Monday, December 15, 2025
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Leading with Vision: Karlene Stecchi on Empowerment and Innovation

In this episode of the IMPACT Women in Leadership podcast, we are excited to welcome Karlene Stecchi, Executive Vice President at Tantus Technologies, Inc.

Karlene shares her remarkable journey in the technology sector, highlighting her commitment to empowerment and innovation. She discusses the challenges she’s faced as a woman in leadership, the importance of cultivating a collaborative work environment, and how embracing change can drive success.

Join us for an insightful conversation as Karlene provides valuable lessons on leadership and inspires the next generation of women to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.

Leading with Purpose and Impact with Victoria Bowens

In the upcoming episode of IMPACT Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown interviews Victoria Bowens, Director of Strategy and Community Engagements at the Office for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Policy at the Department of Defense. Victoria shares the personal experiences that have been most rewarding in shaping her professional journey and how these moments have influenced her leadership style.

Throughout the conversation, Victoria discusses the methods she uses to stay inspired and continue growing as a leader, as well as how she turns challenges into opportunities for both personal and team development. She also explores how organizations can create supportive environments that nurture and mentor women, helping to ensure a strong and inclusive leadership pipeline.

Victoria looks ahead to the exciting trends and developments in the workplace that she believes will positively shape the future of leadership, offering insights on how leaders can best prepare to navigate these changes with confidence.

Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring episode filled with valuable leadership lessons and strategies for personal and organizational growth.

Navigating the Shifts: Federal Contracting Under the Current Administration

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Tris Carpenter, General Manager for Strategic Growth at Red Team Consulting, to explore the evolving landscape of federal contracting. As the current administration ushers in significant changes, Tris provides valuable insights into how companies can adapt, thrive, and stay competitive.
Key topics discussed include:

  • The major shifts in federal contracting policies and their potential impact
  • How workforce reductions are affecting businesses and how to safeguard cash flow
  • Which sectors are experiencing growth, and which are at risk
  • The latest on cybersecurity, CMMC challenges, and IT modernization
  • How new regulations are reshaping the competitive landscape for contractors

Tris also shares his forecast for the future of federal contracting and offers some unexpected advice that could give your company the edge it needs in a changing environment. If you’re in the federal contracting space, this episode is packed with the strategies and insights you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Tune in now for expert analysis and actionable advice!

 

Tris Carpenter, General Manager, Strategic Growth, Red Team Consulting

Tris Carpenter serves as Red Team’s General Manager for Strategic Growth and in-house expert on all things related. Pulling from over 24 years of experience as a senior executive and advisory consultant, Tris works with our clients to build targeted solutions to cultivate new business across major government agencies and diverse commercial markets. Tris’ primary focus is advising and guiding clients looking to grow in the DOD, Intel, and Federal Civilian market areas.

Empowered Leadership and Purpose with Marisa Veseli

In the next episode of IMPACT Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Marisa Veseli, Senior Director of Business Development at Peraton. Marisa reflects on the key moments that have taught her the most valuable leadership lessons, and how these experiences have shaped her leadership approach.

Throughout the conversation, Marisa shares a defining challenge in her career that became a turning point, offering valuable insights into resilience and growth. She also discusses how she stays connected to her purpose as a leader and provides advice for other women on finding and maintaining their own sense of purpose in their careers.

Marisa dives into the importance of supporting one another in leadership roles, exploring actionable steps women can take to create solidarity and empower one another. She shares how this collective support has played a transformative role in her own journey and in creating meaningful change.

Tune in for a powerful and inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for women looking to elevate their leadership and drive positive change.

Innovating for the Future with Alexis Bonnel of the Air Force Research Laboratory

In this episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Alexis Bonnel, Chief Information Officer & Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory. Recently recognized with the prestigious 2025 FORUM IT100 Award, Alexis shares her thoughts on what this achievement means to her both personally and professionally.

Through this conversation, Alexis reflects on a pivotal moment in her career that significantly contributed to her success and the innovative work being done at the Air Force Research Laboratory. She also discusses her vision for the future of technology in defense and research, highlighting the evolving role of digital capabilities in shaping national security and innovation.

