Team First. Built to Lead. Leading with empathy, grit, and unapologetic excellence. 

This isn’t a conversation about titles — it’s about trust.

It’s about showing up, lifting others, and owning results without needing the spotlight. Join a powerhouse panel of women who lead from the front lines — with clarity, courage, and a deep commitment to the teams they serve.

Registration Fees
FREE for WIT Members
$25 for Non-members

Speakers

Alyssa Zimmerman
Talent Director
Aretum

Alyssa has dedicated her career to driving strategic recruitment initiatives in high-stakes federal consulting. Since joining Aretum in 2019, Alyssa has developed specialized recruitment processes, focusing on compliance, quality, and efficiency to build teams that meet rigorous government standards. Her expertise spans the full talent lifecycle, ensuring alignment with client needs and industry best practices at each stage. She has developed robust candidate pipelines for complex, high-clearance roles, and established processes that uphold the high standards of federal contracting. Alyssa holds a BA from the University of Mary Washington and is a member of the Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals (ATAP). 

Marian Dawoud
Director of IT
Aretum

Marian is an accomplished IT leader with over 27 years of experience in the Federal and US Government contracting sectors, specializing in IT systems, Digital Transformation, cybersecurity, governance, and compliance. As IT Director at Aretum, she drives strategic technology initiatives that align with business goals and enhance operational efficiency. Previously, Marian served as Director of IT in government contracting, where she led digital transformation projects, managed global tech infrastructure, and ensured compliance with government standards.

Marian’s career includes 21 years at the US Department of State, where she introduced several technologies to the US Mission Egypt and managed critical IT projects. She holds a Masters in Management and Organizational Leadership and a Bachelors in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering, along with multiple IT certifications. Marian is committed to continuous improvement at Aretum, and leveraging technology for growth and compliance.

Giselle G. Makal
Sr. HR Business Partner
Aretum

Giselle Makal is a distinguished Strategic HR Leader at ARETUM LLC, bringing over 16 years of expertise in driving organizational excellence and strategic HR management. Her career is marked by significant accomplishments in program management and international business, showcasing her ability to lead and innovate in diverse environments.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkiye, Giselle graduated cum laude from Ankara University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, minoring in HR Management. Her professional journey spans various industries, including food and hospitality, medical, and government contracting. Since relocating to the DMV area in 2015, Giselle has been instrumental in supporting businesses' HR and organizational needs, solidifying her reputation as a key player in strategic HR leadership.