Her Story
About Eliza
Eliza Gueye is a senior talent acquisition leader specializing in government contracting, cleared recruiting, and workforce strategy within the defense and international development sectors. Currently serving at Innovative Defense Technologies, she recruits engineers, cybersecurity professionals, systems specialists, and technical talent supporting mission-critical programs for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. With more than a decade of experience in recruiting, talent management, and workforce development, Gueye has built a reputation for aligning hiring strategies with long-term organizational goals while fostering inclusive, people-centered workplace cultures. She is known for emphasizing purposeful recruiting, clear communication, and continuous learning, believing that talent acquisition can directly contribute to meaningful, real-world impact.
Gueye’s career path began unexpectedly after moving to Washington, D.C., following her undergraduate studies in psychology and global health. Inspired by an immersion experience at the World Health Assembly, she originally planned to work directly in international development and global health. Her first role at Management Sciences for Health placed her on a talent acquisition team, where she quickly discovered a passion for connecting organizations with mission-driven professionals. She went on to hold leadership recruiting roles with organizations including Pact, Save the Children US, Nathan Associates, and Dexis Consulting Group, supporting large-scale projects funded by agencies such as USAID, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State. Her work has included proposal staffing, global recruitment strategy, workforce planning, DEIA training, and organizational talent development across complex international programs.
In recent years, Gueye transitioned from international development recruiting into the defense technology sector following significant changes in the global development landscape, an experience she describes as both professionally transformative and deeply personal. Rather than losing her sense of purpose, she refocused on how her skills could continue to support impactful work and strengthen communities in new ways. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Gueye earned a master’s degree in organizational psychology from University of Hartford and remains actively involved in professional and community organizations, including the Junior League of Washington and Blacks in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, gardening, art, and live music, bringing the same curiosity and appreciation for human connection to her personal life that has defined her professional journey.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Eliza
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say it's that flexibility and being able to walk into any room, observe, and then adjust to meet people where they are. Throughout my whole life and family upbringing, that commitment to service has really served me and kept me going throughout my career. I like to feel like my work is meaningful and impactful, so I think that really matters. You know, obviously I like to be paid, but I like that my work is impactful as well. Keeping it exciting and always pursuing continuous education has been key. I recently got my master's in IO psychology, I stay involved with different associations, and between the Junior League, I'm constantly just absorbing new information and meeting new people from different walks of life. I think it's been very beneficial to helping me adjust and move forward, even within my career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say keep going, it can definitely be daunting but also exciting. Sharpen your skills. I think coming into talent acquisition, you're so passionate about helping people with their careers and you think, oh, this is cool, I get to help hire people, but really sharpening your skills in sourcing, compliance, and really getting the nitty-gritty of the HR side of it and the legal side of it is going to be important, so that you can do the right thing in the right ways as you grow in your career. I think the bread and butter of a good recruiter is someone who can define niche talent as well as be a connector between the hiring manager and the talent. So making sure you have a full understanding of that is going to be useful. Get the certifications, do the education, whatever it takes.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been the disruption caused by the elimination and restructuring of USAID-related work, which forced many professionals to adapt quickly, build resilience, and rethink how they can make an impact. At the same time, there is significant opportunity in defense-technology recruiting, particularly in areas like automated testing, data analysis, cybersecurity, and engineering support for Department of Defense contracts.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are a commitment to service, doing meaningful and impactful work, continuous learning, adaptability, resilience, and strong, clear communication.
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