Lexus Wheeler soaks up knowledge like a sponge

Photo of Lexus Wheeler
Mission Area
Susan McGovern, PEO EIS Strategic Communication Directorate
March 23, 2021

Lexus Wheeler, technical engineering team lead at the General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS), manages a 15-person team supporting IT modernization initiatives.

Focused and driven, Wheeler earned two masters’ degrees before she was 30 years old. A dedicated professional, she has earned high marks for having a pleasant personality and being a hard-working teammate.

Always willing to enhance her skills, Wheeler recently volunteered to support a stakeholder-management initiative led by PEO EIS Deputy Program Executive Officer Brendan Burke.

A part-time fashion blogger, Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Norfolk State University and a master’s degree in information technology with a concentration in software engineering from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). She earned a graduate-level certificate in cyber technology and a second master’s degree in cyber technology from UMGC. Wheeler, today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, answered questions about her career and life.

How do your current and former bosses describe you?
They would say that I get the job done. I enjoy solving problems and streamlining procedures.

Why have you been so successful in your career?
One of my former supervisors told me, “Soak up everything like a sponge.” Wherever I go, I soak up as much knowledge as possible. I also keep a positive mindset. I am a people person. I know everybody in the office and am always willing to help them.

A lot of friends have asked me for career advice. I always tell them, “Make the best of where you are at — even if you don't like it. Consider it a stepping stone to where you want to go.”

How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in my people. I support them when they bring concerns to me. We are here to support the mission and get the job done. But I know that my people need to be in a good headspace to be good at their jobs.

What does a good leader do?
A good leader takes care of their people.

Who has mentored you?
I appreciate Peter Cloutier, Balinda Mooreland, Rob Porter and Reg Shuford for giving me valuable guidance, feedback and remembering the goals that I wanted to accomplish. 

What advice do you have for PEO EIS employees?
Take advantage of lunch-and-learns and developmental opportunities. My short-term goal is to become a General Schedule (GS)-14. I mapped out how I need to build my resume to get there.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I am a fashion blogger and created a YouTube channel. Most of my weekends are spent creating content for my blog and YouTube channel.

What inspired you to create a fashion blog and YouTube channel?
I love fashion and put a lot of thought into what I wear. My best friend recommended that I start a blog. She said, “You do business attire like nobody else.” What you wear to work can include more than just a pant-suit. I like to add beautiful colors and textures to my work attire.

I volunteer to teach young mothers how to dress for interviews, after they get the job and every day. I also help them find the best deals on clothes.

Have you read any good books lately?
I read “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth. I follow the author on Instagram for her fashion style. The book is an inspiring account of her life in fashion and journalism.

What are you for or against?
I support women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and exposing the younger generation to math to get them into it. When I was pursuing a bachelor’s degree, I avoided math classes. I decided to embrace math courses to achieve my goal of earning two masters’ degrees.

What is your favorite word?
Blessed

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