Fort Belvoir, Va. –
Mr. Ramnath Shenoy, General Dynamics Corporate Resident Sub-Office, is this year’s winner of DCAA’s Outstanding Employee with a Disability Award. Ramnath joined DCAA in September of 2016 and has excelled. He has always gone above and beyond what is expected, volunteering to be the lead auditor on assignments, assisting team members, and suggesting innovative solutions and process improvements.
Ramnath is deaf, which has not held him back in his career at DCAA. He coordinates for interpreters when necessary and facilitates his own meetings both internally and with contractor representatives. He also understands it can be challenging for others to work with him due to their misconceptions about his disability. Ramnath tackled this challenge head on creating a presentation, which included introducing sign language to the staff and other tips on improving communication between himself and the staff. After his presentation there was a noticeable positive change in the office and better teamwork and communication.
When asked about what this award means to him, Mr. Shenoy stated;
“Getting recognized with this award is not only an honor but also one of the important milestones that continues to define my career for many years ahead. Being deaf just doesn’t stop me from wanting to succeed, and that means getting out of my comfort zone and being constantly willing to take on challenges on a daily basis. It certainly doesn’t stop me from gaining camaraderie among others. I let my perseverance speaks for itself, and the rest will follow. After all, success lays in uncharted territory so always stay hungry! Big shout out to DCAA, the General Dynamics Raytheon Technologies Corporate Audit Directorate, and my awesome supervisors and colleagues!”
Mr. Shenoy was presented his award at a virtual ceremony hosted by the Deputy Secretary of Defense David L. Norquist. Read the DoD press release here.