on our team make it truly a joy to work for Amentum.
What are you passionate about?
My ‘Ohana, my culture and being a part of the local community. My daughter and I spend lots of our time together paddling for ‘Ewa Pu’uloa Outrigger Canoe Club. It’s a way to continue to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and values that I’ve always wanted instilled within my daughter.
What’s your career advice?
Put forth your best every day, even if it feels like your worst day. It only takes 1% of effort to be better every day to make sustainable change.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Safety is extremely important to me because while things may be expensive, people are priceless. So, ensuring the safety of people (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc.) no matter the setting is important.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Airplanes! You get to travel around the world within days to experience the cultures of different places.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
What does Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?
It’s a great way to show the world what it means to be of Asian American Pacific Islander descent; by showing Aloha with food, crafts, practices and recognizing amazing people and all that they do.
