Irina Abdelaziz Abdrabboh
Irina Abdelaziz Abdrabboh is the Co-Founder and CEO of Providence Federal Group, an SDVOSB government contracting firm operating at the intersection of federal procurement and complex commercial relationships. Irina is an MBA graduate and a third-year Juris Doctor candidate in the Class of 2026, bringing a rigorous legal approach to contract strategy and risk allocation.
Raised in a refugee and immigrant family, Irina developed an early understanding of the importance of stability and sound judgment. She later joined the Rhode Island Army National Guard, where she served for eight years as a Unit Armorer and Supply Specialist, and completed a year-long combat deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 2017.
Her legal experience includes work in complex business litigation and commercial disputes at a private law firm, as well as judicial internships with the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, where she gained direct exposure to civil and criminal proceedings, motion practice, settlement negotiations, and appellate review.
In addition to her professional work, Irina assists veterans with VA disability claims and benefits navigation as a practical way to support the community she served alongside. She has also previously co-owned and operated a retail business and provided business consulting services to Boston-area startups, experiences that deepened her exposure to operational strategy, risk assessment, and day-to-day business decision-making.
Her background further includes formal real estate training in Rhode Island and hands-on familiarity with commercial insurance matters, including property and casualty coverage. Through this work, she developed practical insight into how insurance, risk allocation, and regulatory considerations affect business operations and dispute resolution.
• Suffolk University Law School, Juris Doctor 2026
• Sawyer Business School, Master of Business Administration
• New England Institute of Technology, Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude
• Real Estate Institute of RI, 2021
• Kaplan Financial Education, 2019
• US Army Quartermaster School, 2012
• Thomas F. Black, Jr. Award
• Massachusetts Bar Association
• Boston Bar Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose I developed during eight years of military service, including a combat deployment. Transitioning out of the military, I knew I wanted to continue serving our country, which led me to pursue a legal degree and a career aligned with government work. That commitment ultimately shaped my path as Co-Founder and CEO of Providence Federal Group, where I continue to serve through leadership, integrity, and mission-driven work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Don't confuse motion with progress, learn the system before you try to change it"
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Feeling uncomfortable or dealing with imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you don’t belong, it usually means you’re stretching into new territory. Growth rarely feels comfortable, but it’s often a sign you’re exactly where you need to be. You can do it!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the defining challenges in government contracting right now is managing increasing scrutiny while contracts themselves grow more complex. Procurement decisions, performance obligations, and compliance requirements are more tightly interconnected than they used to be, which means small missteps can have outsized consequences. Firms that are able to structure contracts carefully, anticipate points of friction before they turn into disputes, and maintain strong compliance frameworks are well positioned to succeed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability, judgment, and follow-through. I value being clear about responsibilities, thoughtful in making decisions, and consistent in how commitments are carried out. In both my work and personal life, trust is built through actions, not titles or intentions. Whether it’s leading a company, practicing law, or showing up for people who rely on you, I believe credibility comes from doing what you say you will do, especially when it’s difficult or inconvenient.