12 PM - 6 PM
12 PM - 6 PM
7 PM - 11 PM
Location: Don Tito Arlington VA.
Kick off GovTechCon with an unforgettable evening of networking, great vibes, and celebration at our Welcome Reception Mixer! Sponsored by PathAI and Yellow Tail Tech.
For VIP ticket holders dinner will be served at 7:30pm on the 3rd floor please arrive promptly.
12 PM - 6 PM
9:30 AM - 10:30AM
Title: Opening Ceremony and Founder Interview (Kham interviews Beez)
Speakers : Symoné Berry, Founder of GovTechCon and SATCOM Systems Engineer and Kham Ward
Track
Career
Description : Kick off GovTechCon 2024 with an inspiring opening ceremony featuring a candid interview with GovTechCon founder Symoné Berry. Hosted by Kham Ward, this session will explore Symoné's journey from SATCOM Systems Engineer to founder of one of the most impactful GovTech events. Learn about her vision for GovTechCon, her career in government technology, and insights into the industry's future. This powerful start to the conference will set the tone for three days of learning, networking, and growth. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a trailblazer in the GovTech space!
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Title: 3 Cs of Government: Civil Servant, Contractor, Consultant
Speakers: Symoné Berry Kanika Tolver, Teneika Askew , Hosted by: Meloni Boatswain
Track
Career
Description : Explore the three pathways to success in government careers: Civil Servant, Contractor, and Consultant. In this engaging session, Symoné Berry, Kanika Tolver, and Teneika Askew will break down the unique opportunities, challenges, and benefits of each role in the government ecosystem. Learn how to navigate these career paths, identify the right fit for your skills and goals, and leverage each option to build a fulfilling and impactful career in GovTech. Whether you're entering the field or looking to pivot, this session will provide actionable insights to guide your journey.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Title: Bridging the Gap Between Public & Private Sectors
Speakers: Sharai Johnson, Nandi Hopps, and Dr. Byron Williams
Track
Career
Description : Transitioning between public and private sectors can be challenging but also rewarding with the right strategies. Join Sharai and Nandi as they discuss how to navigate the unique dynamics of both sectors, leverage transferable skills, and identify opportunities to make impactful career moves. This session will offer insights into overcoming challenges, aligning goals with sector-specific roles, and building a network that bridges the public and private divide. Whether you're considering a transition or seeking to collaborate across sectors, this talk will provide actionable advice to support your career journey.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Title: Transform. Lead. Innovate. The Future of Federal Service Starts with You.
Speakers: Dr.Padric Hall , Chief Data Officer (CDO) of NAVCENT
Track
Cybersecurity
Career
Description: Have you ever been in a meeting and thought a leader had a not-so great idea or your solution is better? Yeah me too, you are not alone. Come take a walk with me as we discuss how you can innovate at any level. Change begins with one and you can be that one. The future of federal service depends on the brilliant minds and talent of those serving now. Be a change agent.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Title: Skill Shift: Breaking into GRC
Speaker : AD Edwards, CEO of Pursuitly - GRC
Track
Cybersecurity
Description: This interactive session will show attendees how to leverage existing skills to pivot into Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles within GovTech. Using the American Water cyber incident as a case study, we’ll explore how skills from various fields translate into GRC success. Attendees will gain insights on transitioning into GRC, recommended certifications, and the career paths available. This talk encourages participation with live Q&A, polling, and more.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Title: Transitioning Veterans with Four Blocks
Speakers: Four Block and Government Technology Leaders
Track
Career
Description : Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be challenging, but it also offers incredible opportunities. This session will focus on strategies and resources for veterans navigating this transition, with insights into leveraging military experience to excel in the civilian workforce. Learn how to identify transferable skills, build a professional network, and access tools like the Four Block program to prepare for a successful career in GovTech and beyond. This talk is tailored to help veterans unlock their potential and achieve their career goals.
