In this empowering episode of the IMPACT Women in Leadership podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Mika Cross, CEO of Strategy@Work and a renowned expert in government workplace strategy. With over two decades of experience shaping human capital policy and workplace initiatives across the U.S. government, Mika has become a trailblazer in fostering work-life balance, wellness programs, and leadership opportunities for women within the federal workforce.

Mika reflects on her career journey, from pivotal moments that shaped her leadership style to the mentors who guided her along the way. She shares how her experiences as a U.S. Army veteran and a single mother have influenced her approach to leadership in both government and the private sector. Mika also discusses strategies for increasing government efficiency and promoting the advancement of women in leadership roles, offering practical insights on how to build a more inclusive environment for future generations of female leaders in the public sector.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on navigating challenges, leveraging opportunities, and preparing the next wave of women to excel in leadership positions within government and beyond.

Mika J. Cross is a distinguished human capital expert, transformational workplace strategist and innovator. Best known as a Government Workplace Expert, she is known on a national scale for implementing precedent-setting, federal government-wide human capital policy and workplace initiatives to implement work life and wellness policies within the United States Intelligence Community, post 9/11, and she designed and implemented award winning work life programs across the Executive Departments and Executive Branches of government having served for more than two decades within the United States Intelligence Community, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of Personnel Management and the U.S. Department of Labor, among others.

Additionally, she served as the Designated Federal Officer for the Secretary of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Veterans Employment, Training, and Employer Outreach (ACVETEO) before transitioning to the private sector with FlexJobs, a fully remote company. As Vice President of Employer Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, Mika collaborated with executives across all sectors and industries to enhance talent management, develop recruitment strategies, and leverage flexible work policies for attracting and retaining top talent.

Mika was a regularly featured guest on the ABC/7 Government Matters TV show and she regularly volunteers her time with the Senior Executives Association (SEA), the Maine Advisory Council on Remote Work and in the past with the Greater Washington Board of Trade Connected DMV Work Group, the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center (ATARC) Digital/Workforce Transformation Work Group, Board Appointed HR Liaison for AFFIRM, and she previously served as the Government Chair of the Evolving the Workforce Community of Interest for ACT-IAC.

Additional Resources:

– How to Update Your Federal Resume for Private-Sector Jobs

– CIVIC MATCH — DC to Main Street

– Recognizing Workplace Burnout – GovLoop Video

In this inspiring episode of the IMPACT Women in Leadership Podcast, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Dr. Knitasha Washington, President and CEO of ATW Health Solutions. Dr. Washington shares her powerful journey to leadership, discussing the personal experiences that have shaped her career and the leadership style she embodies today. She opens up about the methods she uses to stay inspired, grow as a leader, and turn challenges into valuable opportunities for growth.

Dr. Washington also delves into the importance of creating supportive environments within organizations to nurture and mentor emerging female leaders. Finally, she highlights the exciting trends and developments that will shape the future of leadership, offering insight on how today’s leaders can best prepare to embrace these changes.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about leadership, growth, and fostering an inclusive future.

In this episode of the IMPACT Women in Leadership Podcast, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Dr. Linda Bixby, Executive Vice President of Academic Partnerships at NobleReach Foundation. With over 35 years of experience in academia, government, and the nonprofit sector, Dr. Bixby has dedicated her career to fostering innovation and addressing national security challenges. She shares insights on how her work at NobleReach is empowering the next generation of talent to drive meaningful change. Dr. Bixby also discusses her role on various academic advisory boards and her leadership in bringing together government, academia, and the private sector to solve critical technological issues. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and the power of collaboration across sectors.

About Dr. Linda Bixby:

Dr. Linda Bixby is an executive at NobleReach Foundation, where she leads the organization’s Academic Partnerships. With over 35 years of experience supporting the U.S. government, academia, and industry, she drives initiatives that empower the next generation of innovators to tackle national security challenges. Dr. Bixby has served on various academic advisory boards, including Penn State and the University of Texas Austin, and is an active participant in professional organizations like INSA, AFCEA, and NDIA. She holds a doctorate in history with a focus on anticipatory intelligence and completed her master’s program at the Freie Universität Berlin.

About NobleReach Foundation:

NobleReach™️ Foundation, based near Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening U.S. security and prosperity by driving innovation and fostering talent. By combining the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector, the ideas of academia, and the scale of the public sector, NobleReach addresses critical technological challenges. The foundation’s initiatives focus on connecting professionals in tech and entrepreneurship with opportunities in government, while also partnering with research agencies to commercialize cutting-edge solutions.

In today’s episode of the IMPACT Podcast, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Dolores Kuchina-Musina, Ph.D., CFCM, CEO of Founder and REXOTA Solutions, LLC, for an insightful conversation on leadership, purpose, and the power of support networks.

Dolores reflects on her journey as a leader, sharing pivotal experiences that have shaped her leadership philosophy and how those lessons continue to influence the way she leads today. She discusses the importance of staying aligned with core values and long-term vision, offering invaluable advice for women striving to stay grounded in their purpose, even in times of change.

The episode also dives into the practical ways women can foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment in leadership roles. Dolores shares how strong support systems have played a crucial role in her own professional growth, emphasizing the profound impact of community among women in leadership.

Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with wisdom, actionable advice, and inspiration for women looking to elevate their leadership journey.

 Dr. Dolores Kuchina-Musina is the visionary CEO and Founder at REXOTA™ Solutions, a powerhouse boutique firm renowned for its expertise in orchestrating the strategic intricacies of Federal Contract/Agreement Awards, small business growth, international procurement, and innovation across academia. With over a decade of rich cross-sector expertise, Dolores has navigated the complexities of federal, state, and international public procurement, showcasing unparalleled prowess in directing and managing high-stakes strategic pursuits.