We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vonda Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vonda below.

Vonda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Knowing what I know today, starting over for me would mean for me to know my worth and understand the difference of being confident not arrogant. God resist the proud. but gives grace to the humble, (James 4:6).. I had to learn that you must promote your cabilities and expertise and not rely on your manager or executive leadership to call your name. It may never happen. You have to take the initiative and take control of your career, What that means is that you might have to write up your own out-of-cycle bonus and also compete for the leadership positions that others may not have your name in mind. but know with confidence that if God has called you, He will give you the grace to fulfill it.

Vonda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Vonda Williams is a child of God, an author, highly motivated mentor, entrepreneur, and Sr. Cybersecurity Engineer with over 25 years of Information Assurance Experience in the Intelligence and Federal Communities where she supported Government customers as Security Professional certifying and performing security testing on various mission systems and providing Defensive and Offensive security concentration support.

Ms. Williams has participated in the evaluation board of the Baldrige Performance of Excellence Program managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Ms. Williams also serves on the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Central Maryland Chapter Adopt-A-School/Kick-Start STEM Program mentoring schools (Patuxent Valley Middle School) and presenting annual STEM scholarship awards in the technology industry.

Wtih a passion and love for math at an early age, Ms. Williams desired to influence young girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) thus the start of the Digital Divide (DD) STEM company. DD provides opportunities for kids to be tutored while simultaneously proving mentoring, sponsorship, and scholarships to pursue colleges and universities of their choice. The mission is to teach young women and men business models to help them become young entrepreneurs and create generational wealth while understanding all things are possible.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Unlearn Saying Yes, to everything. Being a ‘yes person’ means always being available, always accommodating, and always saying “yes” even when it’s not in your best interest. I had to learn late in life that while it is more popular, there is a more powerful stance, just say “No”. I found myself explaining myself and possibly wavering rather than just standing on a decision of No. It was acceptance that I was looking for at any cost; however, I learned that “No” is a complete sentence and can stand on it’s own. It takes courage and an unwavering commitment that brings peace with no guilt.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Lead by example by setting the example. In order to be a great leader you must be a great follower. Many want to lead but few follow. Understanding that people are your most valuable asset and managing the whole person (i.e. their personal problems, mental and physical health, family, career goals.) is critical in maintaining quality professionals and increased morale. By taking care of your employee’s needs, it helps build loyalty and respect. This must be bi-directional. By ensuring you are willing to support your staff through the good and bad times really show you commitment to their well-being and they will follow you to the ends of the earth. Maybe not that far….

Contact Info:

• Website: https://digitaldividestem.com
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/vonda-williams-35086b1a4

Image Credits

Troy Stewart, Troy Stewart Photography, troystwartjphotography.com (Professional photo)

Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) STEM Conference professional piclure