Fostering psychological safety in the workplace is especially important in the tech industry. Mass layoffs seem increasingly common, as do LinkedIn posts about months-long, fruitless job searching…

As artificial intelligence reshapes every industry, preparing girls to actively shape AI has become increasingly essential. According to the Census Bureau, about 50% of the United States populace are females…

After 15 years in federal service, most recently leading workforce transformation within Technology Transformation Services (TTS) at GSA, I didn’t expect my move to industry to happen when it did…

Growing up as an athlete, I learned early how to win — and just as importantly, how to lose. Sports taught me to value teamwork, stay focused on the goal, and view setbacks as opportunities to grow both physically and mentally. Those fundamentals became the foundation of my professional career…

I graduated from James Madison University in May of last year, and just six weeks later I started my first full-time role at Vertosoft. This was a fast transition, and I wasn’t just entering sales, a field still largely dominated by men, but government tech sales specifically…

The government contractor space has long been characterized by traditional hierarchies and established methodologies, yet the challenges facing our public sector today demand fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving. As a woman in technology, I’ve found that diverse viewpoints aren’t just valuable – they’re essential to breaking through the conventional thinking that often limits innovation…

Working in distribution and resale has placed me at the intersection of major technology vendors and the resellers who bring solutions to end users. Over time, I’ve learned that my role isn’t just about moving products, it’s about being the connective tissue that keeps the entire channel ecosystem healthy…

It’s March, which means it’s Women’s History Month, and perhaps just as importantly, means it has been exactly 7 years since I first interviewed for a role at Vertosoft. I was nervous, just 20 years old, trying to come up with reasons why I could be useful to someone who has been in the industry for more years than I’d been alive…

Breaking into the federal space without a military background or a decade of government service is like learning two incredibly complex languages at once. I didn’t come from a “Fed” background, but I decided to take the challenge head-on. It wasn’t just about keeping up with the breakneck speed of the AI landscape; it was about decoding the “alphabet soup” of government procurement and the unique, high-stakes mission cultures of various agencies…

When people ask me what it takes to “survive” in tech, I usually laugh to myself at the word “survive”. Yes, this industry can be demanding. It moves fast and expects you to adapt constantly. As a woman in tech, there are moments where you may feel like you’re navigating a landscape that wasn’t originally built with you in mind…

As Summer 2025 comes to a close, we’d like to take a moment to recognize the contributions of our interns…

In my journey as a CFO navigating the dynamic and fast-paced tech industry, I’ve witnessed the remarkable advancements that continue to transform our world. Yet, beyond the excitement of innovation lies a quieter, more personal challenge faced by many women in this field: imposter syndrome. This pervasive feeling of self-doubt can hinder both personal growth and collective progress of our industry…

Everyone talks about how important it is to build a high performing team. I always find this to be an interesting topic as I have learned that it takes many attributes outside of just the number to do this. Our market is constantly changing so to me, you need to look at some non-performance attributes to do this. What worked for us in the past, may not work in the future. 

My journey in tech has been mainly driven by curiosity, a drive to grow, and a willingness to take on challenges head on. Along the way, I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors – both inside and outside my organization – who not only helped me sharpen my skills but also encouraged me to think bigger, speak up, and step into leadership roles…

Based on 20+ years in telecommunications and IT, particularly in the federal sector, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about succeeding as a woman in male-dominated technical fields…

The vision I had for myself required me to take bold steps—sometimes two at a time. It’s both a blessing and a challenge that so many people are drawn to this fast-paced, ever-evolving industry…

It starts early at home: Parents, encourage and believe in your daughters. Dedicate as much time and resources to your daughters’ education and STEM activities as you would for your sons…

In my journey through technology sales, I’ve learned that leadership is most effective when it starts with personal accountability. I’ve always believed in leading by example—rolling up my sleeves, diving into challenging deals, and remaining as hands-on as I expect my team to be…