To wrap up, Alexis offers valuable advice for emerging leaders looking to make a lasting impact in the IT industry. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on leadership, innovation, and the future of tech in the defense sector.

Empowering Veterans: Solitaire Carroll on Leadership in Public Service

In this episode of the IMPACT Women in Leadership podcast, we are honored to welcome Solitaire Carroll, Co-Director of the Veteran Experience Services Portfolio at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Information Technology.

Solitaire shares her impactful journey in public service, focusing on her commitment to enhancing the experiences of veterans through innovative solutions and strategic leadership. She discusses the unique challenges women face in leadership roles within government and emphasizes the importance of advocacy, resilience, and collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Join us for an insightful conversation as Solitaire inspires us to embrace our roles in serving others and making a difference in our communities.

AI, Project Management & GovCon: Kathleen Walch on Cognilytica’s Next Chapter

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AI is transforming project management, creating an urgent need for qualified professionals. In this episode, we interview Kathleen Walch, Director of AI Engagement and Learning at Project Management Institute (PMI), who co-developed the first and only AI Project Management methodology now recognized in government proposals.As co-creator of the CPMAI methodology, Kathleen has pioneered AI best practices that have helped government agencies, multinational corporations, and NGOs successfully navigate AI implementation. Following PMI’s strategic acquisition of Cognilytica, she continues to drive innovation that’s reshaping how projects are managed and delivered.

Discover:
• Why this certification could soon be in explosive demand
• How AI is revolutionizing traditional project management
• Critical challenges and opportunities for AI in government contracting
• Practical strategies for AI risk management and accountability
• Cognilytica’s roadmap under PMI leadership

For project managers, government contractors, and technology leaders, this episode delivers insider knowledge you can’t afford to miss. Listen now as Kathleen shares the methodology that’s becoming the gold standard for AI project management certification! 

 

Leading with Purpose and Vision with Andrea Hamilton

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In the upcoming episode of IMPACT Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Andrea Hamilton, Deputy Group Director of the Medicare Ombudsman Group at the Offices of Hearings and Inquiries, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Andrea shares the rewarding personal experiences that have shaped her professional journey and the leadership principles that guide her today.

Throughout the conversation, Andrea discusses the methods she uses to stay inspired and continue growing as a leader, along with how she transforms challenges into opportunities for both personal and team development. She also explores how organizations can create supportive environments to nurture and mentor emerging women leaders, helping to ensure a strong and inclusive leadership pipeline.

Andrea further delves into the exciting trends and developments shaping the future of leadership in the workplace, offering insights on how today’s leaders can best prepare to navigate and embrace these changes with confidence and foresight.

Join us for an inspiring and insightful episode filled with actionable strategies for leadership growth, inclusion, and innovation.

Shaping the Future of Leadership with Sarah Moffat

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In this episode of IMPACT Women in Leadership, host Mary Ann Brown sits down with Sarah Moffat, an award-winning strategic innovator, dynamic speaker, and organizational leader. Sarah shares her insights into how personal experiences have shaped her leadership style and empowered her to become a catalyst for organizational change. With years of expertise as a leadership coach, she offers valuable advice on staying inspired, turning challenges into opportunities, and continuously growing as a leader.

Sarah also explores the importance of creating supportive environments for women in leadership, emphasizing the need for mentorship and inclusivity to build a strong pipeline of emerging leaders. Additionally, she discusses exciting trends and developments in the workplace, offering practical strategies for leaders to prepare for the future of leadership in an ever-evolving landscape.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights Sarah’s journey and provides actionable takeaways for anyone looking to make a lasting impact in their leadership role.

Empowering Change with Ann Dunkin former Chief Information Officer of the U.S. Department of Energy

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In this special episode of Keeping IT Brief, host Mary Ann Brown is joined by Ann Dunkin, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and recipient of the 2025 FORUM IT100 Award. With a wealth of experience in both government and private sectors, Ann reflects on her career journey and what this prestigious award means to her personally and professionally. She also shares a pivotal project or moment in her career that significantly contributed to her success.

Ann discusses her vision for the future of technology in the public sector and her hopes for how digital transformation can drive positive change in areas like energy, science, and national security. She concludes by offering valuable advice to emerging leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in the IT industry.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in government!