I am mission success: Debra Wiseman

By Candice Copelin —
Take five minutes to learn about Debra Wiseman, janitorial custodian. This article details Wiseman's role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture Pantex offers. All views and opinions are the employee's own and do not necessarily reflect those of PXD.
When Debra Wiseman is asked about a time during her career at Pantex when she felt like she was thriving, she quickly responded, “I thrive every day.” This spirit is something she has carried with her throughout her 41–year career at Pantex.

Wiseman started at Pantex on April 26, 1982—when her son was just five weeks old. Like many employees who have been around a while, Wiseman has seen many changes at the plant, including numerous transitions between management and operating contractors, and has continued to remain positive about each one.

“If you want to know about the history of Pantex, it's change,” she said.

Wiseman has ridden the waves of change in her position, like a switch to nights during the pandemic, but she says the changes make her value the people she works with even more. “You should find a way to work with people,” she said. “Learn to be merciful. Learn to be kind. Because down the road you'll need it too. That comes with age and wisdom.”
She shares that wisdom with not only her co–workers, but with people around the plant. Now that she is approaching retirement in December, people are starting to share just how much her kind and giving spirit has affected them—much to her surprise.

“It's a melting pot out here. There are so many personalities out here, and you have to meet them where they are,” she said. “It is just in me, probably from the church, to help those in need. If someone needs you, you help them. I've had people from one of the shops tell me, ‘I want you to know, before you leave, that seeing your smile got me out of a depression. Your positive attitude helped me today.' I had no idea.”

The impact that Wiseman has made on Pantex comes not only from her need to help others, but the pride that she takes in doing a good job.

“I've cleaned every building on this plant besides the JCDC,” Wiseman said. “It takes everybody to make this place run. I try to encourage everyone to take ownership over what we do.”

What motivates you to be successful?

My motivation is to get things done right. I don't know how to slack on a job. I learned that from my parents. I learned that at six years old. I instilled that in my kids.

What advice would you give a new person in your position?

You have to be willing to work. At the end of the day when your boss is looking around at what you did, they ask ‘what did you do?' You don't want to be the one that hasn't done anything. I tell them to be accountable.

Reflecting on these last 41 years, what is it that you want to remember?

Gratefulness. It's been a pleasure and a great opportunity to work at a place where you can advance if you want to. I'm too blessed not to be grateful.

Any final thoughts?

For my sanity, I don't put myself in positions where I am stressed out—and if I end up there, it's not for long. You have to be happy, because if you are happy, you will do a good job. Stressing or being upset is when you miss things. I don't want to live my life angry. I want to be grateful. I'm grateful to be here and thankful for the opportunity to be at such a fine place to work. We are doing business for our country. What an honor. Let's treat it as such. We need to go above and beyond.