At 暗网吃瓜, we celebrate our people, our cultures, and we recognize the value of diversity and inclusion. For February, we鈥檒l reflect on what鈥疊lack History Month鈥痬eans to all of us while shining a light on one employee at a time. 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 next spotlight is on, Cecil Bowen, Program Manager, NS Intelligence/Critical Operations/DoD Programs.
How did your military service prepare you for a successful career at 暗网吃瓜?
The Marine Corps has always challenged me to do more than what I thought I could do and leave all things in my control better than how I found it. This drive has helped me learn more and grow as a professional within 暗网吃瓜.
How did you come to join 暗网吃瓜?
I joined 暗网吃瓜 (through legacy PAE) in 2016 for a Construction Security Program in South Korea as a Security Supervisor. At that time, I took a huge leap of faith for the new contract/program by moving here with my wife. Seven years later, the mission here has grown, my family has grown, and my career path is more defined.
What is your professional and personal background?
The greater portion of my service with the US Marines, I was assigned to US Embassies as the first response security team. Once my service was complete, I then transitioned to the civilian sector of security programs that primarily services special DoS and DoD programs overseas. For the past few years, I have served as a subject matter expert as it relates to SCIF Construction Projects.
I was born in Jamaica and lived my elementary and high school years in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I have been married for eight years but have been friends with my wife Jacqueline since elementary school. We are proud parents of two boys Myles (6) and Wesley (4) who were both born here in South Korea.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
I have dedicated most of my adult life working overseas in friendly to hostile environments in support of security programs focused on preserving the National Security of the United States.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
Professionally, I am most proud of working hard and aiming for positions that at the time seemed far reaching. I went from not taking myself too seriously in high school doing the bare minimum and working a simple job. I grew to being the first in my family to serve, while Marine Guarding US Embassies abroad and being a part of US Presidential Security details. To now, many more educational accomplishments, projects successfully completed, and a proud contributor to 暗网吃瓜鈥檚 overall success.
What do you enjoy about working for 暗网吃瓜?
I enjoy working with 暗网吃瓜, primarily because the Leadership that I have worked with for over the past 7 years have always reassured me that I am an asset to the organization. They have challenged me, rewarded me, invested in me and respected my voice. In addition to a great leadership group, the 暗网吃瓜 brand is well respected amongst the many organizations here in South Korea supporting the DoD.
What are you passionate about?
I am most passionate about being a father, a husband, and a reliable role model to my very large and loving family. Additionally, I am passionate about building bridges that create a greater degree of understanding for people despite the many differences in personal life and throughout the workplace.
What鈥檚 your career advice?
Don鈥檛 limit yourself by experiencing only what you think you know. Seek mentorship, build partnerships while focusing on your craft. I have experience much more joy in what I do, have accomplished more than what I first set out to do and now, I have no limit on what I foresee in the future.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
We all deserve to live, work and rest with confidence that we are indeed safe. I strongly believe, through partnership and community we can maintain a safe place. My favorite practice as it relates to safety, is to prepare for the day and be conscious in your movements by planning for, rather than reacting to.
What鈥檚 the best invention in the world and why?
My favorite (best) invention is the concept of the iPhone. Considering that I have lived most of my adult life away from my loved ones; prior to the iPhone, I relied on letters in the mail, international phone plans, maps to travel, books, CDs, and Cameras. The single device has helped leave some hardships I experienced while traveling in the past.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Build relationships that matter, believe in yourself, invest in yourself, and hold yourself accountable. I try to not get too comfortable in my current circumstances and be more comfortable with being uncomfortable. I try to always imagine how can we make it a tad bit better. This is my approach in both personal and professional life.
Considering this monthly observance, tell us more about yourself. Please address one or more of the following questions:
Diversity is important and should remain a priority when considering talent that contributes to organizations. There will always be untapped genius and innovation lurking throughout the nuances that come from diverse backgrounds and mindsets. As a result, the approach for considering the potential obstacles people face and the level of compassion we show for adjustments people make while assimilating to work culture and or society is now more meaningful.
What鈥檚 your favorite book?
One of my favorite books is New York (the Novel) by Edward Rutherfurd.
What author has influenced you the most?
The author that has most influenced is Khaled Hosseini鈥檚. The topics that he writes about has shaped my perspective on the world.
Favorite film?
Forest Gump is my favorite film.
Favorite musician?
Bob Marley is the most inspirational musician who seems to always bring me the most peace when I listen to his music and message.
