Meet NNSY's Journey Level Leaders: Tarane Parker and Cheyenna Pike
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Code 1101.1 Workforce Development Specialist Tarane J. Parker is one of NNSY's......read moreread more
Photo By Shelby West | Code 1101.1 Workforce Development Specialist Tarane J. Parker is one of NNSY's employees who was recently accepted into the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Journey Level Leadership (JLL) Program for 2026. see less
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Meet NNSY's Journey Level Leaders: Tarane Parker and Cheyenna Pike
In the February 2026 Service to the Fleet, we shared that seven individuals – six stationed at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) and one from Naval Regional Maintenance Department, Kings Bay (NRMD-KB) – were accepted into the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Journey Level Leadership (JLL) program for 2026. This month, we’re highlighting two of these individuals - Code 1101.1 Workforce Development Specialist Tarane J. Parker, and Code 105.2 Radiological Engineer Cheyenna Pike – who are excited for their JLL Journey.
This one-year initiative invites high-performing civilian employees who have demonstrated progressive leadership experience and seek to expand their horizons to join other representatives across the enterprise in a hybrid environment for learning. With classroom instruction, networking opportunities, team building, a 90-day rotation, and a Capstone project pursuing an issue that aligns with the NAVSEA Campaign Plan – this experience not only builds up their toolbelt for future endeavors but also connects them directly to headquarters, the other shipyards, warfare centers, regional maintenance centers, and other areas across the enterprise that they may have never been linked to previously in their daily roles.
Stay tuned to upcoming Service to the Fleet editions where we’ll highlight more of the NNSY/NRMD-KB representatives taking on the JLL program and hear their thoughts and goals as they press forward. To learn more about the JLL program and to stay up-to-date with future announcements for application, please visit [https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NAVSEA_JLL](https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NAVSEA_JLL).
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Cheyenna Pike, Code 105.2 Radiological Engineer
Pike currently supports reactor servicing planning and work practice development for upcoming inactivations and co-leads the Rad Engineer Development Program for NNSY. Throughout her career, she has sought opportunities to further develop her skills, including participating in the Next Generational of Leaders (NEXTGEN) Program in 2022. Upon completion of the program, she had interest in continuing her journey through the NAVSEA Leadership Development Continuum; however, at the time, she was unable to dedicate the time to apply. So, she kept her eyes peeled for opportunities down the road, ready to make the jump when her schedule would allow her to put in the focus required.
“When I first started the NEXTGEN Program, I had no idea how massive NAVSEA is, despite having already been at NNSY for several years. The shipyard bubble can feel very insulated, and it is easy to never branch out of that comfort zone,” said Pike. “It was an eye-opening experience overall. Programs like these open lanes that people may not otherwise know exist and give opportunities to those who wish to support the mission in a different way. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the NEXTGEN and knew I wanted to take a chance with the JLL when my schedule would allow.”
She applied in 2025 and was one of the NNSY employees chosen for the 2026 JLL cadre. “I’m very excited for this opportunity to complete a rotation outside of my current duties. I hope to learn how to apply my specialized Radcon experience to broader applications. Upon the JLL’s completion, I look forward to bringing new energy and ideas back to my department and finding the next position to best utilize the knowledge, skills, and abilities I will gain in this program,” she said.
When it comes to what advice she would share with others who may be interested in applying for this or similar programs down the road, Pike wants to encourage others to take the plunge, even if the task may seem daunting. “Looking back, I was silly to not take full advantage of the opportunities like attending these programs from the jump,” she said. “There are plenty of ways to talk yourself out of doing something like this, but if you’re on the fence, go for it! Better that than looking the other way and regretting it for all time. You’ve got to take the chances that present themselves to you and take on the challenge if you’re able – sometimes things don’t work out, but you’ll never know unless you try.”
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Tarane Parker, Code 1101.1 Workforce Development Specialist
Parker currently serves as a workforce development specialist for the Executive Support Department (Code 1100), where he supports the development, readiness and sustainment of the workforce through strategic planning, coordination, and execution of workforce initiatives. He highlights his main focus in his role is to enhance workforce effectiveness while supporting the leadership objectives and long-term mission success of America’s Shipyard.
Throughout his career, Parker has been a huge advocate for personal and professional development. So when he learned that the JLL Program was accepting applications – he saw how well the program aligned with his personal goals for his career and jumped at the chance. “I have been working towards my doctoral studies in Strategic Leadership as well as been working hard throughout my career to build myself into the leader I’d always hoped to be,” he said. “The JLL offered a unique experience to expand my enterprise-level perspective and strengthen my ability to lead strategically across the organizational boundaries within NAVSEA. With this in mind, I applied, showcasing my commitment to professional growth, enterprise leadership, and contributing to NAVSEA’s mission. It has been an honor to be chosen to be part of our cadre.”
Parker has noted that within the JLL Program, he’s already had a fresh look within the organization that he had not been privy to in his previous roles at NNSY. He’s been able to expand his horizons and meet with various individuals who play a role in serving NAVSEA and the nation. “Already I’ve had opportunities to be mentored in my development by others within our organization as well as offer my own mentoring to those in the Next Generation of Leadership (NEXTGEN) Program. We’re applying advanced leadership frameworks, systems thinking, and data-informed decision-making to real-world challenges through these assignments – and that will continue especially as we begin our rotational assignments. This opportunity is a privilege and I’m making the most out of these experiences to help me translate leadership theory into practical solutions that enhance workforce development, organizational performance, and mission readiness.”
He notes that programs like the JLL are critical to the overall success not only for NNSY, but for the enterprise as a whole. “We must provide the tools our workforce needs to be the best they can be in their personal and professional journeys,” said Parker. “With the NAVSEA Leadership Development Continuum, we’re providing those avenues where employees can be exposed to cross-functional perspectives, enterprise priorities, and applied leadership experiences – letting them expand beyond their isolated organizations or functional silos. These programs build leaders who understand how individual roles and decisions collectively support the mission of NAVSEA and our Navy. It helps us sustain a resilient, adaptable leadership pipeline capable of navigating complexity, driving continuous improvement, and maintaining mission-readiness.”
He continued, “I fully encourage my NNSY teammates to also take the opportunity to apply for programs like the JLL. Approach the application process with clear intentions and an understanding of how the program aligns with both your personal career goals as well as the broader mission of NAVSEA. These programs are built to provide you with as much as you’re willing to put into them. Set your own goals for your path and see what opportunities align with those goals. Make the most out of it – entering the program with a growth mindset, openness to feedback, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone will maximize both individual development and enterprise impact.”
Parker already has goals in mind for once he completed the JLL Program, leveraging the knowledge, skills, and enterprise insight he’s been gaining as part of the cadre. “I want to continue to grow and expand my leadership responsibilities and contribute more effectively at the strategic level of this organization,” he said. “I seek to serve as a strategic leader who drives continuous improvement, develops future leaders, and delivers sustained organizational impact in support of NAVSEA’s long-term mission success.”
