Makayla Herbert Browne

Q: Who is Makayla? What do you enjoy most about working here? A: My name is Makayla Herbert Browne, and I have been with the organization for nearly two years. I am an ambitious and driven individual who strives for success in every endeavor I pursue. I have learned that every win carries a lesson; it all depends on how you apply it. After almost four and a half years of dedication, I will be graduating from the University of the Virgin Islands with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in May 2026. One of the main reasons I enjoy working at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is the abundance of opportunities and the room for professional growth. I began my career here as an Administrative Specialist, and within a year and a few months, I was promoted to Procurement Analyst. This role has allowed me to gain deeper insight into fiscal responsibility and the critical role OMB plays in ensuring accountability and compliance across government operations. Q: What is your current position and primary responsibilities? A: I currently serve as a Procurement Analyst. My primary responsibilities include evaluating bids to ensure compliance with procurement regulations, reviewing contracts to identify potential risks, and monitoring contract expenditures to ensure they align with approved budgets. Q: How did you start your career, and what led you to your current role? A: My career began as an intern at the Judiciary, followed by a role as an Accounts Payable Clerk and additional internship experiences. Eventually, I applied to OMB. It was a significant pivot for me, as I came from working in a semi-autonomous agency where most processes were handled in-house. Transitioning to OMB exposed me to a much broader and more complex operational environment, which ultimately helped shape my professional growth and led me to my current role. Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next few years? A: In the next few years, I aspire to become a Forensic Accountant solving white-collar crimes both locally and internationally. My end goal is to be highly successful in my career and, most importantly, to genuinely love what I do every day. Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of both professionally and personally? A: Professionally, I am most proud of how far I have progressed at my age. I am doing well for myself, and none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, especially my mother. While it has been challenging to juggle a full-time job alongside my studies, my academic success reassures me that I am on the right path. Q: What motivates you in your work? A: What motivates me most is having structure and a clear routine. Knowing what tasks need to be completed and successfully checking them off my to-do list brings me a strong sense of accomplishment and keeps me driven throughout the workday. Q: Share a fun fact or hobby that others might not know about you? A: I have 14 years of experience in dance, including ballet and local Caribbean dance styles. When I was younger, I considered pursuing cosmetology, and while I did not take that path professionally, I am very skillful in hair weaving and often do it for my friends. I also love to cook; it is one of the ways I show love to the people closest to me. Q: If you won a trip to anywhere around the world, where would you go and why? A: I would choose Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of East Africa. The serene and calm atmosphere makes it the perfect destination to fully relax, enjoy the sound of the water, and unwind for about two weeks, with room service readily available. Q: What advice would you give to someone starting in your role? A: Be open-minded and willing to learn, and never let anyone dim your light! Once you truly believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. Put in the work and make your goals a reality.