Alexis Tella at NLSC in Louisville, Ky. Photo courtesy Alexis Tella.
If you had asked me in high school what I would be when I grew up, I probably would have said “entrepreneur” or “dentist.” I never imagined my journey would lead me to discovering a passion for managing projects that help power our nation’s defense, but that’s exactly where I’ve found myself and I’m incredibly grateful for the path I’m on today.
In high school, I embraced entrepreneurship by designing, developing and manufacturing a school spirit bracelet line which was a small idea that taught me big lessons in business, innovation and teamwork. As vice president and later the president of my DECA chapter, I competed at the state and national level, pitching my product in settings that felt like Shark Tank. These experiences gave me practical knowledge that still shapes my work today.
I was also very involved in SkillsUSA at Cranston Area Career and Technical Center (Rhode Island), serving on the executive board of my school’s SkillsUSA chapter and I was a SkillsUSA Rhode Island state officer in 2015-16. I also competed and won gold at state in Entrepreneurship. SkillsUSA was instrumental in preparing me, like so many others, for future careers. Whether students were training to be welders, plumbers, estheticians, medical professionals or robotics engineers, SkillsUSA gave students the foundation needed to succeed. It wasn’t just about technical skills; it was about building confidence, professionalism, communication and leadership. These are qualities that are essential in any field.
Now working with the defense industry, I see firsthand just how vital these skilled trades really are. The future of America’s maritime strength depends on more than just ships, it depends on people. Back in high school, I had the opportunity to advocate on Capitol Hill for the work SkillsUSA was doing to promote and protect skilled trades when I attended the national Washington Leadership Training Institute. I realize now that this same mission continues in my work today. The teams I support are doing exactly what we advocated for: educating policymakers and the public about the need to preserve the strength of the U.S. submarine force and highlighting the submarine industrial base as a vital part of our national security.
being a SkillsUSA Rhode Island state officer.
We need welders. We need machinists. We need skilled hands and sharp minds, because it takes thousands of people working with precision and passion to build what only a few will ever see. Every submarine is a product of engineering excellence, relentless testing and craftsmanship that reflects a true mastery of the trades.
I have a sticker on the back of my phone that says Build Submarines.com because this work truly matters to me. It’s not just a job; it’s a mission I’m proud to support. I keep that sticker there intentionally, because I want people to ask me what I do. It gives me a chance to talk about how meaningful it is to be part of something bigger than myself, and to help shine a light on the importance of skilled trades in America’s future.
Today at Global Executive Solutions (GES), I’m a Program Manager supporting critical projects for the maritime industrial base. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is being young in this field and getting to learn from so many different professionals, people I never imagined I would cross paths with. From lifelong manufacturers who have spent their careers building these giants to those who’ve manned the ships and kept our nation safe. I get to learn from these individuals every day. They say to never stop learning and I’m incredibly grateful that learning is part of what I get to do every day.
Sometimes the path you take in your career isn’t the one you expected and that’s exactly what makes the journey so meaningful. Even if you haven’t completely answered the question of who or what you want to be in life, what matters most is finding work that’s rewarding and leaves a positive impact on both you and others. I’m truly proud to work alongside the incredible people I do every day. SkillsUSA had a significant impact on my life and I’m proud to share that.
Former SkillsUSA member Alexis Tella is a Program Manager for Global Executive Solutions (GES). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an MBA from Johnson & Wales University. If you’re passionate about supporting America’s skilled workforce and want to learn more about the work at GES, connect with Alexis on LinkedIn. She would love to share more about how they are working alongside BlueForge Alliance to support the supply chain, strengthen production cadence and help grow the talent and supplier pipeline that powers our nation’s undersea defense. Alexis recommends BuildSubmarines.com as a great resource for SkillsUSA graduates who are exploring career opportunities after graduation, especially those interested in hands-on impactful work.
