Employee Spotlight: Vanessa Aplon-Letson

By: Enzo Mungu

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Business Opportunity had to make major adjustments, including taking its in-person workshops to a virtual space.

In OBO’s Certification Division, Senior Business Development Coordinator Vanessa Aplon–Letson, who has worked with OBO since March 2007, stepped in to implement measures which enabled the program to remain active.

In addition to processing applications for the six certifications provided by OBO and helping train new certification team employees, Aplon-Letson also recorded online certification workshop videos for on-demand viewing, conducted site audits via virtual interface, and handled administrative duties. Aplon recently shared her thoughts about what drives her career at OBO and about her life outside the office.

Q: How does what you do impact the small business community?

A: Goals that are put on City contracts require the use of certified companies. OBO offers six free certifications that can help small businesses get subcontracting opportunities on both City and airport contracts. You want to be certified in case an opportunity comes up. Also, certifications offered by OBO’s Certification Division are accepted by other agencies. This helps expand opportunities for certified firms, enabling them to grow with other agencies as well.

Q: Tell me more about the certification workshops.

A: Before the pandemic, we offered a live certification workshop on Thursdays and a virtual workshop on Tuesdays. Because we are not currently receiving visitors due to the pandemic, we are only offering the workshop virtually on Tuesdays. And, we do have it on OBO’s YouTube channel (@houstontxOBO) where anyone can watch it on demand.

Q: What is your favorite part about working with OBO?

A: I have two! I do like the work in itself. I enjoy combing through the documents and learning about the businesses. We also have a strong team, and I love working with everyone. We are all on the same page and are all working towards a goal.

Q: What do you do when you’re not at work?

A: Most of my time is spent with my husband and my one and only child, Joshua. He’s 17 years old and falls on the autism spectrum. We do just anything he likes to do. If he wants to jump on the trampoline, we are jumping on the trampoline. If he wants to take a walk, we are taking a walk. Therefore, I will say my number one boss would be my son Joshua. Autism is a big part of our lives, and Joshua is one of the most rewarding and funniest people to spend time with.

Q: What has kept you working OBO for seven years?

A: I work with a strong team that has each other’s back and a great manager, Tim Warren, who knows the programs. It is always rewarding to have a good team, as well as a leader who does not mind teaching you. It is really a good balance.

Vanessa Aplon-Letson, Sr. Business Development Coordinator