Photo: McBoat Photography
Cole: What would you say is the primary motivating factor behind your leadership?
Cole: Who are your role models, and what life- changing lessons did you pick up from them?
Washington: Wherever I’ve served as a leader, I’ve tried to leverage my position to improve the organization’s people development programs, to include training, leadership, and the empowerment of our most important asset, that being our employees. I have also stressed the importance of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. Additionally, » I’ve improved internal processes to make contracting more equitable. » I’ve asked prime contractors to help recruit and partner with historically underserved businesses – especially to teach them how to succeed as primes. » I’ve instituted training programs and institutions to improve the career potential of young people – especially those from
Washington: I have several, and that list is always growing – I’m continually inspired by amazing people I meet. More than anyone, my mother inspired me. She was a young teenage girl who was the valedictorian of the largest black high school in the City of Chicago in the late 1940s.
underserved areas disproportionately affected by the organization’s operations.
Photo: McBoat Photography
10 The Acumen
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