Congratulations to Melissa Howze, Manager of the Enterprise Services Staff and Support Services (AMK-020), for earning the 2024 Keller Sullivan Award as sponsored by the FAA’s National Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees with Disabilities (NCFAED). This award is given annually to an employee or contractor who goes above and beyond their expected responsibilities to advocate for people with disabilities.
As a manager, Melissa helps to educate other managers about Persons with Disabilities or Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWD/PWTD) using direct hiring authority and how it works. She attends career fairs at local disability centers to utilize this authority to fill vacancies. Her direct influence and experience as a disabled employee have encouraged the leverage of this authority within the Enterprise Service Center (ESC) organization. ESC employs the largest contingent of employees with disabilities at the Aeronautical Center.
Melissa began her federal career as an intern for the General Services Administration over 29 years ago, working in the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in downtown Oklahoma City. On the morning of April 19, 1995, at 9:02 a.m., Melissa was writing a note when her world suddenly went black. Within moments, she found herself on the floor covered in rubble. She kept trying to dig herself out and get up to walk, but she was unable to move because of several injuries. An Oklahoma City police officer climbed up to get her out of the collapsed building. The officer carefully put her on his back and carried her down the treacherous debris. He placed her on the ground, safely away from the rubble, where she was taken to a triage area with several other injured people. Unaware of what had happened, nor realizing the magnitude of the event, she was placed on a gurney and transported to the Plaza area, where first responders were treating many injured. Amidst the chaos, strangers checked on her, ensuring she was comfortable and okay. Melissa and another injured person were transported via ambulance to a nearby medical center. Upon arrival, tests were quickly arranged to assess the extent of their injuries. She was admitted for surgery for a fractured, dislocated hip and knee injuries. Medical staff assisted her in contacting her father, who was in another state, to let him know where she was and that she was okay. He quickly boarded a plane to be with her.
While the wounds healed, scars remained. Melissa returned to work and stayed on course with her studies, graduating from college on time. The GSA hired her as a full-time employee. In 1999, she transferred to the FAA as an Account Technician in the Government Travel Office.
Melissa leads with a remarkable perspective on life. She said, "I’ve learned not to take anything for granted and that tomorrow isn’t promised to us. I had to learn how to survive. You always think that something like this will never happen to you, but your reality quickly changes when it does. It has made me more aware." Melissa admits doing things differently because of her experience – I try to prepare for the "what ifs." For example, after losing all of her identification and struggling to access her bank account, she makes sure she has her identification when taking shelter during severe weather. She also believes that everything in your life makes you who you are. This experience is not something you can simply ’get over.’ You must learn to live with a new normal. As Melissa continues to battle various surgeries due to her injuries, one thing is for certain: she is resilient and inspirational. Much like the slogan of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Melissa believes "it’s important for all of us to remember."
ESC and the Aeronautical Center are fortunate to have Melissa Howze as an employee and champion of hiring people with disabilities. She has first-hand experience regarding the challenges and successes that a person with a disability experiences in their daily life. Her commitment to increasing the representation of people with disabilities in the FAA while supporting the overall diversity mission is commendable. Melissa Howze’s efforts embody the true spirit and essence of the Keller Sullivan Award.
