At Amentum, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. In October, we’ll focus on National Hispanic Heritage Month while shining a light on one employee at a time. Today’s Q&A is with Ismar (Izzy) Donovan, Senior Recruiter, Engineering, Science & Technology.
How did you come to join Amentum?
I joined Amentum as a legacy PAE employee back in 2015, supporting several programs within the NSS group.
What is your professional and personal background?
I have over 12 years of recruiting experience, having transitioned to recruiting after years of government contractor work relative to Spanish translation in support of law enforcement operations. I have a law degree from Venezuela and, from the U.S., a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Fullerton and legal interpretation & translation certification from UCLA. My recruiting experience has covered a host of industries such as: defense contracts, space & intelligence community, federal law enforcement agencies, immigration and citizenship services, global health, financial solutions, corporate and executive roles, and most recently Science and Technology. I have held the following roles: Lead Recruiter, Senior Recruiter, Program Lead, Senior Talent acquisition Advisor, Corporate Recruiter Manager.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
The core of my profession is to help change lives in the process of increasing the effectiveness of our company. As a recruiter, I play an essential role in this process as my job consists of sourcing and matching the perfect candidate for our open position. I focus on finding the right person to increase the effectiveness of our company. Assisting people with finding the right job for them is often part of fundamentally changing their lives for the better. On an emotional level it is extremely rewarding to find the perfect fit who will thrive in our culture. Being a recruiter drives me to re-invent myself daily. I truly enjoy connecting with people and helping them find the job that ultimately leads them to a successful career. If they are capable and they love their job, I believe they will thrive with us and find personal fulfillment.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
Earlier in my career I supported large scale criminal investigations that resulted in dozens of federal convictions. The largest investigation culminated in 57 federal convictions. This experience was challenging in many ways and was a highlight in my career. However, my work as a recruiter, having played a part in advancing other people’s careers is something of which I am most proud.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
At Amentum we have such a diverse workforce. We are surrounded by so many different backgrounds and cultures. I also enjoy the dense portfolio of our company. We have many different areas that create opportunities for growth for everyone in the defense industry.
What are you passionate about?
Diversity, acceptance, tolerance, collaboration, humility, work ethic, and family.
What’s your career advice?
Be your own advocate, have a plan and never settle for less than you deserve.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
Safety for me is not to have to worry about the future. Favorite safety tip: Be aware of your surroundings and have self-awareness.
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
Hot water. I say this because growing up in Caracas, Venezuela we had to endure water rations (government dictated schedules). Taking a “hot” bath required an adult to heat water on the stove, then pour it in a huge bucket. And, that is how you ended up with a lukewarm bath.
While thinking about Hispanic Heritage History month, please provide a response to one of the following questions:
- What’s your favorite book? Doña Bárbara
- What author has influenced you the most? Rómulo Gallegos & Gabriel García Márquez
- Favorite film? Como Agua para chocolate
- Favorite musician? Shakira, Mana