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Title: US Digital Corps Panel
Speakers: Chris Kuang, Co-Founder of U.S Digital Corps
Track
Career
Description: Discover how the U.S. Digital Corps is reshaping technology careers in the public sector. Join Chris Kuang, Co-Founder of the U.S. Digital Corps, for an in-depth panel discussion about this innovative program that connects early-career technologists with meaningful opportunities in federal government. Learn about the program's mission, success stories, and how it bridges the gap between tech talent and public service. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a career changer, this session offers insights into making a difference through technology in government.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Title: LinkedIn Workshop hosted by LinkedIn
Speakers : LinkedIn Team
Track
Career
Description: Unlock the full potential of LinkedIn to advance your career! In this hands-on workshop, LinkedIn experts will guide you through optimizing your profile, building a standout personal brand, and leveraging the platform’s tools to connect with industry leaders and land your dream role. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this workshop will equip you with actionable strategies to maximize your professional presence on LinkedIn.
11:30 AM - 12:00 pM
Title: Teching through Adversity
Speaker : Raquese Harris, AWS , Solutions Architect
Track
Career
Description: Teching Through Adversity," a philosophy focused on creating pathways for minorities and underrepresented communities to enter the technology field as a means of overcoming challenges and achieving upward mobility.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Title: Breaking into Tech as a Business Analyst
Speaker : Brie G.
Track
Career
Description: Curious about transitioning into tech as a Business Analyst? Join Brie G., an experienced professional in the field, as she shares a step-by-step guide to breaking into this rewarding career path. This talk will cover key skills, certifications, and tools you need to stand out, how to leverage transferable skills, and actionable strategies to land your first Business Analyst role in the tech industry. Whether you're new to tech or looking to pivot, this session will provide the insights and inspiration to kickstart your journey.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Title: Beyond the Paycheck: Leveraging Your Tech Salary for Financial Independence and Generational Wealth
Speaker : Markeisha Snaith
Track
Career
Description: In the fast-paced world of technology, a high salary is just the beginning. Join MarKeisha Snaith—a seasoned cybersecurity expert, accredited investor, and financial literacy advocate—as she reveals how tech professionals can leverage their earnings to build true financial independence. This session will explore how to strategically invest your tech salary into diverse wealth-building opportunities, from traditional stock markets to crypto assets and innovative uses of life insurance as a vehicle to create generational wealth.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Title: From Service to Success: A Veteran’s Guide to Navigating Civilian Careers
Speaker : Alexxus Harris
Track
Career
Description: In this dynamic session, Alexxus Harris will provide veterans with a comprehensive guide to transitioning successfully from military to civilian careers, drawing insights from her book, A Veteran’s Roadmap to Civilian Success. Alexxus will cover practical strategies for overcoming common transition challenges, including translating military skills into civilian terms, building effective networks, and crafting impactful resumes. The talk will offer actionable advice on career planning, job searching, and interview preparation, supported by real-world case studies of successful veteran transitions. Attendees will gain valuable tools and strategies, with an interactive Q&A segment to address specific career development questions and provide tailored guidance
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Title: Inside the Cyber Shield: Governance, Compliance, and Threat Detection for Securing Federal Systems
Speaker : John Breth , Wes Smith , Gabrielle Nwajiaku
Track
Cybersecurity
Description: Dive into the critical components of securing federal systems with industry experts JB, Wes, and Gabrielle as they explore governance, compliance, and threat detection strategies. Learn how to navigate complex regulatory requirements, implement effective incident response plans, and leverage cutting-edge techniques to detect and neutralize cyber threats. Drawing from their extensive experience in government contracting, threat analysis, and incident response, the speakers will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to help attendees build resilient cybersecurity frameworks for federal systems.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Title: Building Blocks to Cybersecurity Success: Fundamentals, Growth, and Networking
Speakers : Ashley Jones , CISA CSA
Track
Cybersecurity
Description : Explore the essential building blocks for a successful cybersecurity career in this dynamic session with Ashley Jones, CISA CSA. This talk will cover key cybersecurity fundamentals, the importance of continuous learning and professional development, and strategies for building a strong foundation of technical and soft skills. Learn how networking and relationship-building can open doors in the cybersecurity field while positioning yourself for long-term growth and success. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or looking to advance your career, this session offers valuable guidance for every stage of your journey.
11:30 AM - 12:00 pM
Title: GovTech AI Workshop
Speaker : Calaunte Winston Jr.
