Inspiring Journey from NASA Intern to Deputy Manager: Portia Keyes’ Remarkable Career
Portia Keyes’ journey with NASA began with a single semester as a Pathways intern, which ignited a passion in her to learn the Russian language during her college years. This decision was influenced by her desire to contribute to the International Space Station (ISS) Program, particularly after gaining valuable experience in the Johnson Space Center’s Office of Procurement. Fast forward 12 years, and Keyes now holds the position of deputy manager in the procurement office dedicated to the ISS and Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Programs. Her role entails crafting and managing acquisition strategies that support the procurement of essential goods and services for these programs.
One of the most exciting opportunities for Keyes has been applying her Russian language skills in her role. She recalls a project that involved negotiating a contract modification with Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, to facilitate NASA astronauts’ travel to the ISS aboard Soyuz spacecraft following the retirement of the space shuttle. “This project stands out to me both for its impact on NASA’s missions and the way it transcended political and geographical boundaries,” Keyes explained. This endeavor underscored the significance of international collaboration in space exploration. “It demonstrated how shared goals and values can unite people across different nations, regardless of external circumstances,” she added. Keyes believes this project highlighted the interconnectedness of the world, a realization that is often overlooked.
Collaboration is a key value for Keyes, even on a smaller scale. Her procurement role involves engaging with a diverse group of subject matter experts, each passionate about their respective fields. She acknowledges that procurement officials are sometimes perceived as obstacles rather than facilitators of a mission. However, Keyes has successfully addressed this challenge by maintaining open communication with stakeholders, striving to understand their viewpoints, and offering solutions that benefit all parties involved.
“My commitment is to advancing NASA’s missions through the responsible management of taxpayer dollars,” she said. Working closely with technical counterparts, Keyes has managed to secure crucial services and supplies while adhering to regulatory, schedule, and resource limitations.
Adaptability has played a central role in Keyes’ career success. “Whether it’s shifting priorities due to unforeseen challenges, navigating cultural differences within international teams, or adjusting to new acquisition regulations, being flexible and open to change has allowed me to not just survive in dynamic environments, but thrive,” she stated. Keyes emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in the workplace, a skill she has honed over the years. “What I have learned about myself is that I can do anything, but not everything,” she mentioned. As her career has progressed, she has come to terms with the reality that time, energy, and resources are finite, and it is crucial to focus on what truly matters.
Throughout her career, Keyes’ dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She has received multiple awards, but the one she cherishes the most is the Office of Procurement Bubbee’s Coach Award. This accolade recognizes the team member most likely to mentor colleagues. “Much of my professional and personal growth has stemmed from formal and informal mentors who supported me in navigating challenges, developing new skills, and creating environments for me to thrive,” she said. She expresses deep gratitude for these mentors and aspires to have a similar positive impact on those around her.
Looking to the future, Keyes is eager to inspire the Artemis Generation to tackle the unknown with curiosity, resilience, and a sense of responsibility toward both our planet and the universe. She anticipates the continued broadening of access to space. “I hope to be around for the days where I can afford a reasonably priced, roundtrip ticket to the Moon,” she remarked. “Perhaps by then they will sell functional spacesuits in the local sporting goods stores.”
Keyes’ story is not just an inspiring narrative of personal and professional growth, but also a testament to the power of education, adaptability, and collaboration. Her journey from a NASA intern to a key player in the organization underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passions and embracing opportunities to learn and grow. Her achievements serve as a beacon for aspiring space professionals, illustrating the impact one individual can have on the broader goals of space exploration and international cooperation.
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