Barrios’ 2025 Q2 Silver BEAR Award Recipients Embody Innovation, Leadership, and Commitment
Barrios’ 2025 Q2 Silver BEAR Award Recipients Embody Innovation, Leadership, and Commitment
Barrios Technology has announced its 2025 2nd Quarter Silver BEAR honorees – all of whom showcase the very best of who we are. Every recipient has delivered innovative solutions that drive efficiency, proactive leadership and collaboration, exceptional problem-solving under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to accuracy, quality, and service. Whether modernizing systems, improving technical processes, or inspiring future aerospace talent, they strengthen our mission every day.
Margaret Andrews, Project Coordinator – Consolidated Program Support Services Project Coordination contract (CPSS PC)
Margaret Andrews receives the 2nd Quarter Silver BEAR Award for her exceptional innovation and initiative in developing a transformative solution for the Space Launch System (SLS) Stages office by independently designing and deploying a custom Power Apps dashboard that consolidated multiple data sources into one intuitive, real-time interface. By eliminating fragmented reporting tools and improving visibility into key actions and schedules, she significantly enhanced operational efficiency. Her insight, adaptability, and technical skill created a platform that empowers teams and supports more informed decision-making across the Stages element.
Curtis Brideau, Software Test Engineer – Boeing Engineering and Technical Support Services (BETS) contract
Curtis Brideau is recognized for his exceptional initiative, innovation, and dedication to strengthening the efficiency and accuracy of the Payload Software Integration and Verification (PSIVF) team. His implementation of automated cross-referencing solutions, mastery of replacement analysis tools, and support for testing new hardware greatly enhanced team productivity and data accuracy. His initiative, technical curiosity, and leadership strengthened team performance and earned recognition from colleagues and customer stakeholders alike.
Elissa Crossno, Budget Analyst – Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract (HSFTIC)
Recognized for her exceptional innovation, analytical rigor, and proactive leadership within the International Space Station (ISS)/Commercial Crew Program (CCP) Resource Management Team, Elissa Crossno has over the past year made significant strides in streamlining financial processes, improving reporting accuracy, and strengthening compliance for the ISS Resource Management Team. By refining pricing models, auditing system permissions, resolving complex anomalies, and automating high-visibility reporting, she enhanced efficiency and data integrity across multiple programs. Her proactive approach, attention to detail, and ability to integrate financial data across tools and teams have positioned the ISS Resource Management Office for future success in expanding project responsibilities.
Bionka Edmundson, Scheduler – HSFTIC
Bionka Edmundson receives the award for her exceptional leadership and community impact in creating meaningful STEM engagement opportunities for disadvantaged students in the Aldine Independent School District. She created a powerful bridge between Gateway Program employees and students in underserved communities by coordinating engagement activities with local Title 1 schools. Through school visits, speaker events, and a Johnson Space Center tour, she provided transformative educational experiences that inspired students to explore futures in aerospace. Her creativity in developing future STEM activities and commitment to meaningful community outreach exemplify the best of Barrios—connection, service, and the drive to elevate others.
Orion CDM Team (Anita Kaul, Allison Price, Carol Gillette, Christina Burdette, Jenna Contenta, Katy Moye, Morgan Hansen, Ted Viar, and Badir McCleary (ARES)) – HSFTIC
Led by Anita Kaul, the Orion HSFTIC Configuration and Data Management (CDM) Team delivered outstanding support to ensure material readiness and meet critical milestones for Artemis II. Their streamlined As-Designed / As-Built (ADAB) process, resource-loaded planning, and tireless work ethic, which included long hours and coordinated efforts across multiple locations, ensured timely turnover and supported major review milestones. Their cohesion, technical discipline, and commitment kept the program on track for launch readiness.
Payroll Team (Jamie Heidt and Kelsey McEachern) – Corporate
Jamie Heidt and Kelsey McEachern (the Payroll Team) have earned the award for facilitating the successful rollout of the payroll subsystem updates during the migration from UKG back to Costpoint. Despite heavy workloads and demanding timelines, they challenged outdated processes, automated key functions, and ensured seamless integration of tax tables, vouchers, and garnishment processes. Their project-driven approach, cross-team collaboration, and meticulous attention to detail ensured employees were paid accurately and on time, strengthening confidence and operational stability across Barrios.
Tiffany Travis, Communications Specialist – HSFTIC
Through exceptional leadership and strategic vision in planning, Tiffany Travis delivered a comprehensive communications campaign celebrating the transatlantic transport of the HALO primary structure from Italy to Arizona. Her meticulously coordinated effort spanned an international media event in Europe – generating more than 800 million impressions across 30 outlets in eight countries—and a high-profile U.S. arrival event featuring Congressional participation. Through her innovation, organization, collaboration, and infectious enthusiasm, Tiffany ensured each milestone was executed flawlessly and showcased the Gateway Program with unmatched impact.
Latoina (Toni) Walker, Project Coordinator – CPSS PC
Toni Walker has been recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership, organization, and resourcefulness in supporting high-level engagements with Moon to Mars and JAXA leaders at Marshall Space Flight Center. With extremely limited lead time, she proactively coordinated approvals, access, and on-site support to ensure visiting international partners could participate in important program discussions. Her clear communication, problem-solving, and uncommon dedication earned praise from program leadership and made a meaningful impact on mission-critical outcomes.
The BEAR Awards Program honors superior performance and outstanding contributions toward customer and company goals. Each quarter, employees are nominated and their achievements independently scored by employees for the Silver BEAR Award. Silver Award recipients automatically become candidates for the prestigious annual Gold BEAR Award.
