Question: How did you get involved with FEMA Corps?
Millie: I worked with Deanne Criswell in the past and she approached me one day in a Starbucks while she wearing a skirt (completely out of the ordinary, I was used to seeing her in jeans), and said that she had a position description that she wanted to find a reservist to fill and asked for my help. I took the job listing home, read it, read it, read it again. I ran into Deanne again, also at Starbucks, and she mentioned that I hadn't emailed her with a reservist's name. I told her, "Well, it has Millie Diaz written all over it" and Deanne said that she totally agreed and asked me to take the position.
Question: What does working with the FEMA Corps Coordination Team entail?
Millie: It involves working with three units from two campuses: Vinton, IA, and Perry Point, MD, making sure that their project requests are approved by all necessary bodies, making sure that campus can arrange housing, making sure team members have uniforms, equipment, and other necessary items.
Question: What was your first day working at Headquarters like?
Millie: It was hell. I had gone to the 8th floor to visit a friend of mine that works with you two who wasn't even in the office that day. There was a fire drill, and I was wearing 5" heels. During fire drills, you must walk down the stairs and doing that in heels was not fun. I had yet to meet my POC and so when I got across the street to the Department of Education, I called him to make sure he knew that I had made it to the office and was safe.
Question: What is the best part of working with FEMA Corps?\
Millie: What you bring to the table. You all add something different, whether it be personality, hard work, or just your energy. You bring so many things and for you to have such great goals and be such hard workers is great.
Question: If you could change anything about FEMA Corps, what would it be?
Millie: I would make campuses more aware of what FEMA Corps members actually do in the field and make sure there is a distinction between how Traditional NCCC and FEMA Corps are handled by campuses. I would change your uniforms for when you're in more professional environments, i.e. get rid of cargo pants and replace them with slacks. I would give you an entire year to explore your FQS and give you an opportunity to apply for jobs using that and get a preference because you are former FEMA Corps members.
Question: Where do you see FEMA Corps in five years?
Millie: I believe there will be more blue shirts. This program has already made a big difference in the agency and will continue to do so. I don't see it going anywhere.
Question: What is your dream job at FEMA?
Millie: I would like to be a branch chief. My friend Deanne Criswell was one before she took her current job.
Question: What is the most important thing our society needs?
Millie: Strong leadership is key. You don't need a degree to be a strong leader. If you focus, set your goals, you can make it happen.