Her Story
About Deliah
Deliah Underwood brings over two decades of expertise in government consulting, specializing in budgeting and ERP systems modernization. Her career began with an internship as a budget analyst for Ingham County in Lansing, Michigan, followed by a role in the state's Central Budget Office where she oversaw approximately $1.6 billion across multiple departments impacting over 5,000 employees and public safety initiatives. She was later tapped as a subject matter expert to lead Michigan's transition from siloed systems to a modern cloud-based ERP platform for payroll, budgeting, and human resources, a project completed on time and under budget in partnership with CGI Solutions and Technologies, where she now works to support similar modernization efforts for state, county, and city governments nationwide. An FCP credential holder, Underwood also operates a website dedicated to preparing individuals to deliver effective testimony before appropriations committees at various government levels. She attributes her success to being genuine and curious, remaining adaptable and agile, committing to lifelong learning, helping others succeed, building strong relationships, showing up prepared, treating people with respect, delivering consistently on commitments, and refusing to let fear hold her back. In her work and personal life, she prioritizes integrity, discretion, doing the right thing, respectful communication, service, continuous learning, and genuine connections with people, always aiming to leave organizations better than she found them and to bring others along in achieving success.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deliah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being genuine and genuinely curious, staying adaptable and agile, and never believing that I'm done learning. I am definitely a lifelong student. Helping others be successful along the way has also been key. Success isn't always about having all the answers but about asking the right questions, listening, and being willing to solve complex problems. The relationships are as important as the results, and every opportunity has come from showing up prepared and treating people with respect. Being consistent with delivering on commitments and not letting fear stop me has been crucial.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't wait until you feel 100% ready to go for the opportunity anyway. Not every single box needs to be checked before pursuing a new role. If you're willing to learn as you go and have a go-getter mentality, you'll build the confidence needed. Find a mentor you can ask questions of without hesitation, even one that challenges you. Every day look in the mirror and never underestimate the value of your perspective. Your voice belongs in the room, especially where decisions are being made. Leadership isn't always about having the loudest voice but creating trust and solving problems while lifting others up. Leave an organization better off than you found it.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and discretion are at the center of everything I do. My family and people should be able to trust my word, my work, and my intentions. Doing the right thing is most important rather than taking the easy path. Communication in a respectable way is key so that if anything changes, people know I'm open about it. Service, continuous learning, and having a genuine connection with people are also very important. Success is most meaningful when I bring others along with me so they can achieve success by their own measure.
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