09.21.2023 –
Julinette Bailey is the Branch Manager for the Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) Surface Ships Networks Branch at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). She was promoted to this position in January 2023, after dedicating 12 years as an In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) for the DDG-51 Class networks systems, where she gained experience in various areas, including new ship construction support, lifecycle fleet support, project management and contract management. She has a passion for human relations, mentoring and management.
Bailey was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico - the second biggest city on the island. “Ponce is located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico and is home to some of the most recognized historic landmarks of the island. It’s architecture, history and gastronomy attracts tourists and people from other Puerto Rican towns and cities,” Bailey said.
In 2010, Bailey graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez. Seven years later, she obtained a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management from Temple University in Philadelphia.
“After graduating college in 2010, I knew I wanted to seek employment in the mainland. I also knew I needed to be able to speak English fluently to be able to do well at job interviews,” Bailey said. So, while actively searching for engineering jobs online, she worked a full-commission job in Sales in Dallas, Texas. She adds, “By speaking with strangers all-day every-day, I was able to face my fears and get to a place where I was comfortable speaking English to others. Six months later, I moved to Davenport, Florida where I worked two full-time jobs at two hotel front desks. Even when going through various struggles, my focus was on bettering myself and my English (and to land the job of my dreams).” In November 2011, she received a job offer from NSWCPD. “I moved to Philly and it was the biggest culture shock for me. My first time ever in the northeast, with no friends or family and I didn’t understand the culture. But there was one thing I was sure about: this was the opportunity of a lifetime. And I was not wrong about that,” Bailey said.
Bailey, who inspires others through her perseverance, commitment and hard work, added, “By connecting with others and identifying areas where I can use my story as motivation. Because I recognize that we all have things that connects us to each other, regardless of how different we may be.”
Bailey currently supervises a group of 32 employees. The group supports Network Systems design, management, monitoring, testing and troubleshooting on Navy surface ships. She is also an active member of the Latin American Employee Resource Group (LAERG) since 2012. LAERG promotes relationships and communication amongst the federal workforce at NSWCPD. It also increases employee awareness of diversity initiatives. Additionally, as a NSWCPD Recruiter, she is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion inside and outside the organization.
“To me, Hispanic Heritage means sense of service and unity. We are taught by our ancestors that helping others is part of our purpose. So no matter how much we have or where we may be, if we see someone in need, we try to help,” Bailey said, adding, “Unity is what gets us through hard seasons and is one of the things we value the most. In the last five years, Puerto Rico has faced devastating events, like hurricanes, earthquakes and the pandemic to name a few. It is by helping each other and sticking together that we have been able to overcome these things.”
When asked about who or what inspires her, Bailey said, “Coming from a place with limited resources, you learn to gain inspiration from whatever is within reach. Throughout my journey, I’ve been inspired by great people like my grandfather, who I learned respect, discipline and resourcefulness from; by great places like my hometown, where my roots are always going to be; and by my circumstances, that has shaped me into the woman I am. Today, my biggest inspiration is my son, who I try to be an example for every single day. I also get inspiration from my husband, my family, my friends, my team members and my job.”
“I think is important to pave the way for others by serving what we believe is our purpose. Success looks different for everyone, and every action we take has an impact on somebody,” Bailey said.
Bailey highlights that “NSWCPD has given me a place where I can practice mentorship, leadership and career guidance - the things I am passionate about.”
NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.