You know those moments that completely shift your perspective? I had one during my time as a Case Manager for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, long before I transitioned into federal service. In that role, I worked with hundreds of low-income families. I helped them achieve self-sufficiency by providing financial support, educational opportunities, and job connections. Each day, I met individuals whose stories changed my understanding of what true resilience looks like. But one young mother, in particular, left an especially profound mark on me. She arrived at my office with her children in tow, apologizing for bringing them along. Her arms were covered in painful cysts. As we talked, I discovered she was living with HIV.

As a Case Manager, I had encountered many cases, but this one felt different. Initially, I considered closing her case due to her medical condition, as I’d done for others with less severe conditions. It would’ve been the expected path. But she spoke of her dreams with fierce determination — dreams of financial stability, of providing for her children, of overcoming her challenges. Her story wasn’t unique in its challenges, but in her unwavering resolve to rise above them.
Resilience in Action
While working with TANF clients, I observed that resilient individuals shared common behaviors that helped them navigate difficulties and maintain their forward momentum. Let me share some of the behaviors I witnessed.
- Unwavering commitment to showing up. Despite obstacles — no childcare, unreliable transportation, chronic illness — they never missed a workshop or seminar. Why? They understood that consistency and dedication, even amid chaos, create change.
- Learning from shared experiences. By actively engaging in workshops and discussions, they found strength in the community. They exchanged practical strategies, supported each other, and built confidence through collective problem-solving.
- Having Plan B, C, and D because life doesn’t always follow Plan A. With our help, they actively developed multiple backup plans to overcome their challenges. This forward thinking ensured that obstacles wouldn’t derail their progress while working toward long-term goals. It wasn’t about expecting things to go wrong — it was about being prepared if they did.
Leadership & Resilience
Leaders play a vital role in fostering this type of resilience within teams and communities. By encouraging determination and goal-setting, leaders can empower individuals to persist through challenges. When leaders recognize and champion others’ ambitions, they can strengthen the value of perseverance. Leaders can also create a culture that nurtures support and growth by building spaces where people feel empowered to collaborate. Through facilitating these connections, they can enhance collective problem-solving.
The impact of resilience is undeniable. Remember the young mother I mentioned? She refused to let hardship define her future. She seized opportunities, completed training, and secured stable employment within a year. Her journey shows that resilience isn’t just about surviving — it’s about moving forward even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Adeline (Addy) Maissonet is a Procurement Analyst for the Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). She serves as a senior advisor on contracting policies and procedures and the agency’s representative on the Department’s views on proposed legislation to Congressional members, their staff, and committee staffers. Prior to her current role, Addy served as a Division Chief and Contracting Officer with unlimited warrant authority for the U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) – Fort Eustis, Virginia. Addy holds an MBA in Management and Contracting Level III Certification under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act. She is a graduate from Cornell University’s Executive Leadership Certificate Program. In her free time, Addy enjoys hiking and overlanding with her family and friends.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense.
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