Episodios
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We have a different host for this special episode of The Buzz, Pete Tseronis, founder of Dots and Bridges. He interviews Sarah Hughes, Director of Professional Development at ACT-IAC. They discuss Sarah's diverse career across industries, networking, mentorship, and career growth. Sarah shares insights from her journey, including her work with sports teams, transitions to government, and contributions to professional development. The episode also highlights the importance of building strong communities and explores various ACT-IAC programs designed to enhance professional development. Key themes include adaptability, the influence of technology on government, and the power of mentorship.
00:00 Introduction to The Buzz Special Episode
00:38 Meet Pete Tseronis and Sarah Hughes
02:45 Sarah Hughes' Career Journey
06:24 Transition to Government Contracting
12:50 Building Trust and Community in GovCon
16:15 Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference
16:55 Joining ACT-IAC: A Personal Journey
18:25 Professional Development at ACT-IAC
19:29 The Academy: Educational Training and Leadership Skills
22:30 Programs Overview: Associates, Voyagers, and Partners
27:56 Future Vision and Collaborative Efforts
31:00 Final Thoughts and HomeworkSubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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On our next episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Paige Kowahl, a senior consultant at CGI Federal, about her experiences in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Paige shares her educational and career journey, which began with a pivot from chemistry to computer information systems, leading her to CGI. She discusses how the program helped her overcome social anxiety, gain confidence, and develop essential skills through coaching and collaborative projects. Paige highlights the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and offers advice to potential program participants.
00:00 Introduction to The Buzz from ACT-IAC
00:30 Meet Paige Kowahl: From Chemistry to IT
00:54 Joining CGI and Early Career Experiences
02:46 Taking the Leap: Joining the Professional Development Program
03:53 Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Confidence
05:01 The Impact of Coaching and Team Projects
11:53 Post-Program Reflections and Career Growth
16:43 Fun and Games: Acronym Wars
19:04 Final Thoughts and Advice for Future LeaderSubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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In this episode, Yohanna Baez hosts Mackenzie (Kenzie) Downes, a data and AI seller at IBM, to discuss her journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Kenzie shares her background, how she was inspired by her mother to pursue sales, and her experience working at IBM. She dives into her motivations for joining the ACT-IAC program, the skills and network she gained, and specific moments that shaped her career.
00:00 Introduction to The Buzz from ACT-IAC
00:31 Meet Kenzie Downes: Early Career Insights
01:29 Journey into Sales and IBM
03:32 Daily Life and Responsibilities at IBM
05:44 Joining the ACT-IAC Professional Development Program
07:00 Experiences and Learnings from the Program
14:03 Impact of the Program on Career Trajectory
17:09 Encouragement for Future Applicants
19:36 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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In this episode of The Buzz from ACT-IAC, host Yohanna Baez interviews Ryan Cloghessy, a capture manager at Leidos, about his journey through the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. They discuss Ryan's career trajectory, the impact of the program on his professional growth, and the valuable lessons and experiences he gained. Ryan shares his initial challenges, his role at Leidos, insights from his mentor, and the confidence he has developed in the GovCon industry. The conversation also includes a fun segment called 'Acronym Wars' and encourages listeners to explore ACT-IAC's professional development opportunities.
00:00 Introduction to The Buzz from ACT-IAC
00:30 Meet Ryan Klossy: Career Background and Current Role
02:59 Journey to GovCon: From Aviation to Government Contracting
06:00 Experiences and Insights from the ACT-IAC Program
11:33 Impact of the Program on Career Path
15:51 Acronym Wars: Fun and Games
16:59 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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In this episode of 'The Buzz from ACT-IAC,' host Yohanna Baez dives into the journeys of early career professionals in the ACT-IAC Professional Development Associates Program. Senior Digital Transformation Consultant John Rehm from the Wilco Group shares his story, from his communications background to his current role in federal contracting. John discusses the invaluable skills he acquired, the challenges he overcame, and the supportive mentorship he received. He also highlights the significance of building a network and the profound impact the program had on his career. The episode wraps up with a fun game of acronym wars, showcasing the everyday jargon in government and contracting.
00:00 Introduction to the Buzz from ACT IAC
00:33 Meet John Rehm: Digital Transformation Consultant
01:52 John's Career Journey and Early Challenges
04:57 Joining the ACT IAC Professional Development Program
08:03 First Impressions and Growth Areas
10:59 Pivotal Moments and Key Learnings
12:49 Mentorship and Overcoming Challenges
14:04 Applying New Skills in the Workplace
15:54 Networking and Future Aspirations
18:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
25:11 Fun with Acronym Wars
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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Courtesy of Epidemic Sound
(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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This week, The Buzz presents a conversation with Grafton deButts from Strongbridge LLC and the ACT-IAC Department of Transportation Federal Insights Exchange (FIE), as they sit down with Brian Cronin, the forward-thinking Director of the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office at the U-S Department of Transportation. Together, they explore the world of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology—a game-changer poised to redefine road safety, mobility, and sustainability on a global scale.
