Page 14 - MILConnection_Spring_2024

Monique Llanos, writing her own story

Senior proposal writer and communications specialist Monique Llanos has been an essential
part of MIL’s P&M team since August 2019. Monique joined MIL after years spent developing
winning business proposals for several large consulting and contracting firms. Having worked
at organizations with small to very large workforces, Monique is able compare and contrast
the experiences and doesn’t believe that growth opportunities for young women are the same.
“Interestingly enough I’ve had more positive experiences with medium to small organizations,”
she observed, adding “smaller companies tend to focus more on the individual and are more
flexible.” “In my experience, medium sized firms like MIL may not have the largest budgets,
but they still support growth and advancement in an impactful way. They tend to focus on one’s
abilities and help to foster a work environment that utilizes your strengths and help bolster any
areas for improvement.”

Over her 20+ years in communications, Monique has seen an increase in the number of women and women of color in
leadership roles, noting, “Female CEOs, presidents, and vice presidents were not as prevalent as they are today.” “Even as a
young journalism major in college there were not a lot of female journalists (especially of color) that I saw on the local or
national stage. The jobs I acquired right out of college, didn’t have very many female role models in the workplace either.”

Understanding it was a male-dominated industry only strengthened Monique’s work ethic. “I always took the position of;
“I’m not here by accident; I earned my spot on the roster like everyone else.” She also realized early on that believing in her
own abilities was imperative. “By nature I am never overconfident, but I’ve always had a certain amount of self-assurance. I
learned to be an effective communicator so that others valued my input and recognized me as an asset to the team. Today I’m
empowered by all the female leaders who are the proof that we can get the job done and do it well.”
The importance of role models for guidance and proof of possibility is vital in Monique’s estimation. “Over the years I didn’t
have just one role model. I sought out insight from any of my colleagues who were willing to share their knowledge and
expertise. I appreciated all my mentors and over time served as a mentor myself.” Monique points out that “professional
development and advancement are closely aligned so having someone more experienced to provide insight and guidance is
always advantageous.”
As any mentee turned mentor knows, insider info is sometimes the most valuable. Monique’s insight? “Be professional. That
means taking pride in whatever you do and taking the time to understand your work environment and the varied personalities
within it. There is no app for that. LOL!” She also advises young women and men to “understand the resources available to
you and utilize them,” “show up on time and ready to make a difference,” and “be an effective communicator by being an even
better listener.”
Final thoughts? “One of the things I am truly grateful for today is to have found a company like MIL where the women I have
encountered have been the most supportive. We have unique perspectives to share and if we learned from our experiences on
our journey to work success then others can too.”

Savdy Keng, moving in a world of numbers
MIL’s Savdy Keng came to her current Senior Analyst position after a nearly 30-year career in
the financial services industry. With stints in banking (where she worked as both an assistant
head teller and accounting clerk), an engineering management firm, an aerospace company,
and several professional services slash federal contractors, Savdy has filled any number of
accounting, analysis, and project control roles. What hasn’t changed over the years is her
affinity for numbers. In fact, she attributes her career path to finding something that she
enjoyed and was good at (working with numbers) and sticking with it.

Savdy’s financial industry origin story beginning in a bank is not surprising. The number
of female employees in the total workforce of most leading U.S. banks is above 50 percent,
with some banks employing well over 60 percent women. Making U.S. banks and lending
institutions a viable first stop for women interested in a career in finance. Asked what qualities and abilities she felt were
essential to succeeding in the financial services field, Savdy pinpoints problem-solving abilities and a willingness to keep
learning as new requirements arise. She also highlights the need to be both detail-oriented and able to work effectively as part of
a larger team.

14 | the MIL connection | spring 2024