Comeback Stories Series: Dawn Washelesky

Careers aren’t always linear. Sometimes, the path forward includes finding your way back. In our Comeback Stories series, we spotlight employees who returned to The Building People and share what inspired them to come back.

In this edition, we’re featuring Dawn Washelesky, Senior Program Analyst, who returned to The Building People after spending time away. In this Q&A, Dawn shares what first drew her to TBP, the experiences she gained while exploring new opportunities, and what ultimately led her back.

Let’s start with you—what’s your role at TBP and what does your day-to-day look like?

I am a senior program analyst supporting the Industrial Technologies Office at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Every day can look different for me, but ultimately my job is to improve processes and the operational functionality of the office. This can look like building out an entire SharePoint intranet site, complete with the most frequently requested/used resources for the office, or standardizing document management and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  

What originally brought you to TBP the first time around?

The Building People acquired the communications support contract that I had previously been on, supporting the Solar Energy Technologies Office in DOE.  

You spent some time away—what were you up to during that chapter?

I had the opportunity to support the DOE solar office in a new capacity as a federal employee, so it was a natural progression for my career. I split my time between the operations and communications teams and acted as a deputy to both teams’ program managers.  

What did you enjoy or learn most from that experience?

I really enjoyed leaning more into the operational side of the office, since that’s where my natural tendencies end up gravitating toward anyway. I’m always asking myself: how could processes be improved; what might people need to make their day-to-day easier or run more smoothly; what’s going to encourage a positive office culture? Functions in the federal government are often tedious and bureaucratic by default—but there are always ways to make improvements!  

While you were away, was there anything you found yourself missing about TBP?

It’s a bit of a cliché, but what I missed most were the people. Even though I kept in touch and stayed updated with TBP on LinkedIn, the conversations became much less frequent. 

What sparked the idea (or decision) to come back?

Unfortunately, I got swept up in the shakeup in the federal government and made the difficult decision to step away after nearly 10 years supporting DOE. When TBP roles became available in DOE again, I was glad for the relationships I had maintained with TBP and the genuine care for my wellbeing I was shown. It was an easy decision to come back to TBP, and it really eased a stressful period of my life. I knew what I was walking into and my return felt celebrated by leadership. What more could you possibly ask for in returning to a previous employer?! 

Now that you’re back, what has stood out to you the most?

The ease at which I stepped back into the role, even with it being a bit different type of role and supporting a different technology office. It was like no time had passed at all, and I once again had the same folks looking out for me. It was also neat to see how TBP had continued to grow as a company in my time away. I believe I was in the first 100 employees at TBP my first go-around, and now there are around 450! 

What’s been your favorite part about being back so far?

Getting to work with Laura Fabeny and Caitlin Razuri again. Hands down! Working with colleagues that you genuinely trust and like as kind human beings always makes the job better.  

For someone who’s never worked here, how would you describe TBP and the culture?

While I’m not a headquarters employee, I still feel like I’m a part of the team. They have a great multi-phase onboarding process with plenty of face time with HQ. We are regularly updated through all-hands meetings. And we have multiple opportunities to connect in person throughout the year—my favorites being a Washington Nats outing that we get to bring our families to and the annual holiday party where you might see the CEO cutting a rug in a plaid velvet sportscoat!