Those who started work at NSA within the last year, may have received a warm welcome from a spirited individual whose work as a mentor, coach, and role model has made her an asset to NSA and the community at large. Dr. Irene Zoppi Rodriguez, a New Employee Orientation instructor at NSA, is also a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve as well as a professor at Strayer University.
Her energetic and transformational leadership as an educator and community activist is why she was selected by the Hispanic Lifestyle television program to be recognized as a Latina of Influence.
Dr. Zoppi speaks five languages, and is the first female in the position of Deputy Commander, and Chief of Staff, 1st Mission Support Command, Ft. Buchanan, Puerto Rico, where she currently serves in her Reserve duties.
She also volunteers as a Commissioner for the State of Maryland in establishing the Women in the Military Service Monument and the Maryland Workforce Corporation Board.
Dr. Irene Zoppi Rodriguez, a New Employee Orientation instructor at NSA, is also a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve
Last year, Dr. Zoppi was featured in a campaign by LeanIn.org (a non-profit born out of the book Lean In: Women, Work & the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg) to recognize people who have overcome adversity.
"I feel a strong calling to be a role model to other women," Dr. Zoppi said in the feature. "I am fully devoted to my country, our community and family values to continue to make America superb."
On 2 April, Hispanic Lifestyle's 2015 Latinas of Influence recognized Dr. Zoppi and her fellow Latinas of Influence during a luncheon held in their honor at Latina Conference 2015 in Ontario, California.
"I am so honored, humbled, and honestly speaking - surprised, for what I do, is only to give 200% at all times," Dr. Zoppi said of her reaction to the recognition. "I am speechless … it means a lot, to be light to others."
Learn more about Dr. Zoppi and her commitment to paying it forward here.