Her Story
About Emily
Emily Sislen brings 15 years of experience to the defense and homeland security space. After earning her bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland College Park in 2009 and her master's degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University in 2012, she began her career in federal government consulting. She attained her Certified Fraud Examiner credential in 2013 and has worked in fraud investigations, program integrity, and healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse consulting before moving into government contracting roles. She spent time at Booz Allen prior to joining HII Mission Technologies nearly four months ago. Emily attributes her success to hard work and a servant leadership mindset, emphasizing kindness, active listening, and building relationships based on trust. She is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and supports causes including the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Emily
01What do you attribute your success to?
I work really hard, and honestly, more than that, I lead with kindness and a servant leadership mindset. I'm trying to teach it to my daughter, I better do it myself, too.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I've got two ears and one mouth for a reason. And to listen more than I talk in any meeting, any business engagement, any friend interaction, anything. And to be an active listener and figure out how I can help solve problems.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be willing to talk to anybody, and that relationships are your biggest asset. Through relationships and through having a lot of friends in my personal and professional life I have achieved more success than any other way. My credentials and experience are great, but I wouldn't be half as successful as if people didn't like me, and if I wasn't really passionate about what I do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Navigating deep execution with visibility and balance, learning about communication and building strategic relationships. Changes in federal government procurement and funding. Opportunity to help government agencies move from emerging technologies and prototype experimentation into real operational use, especially at HII Mission Technologies.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I always come to act in much a way that I'm never ashamed to share with my daughter or my family or my close friends at work. I care deeply about being a woman of integrity and competence and excellence at work as well as mutual respect and professionalism. At home and personally, I think of loyalty and independence, authenticity, stability, security, joy and being present. And really wanting a life that is meaningful, not just productive.
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