Meet techfrederick Task Force member, Wendy Drummond
February 22, 2021 / Amy Pontius / News
As techfrederick continues to honor Black History Month, we honor the contributions of African Americans throughout history, as well as, celebrate the hometown talent within our own community.
Each week of Black History month we have been highlighting the hard work and commitment to our techfrederick Task Force which formed in July of 2020. The Task Force is a group of passionate local tech leaders assembled to address the barriers to access and advancement that our underrepresented groups are facing here in Frederick’s local tech industry. The Task Force is creating programs which will engage underrepresented youth and connect Frederick technology organizations.
Take a moment this week to get to know Wendy Drummond…
What services does your organization offer?
DTI is an information technology, defense, national security and intelligence professional services company. With deep technical and executive leadership experience from senior ranks of Government IT, National Security, Intelligence, Defense and Civilian Agencies delivering secure complex services and solutions. With over 20+ years of comprehensive Department of Defense (DoD) experience in support of the warfighter, defense planners, and senior policymakers, I strive to build synergistic relationships, maintain professional excellence, integrity and a willingness to go the extra mile.
What motivated you to join techfrederick’s Task Force?
It’s important to remember to give back to your community; the hand that gives is the hand that receives. As a young person, it was through the acts of others’ time and talent that I was able to see the world in a more unrestricted way. This Task Force provides me with an opportunity to address a gap in our community by exposing our underrepresented youth to Information Technology (IT) as a career option.
Name a person in history who has inspired you and why?
Kamala Harris, John Lewis, Cicely Tyson, Loretta Aiken, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Venus and Serena Williams, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Misty Copeland, Claudette Colvin, Sarah Rector, Mary Eliza, Maya Angelou, Mayor Bowser, Alice Dunnigan, Joyce Meyer, Shirley Chisholm………. Some of these names are recognizable, others not, others are no longer with us. They all experienced life challenges, yet did not allow those challenges to prevent them from excelling in their craft. I stand on their shoulders.
Do you have a favorite book that has helped to develop your career mindset and/or leadership style?
“The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership”. This book helped me to see that true leadership stems from relationships and genuinely caring and sacrificing for the needs of others.
Also, in Michelle Obama’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2018 to discuss the former first lady’s memoir, Becoming, she stated to a room of young women that she is always evolving, “there is never a point where you arrive at a thing. And if you do, that’s kind of sad”. That book spoke to my soul and somehow gave me permission to evolve in my womanhood.
Tell us about one of your favorite Quarantine pastimes or new hobbies.
Staying physically and mentally healthy has always been a priority of mine. I’ve added in biking and circuit training to my regime as well since COVID. I also go on long walks to clear my mind, connect with nature and converse with God.
techdrederick is honored to have Wendy serving on the Task Force!
