Women-owned businesses play a crucial role in today’s economy by fostering diversity, innovation, and empowerment. But as a woman-owned small business (WOSB) in the defense industrial base (DIB), these bring unique perspectives and solutions to the cleared market. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we can create a more inclusive and equitable business environment that benefits everyone and our national security.
5 Women-Owned Defense Contracting Companies Crushing It
Here are just five women-owned defense contracting companies that are doing great work in the DIB. This is not an all inclusive list, and you can find many more by searching “WOSB” at ClearanceJobs.com.
1. STEMBoard
STEMBoard, which originated in Arlington, VA, has now grown to encompass operations in Maryland, Florida, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. Following an impressive six-year tenure at NASA as an aerospace engineer, Aisha Bowe, a Bahamian-American, established STEMBoard. This company specializes in technology solutions, developing intelligent systems and software solutions for government agencies and large private sector clients. They recently received a near $1B reward with NGA, and when she’s not running her businesses, you can find Aisha getting ready to become the first Black woman to travel to space with Blue Origin.
2. Assertive Professionals
Assertive Professionals is a certified EDWOSB, WOSB, and VOSB specializing in Program and Acquisition Management, Budget/Financial Management, Analytics, Information Assurance, and Cyber Support. Their current contracts include RDAS (EMERALD), ESMARTS (MOJAVE), and JGASS SEAPORT-E. It was founded in 2015 by Tiffany Shaffery, who served in the Army as a Military Police Officer and later as a Human Intelligence Collector. Tiffany has served tours in Iraq (2005) and Afghanistan (2008) and has a background in business operations and project management with CACI, Inc. She has also been the Director of the Program Management Office (PMO) for ProCleared, LLC. Additionally, Tiffany is a member of the AFCEA Emerging Professionals in Intelligence Committee (EPIC).
3. WWC Global
WWC Global is a management consulting firm as a part of Command Holdings, a non-gaming investment arm of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The company boasts an extensive client portfolio that includes the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. WWC Global was started by Lauren Weiner and Donna Huneycutt in 2004 and was acquired by Command Holdings in 2022.
4. VSolvit
Payal Kamdar founded VSolvit (pronounced: “We.Solve.it”), which is an award-winning woman-owned technology services provider, VSolvit specializes in various areas including cybersecurity, cloud computing, GIS, BI systems, data warehousing, engineering services, custom database development, application development, administrative services, project/program management, and predictive analytics. The company caters to clients like the Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
5. Gridiron IT Solutions
GRIDIRON IT is a woman-owned small business that utilizes over 25 years of recruitment expertise and strong industry connections. Serving as a reliable IT staffing solution in the D.C. metro area and nationwide, their team collaborates closely with clients to grasp specific requirements and ensure suitable placements. Co-founded by Jenny Hein, the company carries on a family tradition committed to business, family legacy, and a passion for football, which inspired its name.
Benefit of Working for a Women-Owned Business
Research has shown that women-owned businesses tend to prioritize social responsibility and employee well-being, which can have a positive impact on society as a whole. Empowering women small defense contracting business owners (in all months, not just Women’s History Month) is not only the right thing to do from a social justice perspective but also makes good sense in solving national security problems.
