Christine L. Munroe

Tell us a little about your background.

My dream in elementary school was to work for NASA.

My dad was in the United States Air Force and my mom was a social worker supervisor for more than 20 years. They are both retired from careers in fields that were for the betterment of mankind

I have lived in various places, including Spain, Mississippi, New York, and California. Although I am not a native of California, I consider Milpitas, California, home; my dad was stationed here the longest.

During my elementary, middle, and high school years, I participated in various afterschool activities, such as majorette in the Dazzling Dollies Baton Troupe, a member of the Milpitas Bobby Sox Leagues; singer in the Emmanuel Baptist church choir; and I kept busy wirth piano, ballet, and tap dancing lessons.

In addition, I participated in the San Jose Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA). Jack and Jill of America introduced me to African American Mentors in Engineering and Science, and the MESA program exposed me to math and science. I participated in programs in the summer that introduced me to other industries, both public and government. I visited NASA Ames during my senior year in high school.

My friend’s dad gave me my SF 171 to apply for a job for NASA while I was attending undergraduate school. I worked at NASA Ames as I achieved my Bachelors and Masters. I’ve now worked at NASA Ames for more than 20 years. During the last year I started supporting Armstrong Flight Research Center.

During my tenure at Ames I have held a variety of different positions: clerk typist, travel clerk, branch secretary, division secretary, procurement technician, contract specialist, contracting officer, SBIR and NRA team lead contracting officer, contract management module program manager and small business specialist.

In addition to working at NASA Ames Research Center, I have participated in the following groups at the Center: African American Advisory Group, IFPTE Union, Recruitment Team, and the South Bay FEW Chapter (Disbanded in 2003).

During my tenure at the Center as the South Bay FEW chapter president we supported the EEO Office by serving as a member of their Advisory Group that sponsors various programs such as Take Your Daughter’s to Work Day and Women’s History Month. The African American Advisory Group sponsored Black History Month and Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations.

I have also represented NASA Ames by participating as a member of the Speakers Bureau; I have spoken at various Career Days, at Math and Science Youth Conferences throughout the Bay Area, and at local churches and schools. I have mentored several students with developing their career goals, as I believe it is important to teach children the importance of math and science at all levels.

My hobbies include traveling, spending time with friends and family, driving, going to sports games or watching them on TV (skiing, hockey, basketball, baseball and football), sitting on the beach, reading (I’m in a couple of different book clubs), and taking courses to enhance my personal growth.

What made you want to become a small business specialist?

I attended a NASA Procurement Conference and heard Glenn Delgado speak regarding NASA’s SBA score card. I wanted to be a part of the team to change NASA’s SBA score card grade from F to A.

What is your favorite part of being a small business specialist?

What I enjoy most about my job is the interaction with customers (internally and externally). I am able to participate in NASA’s mission. There are constant learning opportunities about how to do business with the government and NASA. No two days are alike. Everyone you meet is always interested in anything you can tell them about NASA.