If you had told the college verison of me that I would be where I am today based all on a fluke internship that occurred with a major contracting company, I would be extremely proud. Through navigating how to balance courses, sorority life, and a full-time job with a top defense contracting company I had a lot on my plate. Ultimately this taught me valuable lessons early such as keeping my head up even when things get hard. Document, document, document anything and everything. Most importantly time hacks everything because schedule can drive deadlines and that’s the most important thing.

Hey there! My name is Dr. Mariah Strange. I’m a later 20-something defense contractor, a military spouse, a mom—and somehow, I just earned my doctorate. Most days I’m toggling between secure systems and sippy cups, briefings, and bedtime stories. And while I’ve found my way into rooms that once felt off-limits, I still ask myself: Do I belong here? Can I show up fully as all of me—professional, parent, partner, and woman?