As part of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is highlighting our employees and the diversity they bring to our center every day. We recently sat down with Litia Ata to learn a little bit more.
“I chose to work for NASA because of its diverse community and the opportunities I received to expand my expertise through continuous learning opportunities.”
What do you do at NASA, and what is most interesting about your role here?
At NASA Armstrong, I support missions throughout the center with the Kay & Associates Logistics Team in the procurement department. I communicate collectively with aircraft mechanics, engineers, and project support technicians to ensure correct parts are being processed and purchased for daily operational support and, most importantly, to keep our aircraft flying. One of my primary roles involves the accounting process, which ensures the accuracy of financial information by comparing transactions and activity to supporting documentation.
How do you help support Armstrong’s mission, and how long have you worked here?
I have been supporting NASA Armstrong’s mission on the logistics side for almost 5 years. I was initially hired as a temporary employee on a six-month contract to perform physical inventory counts and maintain inventory logs of aircraft parts in the NASA Armstrong’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California. When the contract ended, I was offered a position as a stock clerk at the main campus warehouse managing NASA’s archive records and processing aircraft parts, leading me to where I am today.
Why did you choose to work at NASA, and what has been the highlight of your career?
I chose to work for NASA because of its diverse community and the opportunities I received to expand my expertise through continuous learning opportunities. I am so grateful to be surrounded by colleagues and leaders who are experts at what they do.
One of the highlights of my career was being part of the support team for NASA’s SOFIA flying telescope and witnessing its last flyover before retirement. I learned so much through SOFIA and will forever be grateful for the opportunity to tour the incredible aircraft designed to observe the infrared universe.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is keeping strong in my faith, regardless of the world’s changes and challenges, my family, and the community I am attached to in this season of life. Without my faith, family, friends, and community, there would be no sense of satisfaction in any achievement.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my family, especially my parents, Sio, and Leitu Ata. My siblings and I were incredibly fortunate to have humble, hard-working, and God-fearing parents who sacrificed so much to bring us to the mainland from Samoa for better education and a brighter future. Together, they taught us the importance of a life that always places God first and prioritizes family along with our cultural values; love, respect, and discipline. I can attest that this has brought me a long way. In Samoa, we have this motto, “Fa’avae i le Atua Samoa,” which means, God be the Foundation of Samoa. Although I am miles away from home, I represent God, my family, and my Samoan culture in everything I say and do. This keeps me grounded and inspires me every day to be the best version of myself in this lifetime.
Do you have any philosophies for facing challenges?
I don’t know about philosophies, but I can say that I depend on God’s Word to strengthen me whenever I face challenges, and it never fails me. One of my go-to scriptures in the Bible is in James Chapter 1, vs. 2-4. It reads, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This scripture always reminds me that pain is temporary and produces perseverance.
Do you have any advice for others like yourself who may be contemplating a career at NASA?
The comfort zone is a calm and peaceful place, but nothing ever grows there. Learn from anyone and everyone around you, and always be willing to accept constructive criticism. Be bold and ask questions, even those that seem “ridiculous” to you. Maintain a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing your family and setting healthy boundaries to help you control your stress levels and minimize the risk of burnout.
Is there something surprising about you that people do not generally know? (Maybe a hobby or a fun fact)
Fun Fact: Not many people know I can play the piano and sing. Growing up, my dad started a family band where it was just him and all his kids. He called it “The Hamolauan Band.” The name Hamolauan is the word, Samoan and Tokelauan, put together because that is our nationality.
