Her Story
About Kaylyn
Kaylyn Matis is a procurement professional based in Washington, DC, with six years of experience specializing in government procurement and responsible AI. She earned her bachelor's degree in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University, where her studies focused on technology and peace-building approaches informed by her military family background. After engaging in volunteer work and research on responsible AI during college, Matis transitioned into part-time work with a government procurement subject matter expert, which led to her full-time role. She values the procurement contract angle as an enforcement mechanism for responsible AI and cybersecurity. Matis is a board member of the National Contract Management Association and dedicates significant time to volunteer outreach, connecting George Mason students to jobs and advising through alumni networks. She attributes her success to the mentors and people around her who provided guidance and support. Matis advises surrounding oneself with mentors one genuinely likes and learning to stand up for oneself while respecting others. She emphasizes trust, reliability, and honesty as core values and sees AI as both the biggest challenge and opportunity in her field, preferring human interaction for complex tasks while using AI selectively for simpler ones.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kaylyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
The people around me that have helped me. I have had so many people help me get a job, help me kind of understand the way that the workplace works. I could not and I did not do it alone.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with mentors that you would want to get a drink with. Liking who I surround myself with has really helped me, and some of them not even in the same career field.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Learn how to stand up for yourself in a way that respects yourself and others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity. Whoever solves that will be very successful.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust is number one. Reliability and honesty go hand in hand. Everyone knows that when I say I'm going to do something, I will.
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