Entering the IT industry can feel intimidating, particularly for women, who comprise less than a third of the workforce. This disparity emphasizes the importance of building meaningful connections and seeking out strong mentors who can provide guidance and support, helping you not only navigate the industry but also thrive within it…

I was inspired to start this blog series last year to highlight the achievements and perspectives of women within the industry, with the hope to encourage more women to pursue careers in this field…

Celebrated on the last Thursday of July, National Intern Day is a reminder of the importance of internships in shaping future careers and the value interns add to organizations. Our summer interns have played a significant role in various projects and operations, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the team…

In a world where diversity is increasingly valued, the narrative of the Asian American woman in leadership is one that carries both triumphs and challenges. As I reflect on my journey of more than 15 years in an industry dominated by Caucasian males, I realize that the key to success lies in embracing authenticity, exuberant confidence, leading by example, continuous pursuit of knowledge, and unyielding passion…

National Women’s History Month is celebrated in March in the United States to recognize the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made, to honor the courage and determination of the women who have played a role in shaping our country, and to continue to fight for gender equality. Throughout this month, we have been spotlighting numerous women in the technology sector, with the aim of offering guidance to women entering this traditionally male-dominated field. As this month of recognition draws to a close, some of the Vertosoft women share their reasons for choosing to work in the technology industry…

US industries based in STEM seem to have boundless growth.  With emerging technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and IoT devices, there will be a need to hire STEM professionals for decades to come.  With all these opportunities, women in technology, engineering, and math are still underrepresented.  We know this from all the articles that have been written in the past years and will still be written in years to come if we don’t get elementary school girls interested in STEM today…

To be honest, when asked to write about being a female in the cybersecurity sales industry, I really struggled with what to write. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to be surrounded by intelligent and highly competent women in our industry and have worked for leadership that championed women in their workforce.From those strong leaders, I’ve learned that while they may have been the one of the few females in the room, their gender isn’t what made them “different”…

When I was asked to create a new team to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering & Software (DASA(DES)) in mid-2022, I was honored and excited. I was able to continue my passion for both working with technology and helping elevate Army capabilities for our Soldiers, who deserve the best as they fight to keep our Nation safe…

For two decades, I’ve navigated the ever-evolving cyber security industry as a woman. Along the way, I’ve encountered challenges, including stereotypes and unsolicited advice. One such piece of advice was to start playing golf to excel as a sales executive. However, I chose to defy such expectations and carve my own path to success.  Through my personal journey, I’ve learned the importance of authenticity and building resilience by breaking barriers…

In today’s work environment, most will not just change jobs, but change industries on average 5-7 times in their career. This means it is becoming increasingly common for individuals to shift back and forth between government and private sector roles. After a 15-year career in the federal government, I too made a transition to the private sector…

I’ve spent over 20 years working in govtech, in roles where I’ve interacted with public servants spanning every agency, municipality, and role. Why govtech? I love that my work is meaningful, and I’m inspired by every customer I interact with. They are the heroes making our communities function from processing wedding licenses and building permits, to creating and maintaining budget books, to ensure all our water and sewer lines are well-maintained, and more. The fact that this isn’t something we hear a lot about in the news is a sign that these public servants are succeeding…

In sitting down to write this post, I thought a lot about the advice I may give to other women who are running businesses or departments in the Information Technology space.  In this reflection, I asked myself what two things I might tell a female colleague to help her be successful whether she is just starting out or is leading an organization…

In recent years, the field of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity has emerged as a critical domain, safeguarding the backbone of sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, utilities, government and defense. Operational Technology (OT) refers to the hardware and software systems used to monitor and control physical processes as well as devices used in critical infrastructure. With the accelerating digitalization of industrial processes, the demand for various professional roles in this sector has skyrocketed. However, like many STEM fields, OT cybersecurity remains predominantly male-dominated. Despite this, women like me are making significant strides and contributions to this vital industry…