Track
Artificial intelligence
Description: Calaunte will discuss the critical role of data infrastructure and availability in building effective AI-powered systems. Using real-world examples, this talk will delve into the process of designing and implementing a multi-agent application highlighting how agents collaborate to automate complex tasks like SQL generation, data querying, and visualization. Attendees will learn how inadequate data availability can significantly impact model performance and discover practical strategies to design scalable, data-centric AI systems.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Title: Hacking the Cybersecurity Job Market: Exploit Opportunities to Elevate Your Career
Speaker : Kajhon Soyini, Cytec Solutions, President & Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Purple Team Threat Hunter
Track
Cybersecurity
Description: Navigate the cybersecurity job market with confidence in this insightful session led by Kajhon. Learn how to identify high-demand roles, tailor your resume to stand out, and leverage certifications and networking to secure opportunities in the competitive cybersecurity industry. Kajhon will share actionable strategies and insider tips to help you break into or advance within the field, equipping you with the tools to elevate your career and achieve your professional goals. Whether you're just starting out or aiming for a new role, this talk is packed with practical advice to help you succeed.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Title: Gov AI: Use cases for the Public Sector
Speaker : Deon James, Google Public Sector, Partner Engineer - Gen AI Ambassador
Track
Artificial intelligence
Cloud
Description: Gov AI: Use cases for the Public Sector. Primarily through the lens of Google technologies highlighting Consumer and Enterprise solutions to empower government agencies to achieve their missions more effectively and efficiently. We'll explore how Gemini is transforming government services, from improving accessibility and language translation to optimizing resource allocation and fraud detection.
12 PM - 6 PM
9:30 AM - 10:30AM
Title: Keynote Talk - Securing Tomorrow’s Workforce: AI, Threats, and Your Role in Cyber Resilience
Speakers : Arielle Baine, CISA , GS-15 Chief of Cybersecurity
Track
Cybersecurity
Description : Join Arielle Baine, GS-15 and CISA Chief of Cybersecurity, for an inspiring keynote on the future of cybersecurity in the era of AI and evolving threats. Explore the critical role individuals and organizations play in building a resilient workforce capable of defending against tomorrow’s cyber challenges. This talk will provide insights into leveraging AI responsibly, addressing emerging threats, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in cybersecurity. Gain actionable strategies to contribute to national cyber resilience and secure the future of our digital infrastructure.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Title: AI and Security: Bridging the Gap for a Safer Future or AI Security 101: Protecting What Powers Tomorrow
Speakers: Kourtney Hayes , Amazon Web Services (AWS), Senior Cyber Security Program Owner & Senior Security Industry Specialist
Track
Cybersecurity
Artificial intellignece
Description : Join Kourtney Hayes, a Senior Cybersecurity leader at AWS, for an in-depth look at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. This TED talk style session will cover the fundamentals of securing AI systems, mitigating risks, and leveraging AI to enhance threat detection and response. Gain practical insights into protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed securely for a safer future. Perfect for anyone navigating the challenges of AI security in today’s digital landscape.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Title: Four Block Transitioning Veterans
Speakers: Four Block and Government Technology Leaders
Track
Career
Description : Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be challenging, but it also offers incredible opportunities. This session will focus on strategies and resources for veterans navigating this transition, with insights into leveraging military experience to excel in the civilian workforce. Learn how to identify transferable skills, build a professional network, and access tools like the Four Block program to prepare for a successful career in GovTech and beyond. This talk is tailored to help veterans unlock their potential and achieve their career goals.
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Title: GovTech Money Talk
Speakers: Symoné B., Cinneah El-Amin , Mykail James, Tameika Reed, Victor Wynn, Jay Cole
Track
Career
Description: Dive into the financial side of thriving in GovTech with a powerhouse panel of experts. This session will explore strategies for negotiating salaries, maximizing earning potential, managing finances as a GovTech professional, and building wealth while navigating a career in government technology. From insider tips on landing high-paying roles to practical advice on personal finance, this talk will empower attendees to take control of their financial futures in the tech space. Whether you're new to GovTech or an experienced professional, you'll leave with actionable insights to achieve your financial goals.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Title: How to Get a Tech Job in Government
Speakers : Kanika Tolver, CEO, Career Rehab
Track
Career
Description: Breaking into a tech career within the government sector can be a game-changer, and Kanika Tolver is here to show you how. In this session, you'll learn proven strategies to navigate the federal hiring process, craft a standout resume, and leverage your skills to secure a rewarding government tech role. Kanika will share insider tips, including how to identify the right opportunities, understand government job platforms, and successfully transition into the public sector. Whether you're new to tech or looking to pivot your career, this talk will equip you with the tools to succeed.