Brian shares his expert perspective on how V2X enables seamless communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and road users, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation systems. From the future of connected mobility to its far-reaching economic, societal, and environmental implications, this discussion is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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Welcome Yohanna Baez: A Different Vision for The Buzz
In this special episode of The Buzz, new host Yohanna Baez introduces herself and outlines her vision for the podcast's future. She pays tribute to previous host, Colin Larsen, and discusses her plans to explore broader perspectives, amplify diverse voices, and provide actionable insights. Yohanna also shares her excitement about upcoming episodes focusing on new technologies and leadership through change. Listeners are encouraged to offer feedback and suggestions, as Yohanna aims to bring her background in storytelling, creativity, and advocacy to The Buzz.
00:00 Welcome to The Buzz!
00:43 Honoring the Past Host
01:03 Vision for the Future
01:22 What to Expect
01:38 Diverse Voices and Actionable Insights
02:06 New Style and Fun
02:24 Upcoming Episodes
02:50 Meet Your New Host
03:13 Closing Remarks
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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This week, The Buzz presents a session from our Vision 2030 event.
In this opening keynote session, Alexis Bonnell, the Chief Information Officer and Director of the Digital Capabilities Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory shares her insights on how government agencies can leverage technology to drive innovation and better serve the public. She discusses the importance of adopting a human-centered approach to digital transformation, the role of AI in modernizing government services, and the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing new technologies.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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This week, The Buzz is saying goodbye to Colin Larsen, who has produced and hosted the show since it began in the Spring of 2021.
Colin would like to profoundly thank ACT-IAC and the listeners for their support through these more than 150 episodes.
Don't worry, The Buzz will continue! As always, stay tuned for more from ACT-IAC.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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The Buzz is going on a short hiatus this summer, so our releases will be less regular than usual.
In the meantime, we'll be replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past year or so. This week, we're revisiting a conversation we had with Donald Moynihan, Chair of the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, about the evolution and function of the civil service in the US.
This episode is more relevant than ever given the increasing politicization of civilian agencies, as it reminds us what's at stake when they can't operate effectively.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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The Buzz is going on a short hiatus this summer, so our releases will be less regular than usual.
In the meantime, we'll be replaying some of our favorite episodes from the past year or so. This week, we're revisiting a conversation we had with James Salzman and J.B. Ruhl, environmental law professors at UCLA and Vanderbilt, respectively.
They are the authors of The Greens' Dilemma, a framework for understanding how our regulatory regime is inhibiting our capacity to confront resilient infrastructure, what the stakes are, and what to do about it. The Biden administration has made both infrastructure investment andresilient infrastructure mitigation top priorities, and this issue sits at the intersection of both of those. Understanding it is key to understanding our path to decarbonization and ensuring this transition is successful.
Read The Greens' Dilemma: Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure TodaySubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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This week, The Buzz presents a keynote session from our 2024 Health Innovation Summit.
In this fireside chat, Kevin Seeley, VP of Strategic Programs for Military Health at GDIT, sits down with Naomi Escoffery, Chief Accelerator Officer at the Defense Health Agency. Together, they discuss efforts towards modernization and innovation to improve healthcare outcomes for active-duty US military personnel and their families.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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This week, The Buzz presents a session from ACT-IAC's 2024 Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is responsible for developing and issuing guidance around the standards and measurements we use in all kinds of technological development in the US. In the modern era, this includes Artificial Intelligence. Since the release of the AI Executive Order in October 2023, NIST has issued four draft publications intended to help improve the safety, security and trustworthiness of AI systems.
In this fireside chat, Raymond Holder, VP for Digital Growth at Maximus Federal, talks more about this work with Dr. Charles Romine, Associate Director for Laboratory Programs at NIST.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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Last week, ACT-IAC held its 2024 Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference in Cambridge, MD, where leaders and experts from across government, industry and academia met to discuss how government can harness new technology to improve mission outcomes.
Our conference kicked off with a keynote presentation and fireside chat with Arun Gupta, a venture capitalist, lecturer at Stanford University, adjunct Entrepreneurship Professor at Georgetown University, and author of Venture Meets Mission.
