New York -- 
Shamirra Shelton-Thornton, North Atlantic Division headquarters program analyst and staff action coordination officer, received recognition as a “Technology All-Star” at the 2021 Women of Color (WOC) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference. Technology All-Stars are accomplished women of color from mid-level to advanced stages of their careers (approximately 22 or more years in the work force) who have demonstrated excellence in the workplace and in their communities.
“I have seen her leadership firsthand, as she is on my personal staff,” said Brig. Gen. Thomas Tickner, NAD commanding general and division engineer. “Her years of experience and positive reputation as a leader and technical expert in her craft are value added to any organization.”
Shelton-Thornton is a sought-after member of the division team for her technical expertise across a wide array of administrative systems. As a mentor to junior staff, she regularly works to develop not only solutions to complex problems, but her fellow team members as well. In one example, Shelton-Thornton provided support to the headquarters USACE Diversity and Leadership and Civilian Human Resource Agency (CHRA) teams during the 2019 Becoming Everything You Are conference and recruitment fair by gathering information and speaking with young college students. These efforts contributed to CHRA issuing several job offers to students interested in pursuing USACE careers.
“It was a pleasure to nominate Shamirra for this award,” said John Dunleavy, NAD chief of staff and Shelton-Thornton’s supervisor. “She has unlimited potential and is an absolute standout member of our staff. Truly the ‘go-to’ person on many significant actions, and absolutely well-deserving of the recognition.”
She says of her work, “I enjoy my job. It’s fast-paced and full of constant changes, but you receive instant gratification. I get to see the impacts of what I do help others in supporting USACE’s mission.”
Shelton-Thornton was among 21 total USACE employees recognized as Technology All-Stars, along with five other winners in a variety of categories. The conference is produced by Career Communication Group, Inc., a non-Federal entity. It creates connections between students, educators and STEM professionals while facilitating partnerships with educational institutions, industry, and government agencies. This event holds critical interest for Department of Defense, organizations, activities, and research centers that require military and Civilian personnel with STEM expertise.