11:30 AM - 12:00 pM
Title: Power in Connection: Leveraging Your Network to Excel in Government Contracting
Speaker : Meloni Boatswain, Symone Johnson
Track
Career
Description: In government contracting, success often hinges on more than just expertise—it’s about who you know and how you collaborate. This panel will explore strategies for building and leveraging a robust network to unlock opportunities, navigate challenges, and gain a competitive edge in the government contracting space. Industry leaders will share insights on forming strategic partnerships, tapping into existing networks, and the importance of community engagement. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to enhance their networking capabilities and drive success in government contracts through the power of connection.
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Title: Personal Branding for your Career
Speaker : Ashley Sharie, Founder , The Asha Code
Track
Career
Description: Your personal brand is your greatest asset in building a successful career, and Ashley Sharie is here to help you master it. This session will teach you how to define, develop, and showcase your unique value in the professional world as a government employee. Learn actionable strategies for enhancing your online presence, communicating your skills effectively, and leveraging your personal brand to open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're job hunting, seeking a promotion, or pivoting your career, this talk will equip you with the tools to stand out and achieve your goals.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Title: Empowering the Warfighter through AI
Speakers : Teneika Askew, Department of Navy, GS-15 Data Engineer
Track
Artificial intelligence
Description: The multifaceted role of AI in DOD financial management extends beyond lines of code. Teneika leads a Data Science team leveraging AI capabilities to identify and rectify erroneous data, such as error codes in sailor payments, ensuring accurate compensation for servicemembers, especially during deployments. The integration of AI in Financial Management (FM) has facilitated the efficient repurposing of funds for critical operational needs, reallocating resources like $80M in debt obligations for urgent requirements such as F-18 repairs or new acquisitions and redirecting $103M in manual reviews to higher priority mission items. Such optimization enhances readiness and reinforces the integrity of financial processes crucial to mission success. In this talk you'll learn the breakdown of how AI is applied in DOD Financial spaces.
11:30 AM - 12:15 pM
Title: Capture The Flag
Speaker : Black in Cybersecurity Group
Track
Cybersecurity
Description: Join the BiC Group for a hands on cybersecurity capture the flag.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Title: Linux Infrastructure Workshop
Speaker : Tameika Reid, Women In Linux, Platform Tech Lead
Track
Cybersecurity
Cloud
Description: Dive into the essentials of Linux infrastructure in this hands-on workshop led by Tameika Reid. Learn how Linux powers critical systems in cybersecurity and cloud environments and explore foundational tools, commands, and best practices for managing Linux-based systems for the government. Perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals alike, this session will equip you with practical skills to enhance your technical capabilities and improve system security. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your expertise in one of the most in-demand areas of tech.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Title: Mastering Your Niche: Thriving in Government Technology through Specialization
Speaker : Melvin Cross, Mastery Solutions, DevOps Engineer
Track
Cybersecurity
Cloud
Description: Success in government technology often lies in finding and mastering your niche. Join Melvin as he shares insights on how to identify, specialize, and excel in specific areas of cybersecurity and cloud technology. Learn the benefits of focusing on niche skills, how to position yourself as an expert, and strategies to align your specialization with high-demand areas in the GovTech space. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your career path, this session will guide you toward long-term growth and success in government technology.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Title: Comply to Connect: Mastering User and Endpoint Security with Cisco ISE
Speaker : Dierra Footman, DJF Technical Consulting, Network Security Engineer
Track
Cybersecurity
Description : In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, securing network access is more critical than ever. “Comply to Connect: A Beginner’s Guide to User and Endpoint Posturing” is a session tailored for IT professionals, network and security engineers who want to grasp the basics of using Cisco ISE to profile and posture users and devices.
1 PM