Arun is joined during the fireside chat portion of this session by Ted Davies, Managing Partner at Attain Capital and member of ACT-IAC's Executive Committee, and Sanjay Sardar, President of ASRC Federal.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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This week, The Buzz presents a session from our 2024 Resilient Infrastructure Summit.
In this opening keynote session, Dr. Elizabeth Doris, Director of the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), discusses the past, present and future work that the laboratory has conducted to assist in the United States' clean energy transition, resilient infrastructure adaptation, and more.
The Buzz will be taking a break next week as ACT-IAC holds its 2024 Emerging Technology and Innovation Conference in Cambridge, MD. Register now!Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
Learn more about membership at https://www.actiac.org/join.
Donate to ACT-IAC at https://actiac.org/donate.
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This week, The Buzz presents a session from our 2024 Resilient Infrastructure Summit.
This panel focuses on how academic institutions contribute to infrastructure change action through research, sustainable practices, and policy advocacy. Speakers will showcase university-led initiatives and their alignment with government efforts to meet national goals. Attendees will learn how academic expertise can guide effective action, emphasizing the importance of informed government strategies in tackling environmental challenges.
Speakers:
Jill Thijs (Moderator) - Director of Resilience and Sustainability at Noblis
William Hederman - Senior Fellow at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania
Richard Kauzlarich - Co-Director of the Center for Energy Science and Policy at George Mason University
Edward Maibach - Director of the Center for Resilient Infrastructure Communication at George Mason University
Katie O'Donnell - Program Manager for the Infrastructure and Health Institute at George Washington UniversitySubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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Have you ever tried to cancel an online subscription and ended up clicking around in circles trying to find the right button to press? If so, you experienced a "dark pattern" - a deceptive tactic of UX design that tries to trick users into doing something they don't want to do.
In the online age, UX designers have enormous power in facilitating our access to information and services. What happens when this power is used for evil?
To discuss this question (and more), we're joined by Colin Gray, Associate Professor of Informatics at Indiana University Bloomington and Director of the Human-Computer Interaction design program. They've spent the past several years documenting and classifying dark patterns and exploring the legal and ethical questions surrounding their use.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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This week, The Buzz presents a session from ACT-IAC's 2024 Digital Transformation Summit.
This panel of fedtech experts discusses the progress they have made in their respective agencies to leverage digital transformation to enhance the citizen experience, focusing on policy and process impediments that can derail progress and how to overcome them.
Andrea Fletcher - Chief Digital Strategy Officer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesRaymond Holder - .VP of Digital Growth, MaximusBeth Martin - Digital Services Expert, OPMRaj Iyer (Moderator) - Global Head of Public Sector, ServiceNow
Panelists:Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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About a year ago, we were joined on the show by Gabriel Zucker of Code for America to talk taxes. Specifically, a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act that directed the IRS to develop their own proprietary, free tax prep software for the first time in history.
Since then, the IRS has been hard at work. 2024 tax season marks the launch of the IRS Direct File pilot, a simplified tax prep tool available to residents of twelve states. It's free, easy, fast, and represents a huge win for civic tech.
So we invited Code for America back on to celebrate this win and discuss the implications and future of this momentous project. This week The Buzz is joined by Courtney O' Reilly, Senior Program Manager for Tax Benefits at CforA.
Resources:
Code for America's FileYourStateTaxes
IRS Direct File Report to CongressSubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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This week, The Buzz is joined once again by Robert Puentes, President and CEO of the Eno Center for Transportation. Last time, we talked about some of the challenges facing American aviation and the FAA. The intervening weeks have magnified some of this as Boeing, under scrutiny for a series of engineering failures, has started seeing some serious turnover in upper management and a slew of promises to shape up.
So maybe now is a good time to examine a different transportation mode for your next vacation or long-distance trip. American regional rail, once among the best in the world, has spent the last 100 years shriveling up into a fractured network that captures only 33 million passengers annually (barely 1/30th of US airlines). But that may be changing. Amtrak gained nearly 25% more passengers from 2022 to 2023, and billions of dollars of federal money are flowing into rail projects all over the country, courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act and 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill.
With all this momentum, perhaps a new age in American rail is upon us? We discuss the past, present and future of rail travel this week on The Buzz.
More from the Eno Center: https://enotrans.org/issues-and-modes/railroads/
More on Permitting and Planning Challenges: The Green Transition Dilemma with James Salzman and J.B. RuhlSubscribe on your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode! For more from ACT-IAC, follow us on LinkedIn or visit http://www.actiac.org.
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(Episodes 1-159: Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
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