INTERVIEW
Jessica Sunkamaneevongse: Successfully adapting to change
ACAMS Today sat down with Jessica Sunkamaneevongse, a fraud / antimoney laundering( AML) investigator and an international affairs enthusiast, with active top secret / sensitive compartmented information clearance. She is an accomplished federal leader with a decade of experience in leading cross-functional teams at the intersection of complex investigations, international relations and strategic planning.
Sunkamaneevongse is a critical problem-solver who thrives in fast-paced environments. She has established impactful relationships with key stakeholders, senior government leaders and international organizations. In addition, she has the proven capacity to turn failed units and programs into award-winning teams. Based out of the Washington, D. C, area, Sunkamaneevongse speaks English, Thai and Japanese.
ACAMS Today( AT): What drew you to pursue a career as a service member?
Jessica Sunkamaneevongse( JS): It’ s a tale as old as time: I’ m a firstgeneration Thai American who truly wanted to give back to my country. When I was younger, I knew I wanted a career rooted in service and giving back to local communities. Certainly, I recognize that a career in service can be attained in various industries ― not all are inherently tied to military service. It ultimately was my freshman year of college when a friend introduced me to the Reserve Officer Training Corp( ROTC) program, and my desire to serve in the military took off from there. Fortunately, I was able to serve as a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations for the entirely of my military career. Thus, from personal security details for senior U. S. officials ― including the president and vice president of the U. S.― to protecting the integrity of the Air Force Academy enterprise, I was able to fully fulfill my“ Service Before Self” dream. I’ m now ready for the next chapter in life, and I’ m confident my experiences will help me excel in the anti-financial crime( AFC) field!
AT: You speak multiple languages. How many do you speak and how has being fluent in different languages helped your military career?
JS: I am ethnically Thai; Thai is my native tongue, and I speak it fluently. One of my proudest moments ― although also sobering ― was helping translate for a victim of sexual assault. Likewise, I was also able to explain the woman’ s internalization of Thai culture and norms to the investigators, who questioned why she stayed with her husband despite all the abuse and trauma. At the end of the interview, the woman told me she appreciated me being there and felt strong enough to finally tell her story. As for Japanese, I studied the language for over eight years, starting in high school and ultimately majoring in it for my undergrad. Unfortunately, I’ m nowhere nearly as fluent as I used to be, although I am still able to communicate at a basic conversational level. Nevertheless, when I was stationed in Japan between 2020-2022, I leveraged
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