Zulaida (Zulie) Cipo, integration engineering support specialist for the Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test (COMET) contract at Kennedy Space Center, received the “Yes, If” award at a recent Office of Safety and Mission Assurance town hall meeting. Russ DeLoach, NASA’s chief of Safety and Mission Assurance (SMA), presented the award to Cipo in recognition of the initiatives she implemented to enhance safety at the center. 

"Yes, If" award recipient, Zulie Cipo

Though Cipo’s main role is an integration engineering support specialist, she regularly goes beyond the requirements of her position to support institutional safety. She serves in a volunteer role as safety co-chair for Kennedy’s Operations Support Buildings (OSB) 1 and 2.

Over the past year, she conducted monthly safety walk-down inspections with fellow team members to train them on the COMET Safety Checklist process, including reporting inspection results in the COMET Safety and Environmental Tracking System. These inspections check housekeeping processes, safety signage and information, contamination, trip hazards and indoor air quality. 

Through these monthly inspections, Cipo discovered multiple safety discrepancies in OSB 1 and 2, such as the need for clearly marked emergency evacuation signage. All emergency evacuation routes are now clearly marked and identifiable for easy access during an emergency. She worked with her management and the COMET Safety Committee to resolve these discrepancies, making both buildings safer for all. She also worked with the Facility Management Branch to address and resolve other safety issues.

She was instrumental in initiating a reflooring effort in OSB 1 that was needed as a result of first-floor flood damage. She supported the planning process to prevent uneven tile surfaces that presented trip hazards.

“Zulie has demonstrated exceptional measures for safety awareness to the COMET employees,” said Michael Milbert, program manager in the NASA Safety Center Assessments and Integration Office. “She presented several safety topics and key takeaway information at the COMET senior staff meetings.”

Recently, she initiated the installation and repair of flatscreen televisions across the OSB 1 and 2 building lobbies. By advocating for these digital signs, building residents and visitors are greeted with safety messaging, reinforcing NASA’s Safety Culture upon entering the building. She also established a partnership with Kennedy’s SMA office to support its Safety Day activities earlier this year.

“Zulie demonstrates exemplary achievement as a safety role model for the COMET contract,” said Milbert. “Her ‘Yes, If’ attitude is exemplified by her ability to be a leader and her continuous commitment to advocating for and creating positive change.”