PACE Spotlight: Joana Marie P. Duran

Joana Marie P. Duran is a current member of Pathways to Career Excellence Group 50, which began in 2025. For her second year in PACE, she will work in the Contracting directorate at DLA Disposition Services' Battle Creek headquarters.

Why did you first apply to PACE?

During my time in the service, I frequently saw units turn in equipment to DLA Disposition Services, and I always wondered what happened to those items behind the scenes. I applied to the PACE program because I wanted to learn the full scope of the disposition process and transition my military experience into a career where I could help manage those vital logistics operations.

What was your career path before joining PACE? For example, what was your previous role, and what led you to DLA?

Prior to joining the PACE program, I served as a Navy Reservist assigned to DLA Support Unit 1 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. My interest in the agency was sparked during a deployment where I worked directly with units handling supply turn ins and receiving. Seeing firsthand how DLA directly supports the warfighter inspired me to transition into a civilian career with the agency.

What have your favorite parts of PACE been so far?

My favorite part of the PACE program has been gaining a comprehensive understanding of the various branches within DLA Disposition Services. I've particularly enjoyed networking with professionals across the agency, which has helped me connect the dots between our internal processes and the hands-on operational work being done in the field.

What has been your most memorable moment in PACE, and why does it stand out to you?

Gaining firsthand exposure to field sites through TDY has been essential for my professional development within DLA. This hands-on experience provides a broader operational perspective that is vital for a newcomer. Furthermore, returning to the field brings back fond memories of the high-tempo expeditionary disposal team environment and the dedication required to fulfill Kind-Count-Condition requirements from the ground up.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in PACE?

Be a sponge. Soak up everything your team has to teach you. Lean on your mentors for guidance and focus on the skills that will set you up for success.

What suggestions do you have for PACE that could enhance the experience for future participants?

If the PACER has no experience/background with DLA at all, it might be worth it to have them see and experience the field work first. Just to understand the process and terminologies used during the overviews that we get.

What are the key qualities that help a person succeed and thrive in PACE?

I'd say to really thrive in the PACE program, you need a constant willingness to learn, a genuine passion for the DLA mission, and a real sense of care for the people around you. Since this program relies heavily on teamwork, bringing a collaborative, people-first attitude and building strong connections is just as important as mastering the technical side of the job.

How would you explain the program and its benefit to a colleague?

It's basically a high-value internship and on-the-job training rolled into one. It's a fast-track to learning how DLA operates, and unlike some programs, it's highly structured and geared toward helping you actually excel.

Where will you be assigned for your second year of the program?

I've been assigned to the Requirements Team within the Contracting directorate, under the leadership of Larry Leach.

Looking beyond PACE, what are your long-term career goals within the agency?

In the short term, my goal is to deploy OCONUS with DLA as a property disposal specialist bringing hands-on support directly to the operational field. Looking further ahead, my target is to step into leadership as a site lead. As a current PACER, I recognize there is still a vast amount of institutional knowledge to gain, so while my long-term goals may evolve as I grow, my primary focus remains on developing the leadership capabilities needed to guide a site team in the future.

Editorial Note: The Pathways to Career Excellence Program for DLA Disposition Services is a two-year program educating PACERS on the full scope of organizational business processes and the various directorates. The first year takes place at major subordinate command headquarters in Michigan, with a second year either in Battle Creek for Contracting trainees or at field sites for property disposal personnel. PACERS begin training as General Schedule 7 employees, promote to GS-9 at the end of their first year, and graduate the program as GS-11s. There are multiple pathways to becoming a PACER, including through DLA internal selection, recent graduates, or candidates coming directly from active military service.