Chelsea Roberts, MBA

I attribute my success to persistence and consistency. When I started my company, I had no guarantee that I would be successful, and like any business owner, I have experienced both challenges and setbacks along the way. However, I remained committed to moving forward and refused to give up when things became difficult. If I had walked away the first time I faced adversity, I would not be where I am today. Staying persistent, showing up consistently, and continuing to work toward my goals have been two of the most important factors in my success.

The best career advice I have received is to stay committed to my path and make decisions based on what I believe is right. I try to act with integrity and confidence, while considering whether I will be proud of my actions and the effort I made to help others when I look back. I often ask myself, “Would I be proud of this decision if it appeared on the news or in the newspaper?” That perspective helps me remain accountable, make thoughtful choices, and ensure that my professional actions consistently reflect my values.

My advice to young women entering the federal contracting industry is to recognize that it remains largely dominated by older professionals, particularly men, and that entering the field can sometimes feel intimidating. You may not walk into every room with immediate respect or credibility, so it is important to build confidence, remain persistent, and understand that credibility develops over time through knowledge, experience, and consistent performance. I also encourage women to surround themselves with strong mentors and supportive resources, particularly other women who can serve as role models and sources of inspiration. Developing resilience is essential because not every interaction will be positive and not every opportunity will result in a win. Most importantly, connect with people who genuinely care about the future of the industry and are committed to creating meaningful progress.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is that federal contracting remains a predominantly male-dominated industry. This can create barriers for women seeking to establish credibility, advance professionally, and have their perspectives recognized. At the same time, I see this as a significant opportunity for positive change. As the industry continues to evolve, there is an increasing need for greater diversity, broader perspectives, and more inclusive leadership. Creating more opportunities for women to enter, lead, and influence the future of federal contracting will ultimately strengthen the industry and contribute to better outcomes.

The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are autonomy, flexibility, and integrity. I value having the ability to manage my own schedule and take ownership of my time, which allows me to make thoughtful decisions and focus on doing the right thing at the right time. Being my own boss gives me the flexibility to structure my work in a way that aligns with my priorities and responsibilities. Integrity is equally important, particularly in an industry where misinformation and scams can sometimes be prevalent. I believe in being honest, transparent, and accountable in everything I do, and I strive to build trust through my actions and professional relationships.