Women of Color 2009 Technology Award Winners

Fifteen Booz Allen employees are recognized at the 2009 National Women of Color STEM Conference.

Fifteen Booz Allen Hamilton staff members received the Women of Color (WOC) Technology Awards during the 2009 National WOC Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) conference October 30 in Dallas.

In addition, senior associate Cheryl Johnson and associate Demonia “Dee” Dean received special honors during the event. The awards recognize the exceptional achievements of multicultural woman who have excelled in STEM fields and/or as leaders in their workplaces or communities.

“This award serves to highlight the talented women who are Booz Allen,” says principal Mark McLane. “I am honored to work with these individuals and humbled by their achievements.”

Cheryl Johnson

Johnson received the Career Achievement award for her professional accomplishments in STEM and her service as a role model in her community. Dean received a Special Recognition award for her distinguished accomplishments beyond her discipline, high merit, broad effect on people in many disciplines, and value to society.

Dean joined Booz Allen in 2001 and supports several engineering disciplines to maintain a worldwide architecture of critical intelligence systems. She also volunteers as an emergency medical technician for the Nokesville, Virginia Fire and Rescue Department; is the chief operating officer of iask, Inc., an organization that addresses the well-being of professional women of color; and is an ordained minister.

Demonia "Dee" Dean

“I care very deeply about the product that I provide my client, so I always give more than 100 percent,” Dean says. “I also love to mentor. If I can help someone take the next step, find what it is they love to do, or how to avoid pitfalls along the way, then I’ve accomplished a great goal in life—to truly be my sister’s or brother’s keeper.”

When asked how she inspires other professional women, Dean says, “Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do, but instead, show them what you can accomplish. Be true to yourself, find out what you enjoy, and go for it. Always strive to be the best, but reach back and bring someone along with you.”

Johnson, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Earned Value Professional (EVP), joined Booz Allen in 2000. She supports major full lifecycle systems development and integration programs, and serves as the Quantitative Management Controls lead across the intelligence community and service offering lead to support Booz Allen’s intelligence market teams. The seventh professional in the U.S. to earn the EVP certification from the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering, Johnson also collaborated with industry professionals to develop the exam.

“Booz Allen is a great workplace for women to excel,” she says. “We have the opportunity to network and grow through dynamic professional and social venues, and the firm is committed to client service and personal development.

“I try to set an example every day by giving my all, taking risks, and accepting new challenges,” Johnson adds. “I encourage women to set goals, take steps, and reach out to their professional and personal communities for support and inspiration.”

All Stars and Rising Stars

The WOC Technology Awards event also honored eight Booz Allen Technology All Stars for their accomplishments in demonstrating excellence in the workplace and in their communities:

Senior associate Carmela Wharton
Senior associate Sue Yu
Associate Carole Best
Associate Courtney Laws
Associate Toni Corbett
Associate Latricia Dukes
Associate Sheila Evans
Associate Myung Nice

In addition, five Booz Allen Technology Rising Stars received recognition for their contributions towards helping to shape technology for the future:

Associate Erika Davis
Associate Natasha Hawkins
Associate Katherine Kim
Associate Dominique Poll
Associate Kenya Savage

The WOC Technology Awards acknowledge an organization’s appreciation of its staff and create an awareness of the vast talent pool of minorities who serve as role models and inspire young people to reach their potential. Nominees apply for the awards and winners are selected by a panel of STEM professionals and leaders who represent a cross-section of industry, academia, and government sectors. Criteria considered in choosing award winners include the nominee’s level of responsibility and whether she is a pioneer in her field, is expected to make substantial contributions within the organization, and is an innovator in technology and/or technology management.

The awards are sponsored by Career Communications Group, Inc., publisher of Women of Color, US Black Engineer & Information Technology, and Hispanic Engineer & Information Technology magazines.

story posted December 10, 2009