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 is a strategy and transformation executive for Booz Allen’s Justice, Homeland Security, and Transportation markets. She works across the firm to deliver technology, engineering, cybersecurity, digital, and analytics solutions that address our clients’ toughest cybersecurity challenges.

Velma has over 25 years of experience leading and guiding change for government agencies, academic institutions, and commercial organizations. Since joining the firm in 2004, she has helped Booz Allen clients develop and implement innovative strategies that allow for sustainable growth and effective response to future mission challenges.

Prior to joining Booz Allen, cofounded Allied Capital Research Associates, a management consultancy specializing in developing growth strategies, launching products, and securing venture capital for technology companies. She was also an assistant professor of manufacturing and systems engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, and Morgan State University, where she led research programs for the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

is an advisor for the Booz Allen African American Network. She serves on the advisory council for the Women Business Collaborative, and mentors women entrepreneurs through 1 Million Women Mentors. She’s also sat on the board of the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital STEM Strategy Group and the Penn State Advisory Board for Women in Science and Engineering.

holds a Ph.D. in industrial and manufacturing engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. in engineering science from Harvard University, and a B.S. in industrial and systems engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

What’s a lesson you learned from your family growing up, and how is it still relevant to you today? Growing up, first on Crooked Island, Bahamas, then in Florida as a young immigrant, my parents taught me the power of focus and how to think differently. I learned the importance of envisioning from my father and cultivating the right mindset from my mother. 

My father always challenged me to envision the full composition of my future: a future where I can explore a world of endless opportunity, defy status quo, and attain success by inspiring action with impact. I employ this kind of thinking every day to help my colleagues and clients understand current trends and anticipate what’s next to deliver mission-focused, innovative solutions.

My mother challenged me to develop and build inner strength independent of external validations, given that confidence is the foundation of success. She said frequently, “The mind of a man or woman makes a man or woman,” which means how you see yourself is the greatest determinant of your success. I share this philosophy often during mentoring sessions with colleagues, undergraduate students, and women entrepreneurs to reiterate the importance of shaping a positive sense of self.

Why are you passionate about cybersecurity? As a futurist, I am energized by the possibility of what’s to come. From data to insights, I can predict future disruptions and trends, but my passion is fueled by my ability to reimagine potential impacts and create strategies to advance new solutions. 

As a transformation leader, I am invested in sustainable change management within federal agencies and enterprises. By elevating talent across multidisciplinary teams, I am passionate about developing transformation programs that harness disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, analytics, and cyber to rethink operational processes and tools for mission success.

What are some of the greatest challenges facing cybersecurity? The cybersecurity industry is faced with several key challenges, including an increase in cybersecurity threats, a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, threats to our supply chain, political disinformation campaigns, and an increasing number of threat actors with advanced methods and techniques. These challenges threaten our way of life and our economy. 

As a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) advocate, I continue to work with community organizations, K-12 schools, and thought leaders to increase the nation’s pipeline of STEM professionals—especially in cybersecurity. 

As a strategy and transformation executive focused on cyber, I’m proud of the work we are doing to create advanced and proactive solutions in defensive cyber operations, supply chain risk management, consequence modeling and risk mitigation, and countering foreign influence.

Why is it important for Booz Allen to be a diverse and inclusive workplace? A diverse workplace is no longer the exception but the rule. As a society, the challenges we are facing are ever-increasing in scope and complexity and require a diversity of thought to create the solutions that will make the world a better place. While our clients expect this level of diversity, the workforce demands a level of inclusivity as a complementary component of the strategy. 

As a firm, our mission is simple: to empower people to change the world. To do this, we know we must attract, inspire, and cultivate the brightest minds and boldest ideas. To truly empower people to change the world, we must also create a space for inclusivity for those change makers to feel accepted, celebrated, and valued. How the firm executes in this new environment will be a determinant of our sustainability into the next century.