Oyinlola White

I attribute much of my success to the foundation I built during my military service, where I began working on tactical communication systems in 2003. At that time, cybersecurity was not formally recognized, yet I gained invaluable experience in securing systems and ensuring reliable, mission-critical communications. While the military didn’t follow traditional project management frameworks, I learned to execute complex operations with precision, accountability, and adaptability — skills that directly translated to managing large-scale projects in the civilian sector. By integrating the leadership principles I developed in the Army with my technical expertise in cybersecurity, I’ve been able to build a career that bridges both disciplines, delivering secure, high-impact solutions and driving organizational success.

The best career advice I’ve received is to leverage existing strengths in new ways rather than reinventing the wheel, approach challenges by applying existing skills in innovative and adaptive ways. In the federal space, this mindset is critical — progress often requires patience, resilience, and the ability to stay motivated even when leadership guidance is limited. I’ve leaned heavily on my 20 years of military experience to provide structure, motivate my team, and create a collaborative environment where people feel empowered to contribute. This perspective has reinforced that lasting success doesn’t always come from starting over, but from strategically adapting proven strengths to meet new and evolving organizational priorities.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to lead with respect. Treat others as you would want to be treated, particularly in a professional environment where so much communication happens online. Emails, messages, and virtual interactions can easily be misinterpreted, so it’s important to pause, consider the impact of your words, and respond with professionalism and thoughtfulness. From a program management perspective, respect also means actively listening to stakeholders, collaborating across teams, and setting clear expectations — all of which are critical to delivering successful projects. Building a reputation for respectful, intentional communication and strong program management skills not only strengthens relationships and trust but also positions you as a leader who can drive results and influence outcomes, regardless of your role or level of experience.

One of the greatest challenges in my field is striking the balance between the urgency for rapid delivery and the necessity of rigorous testing and due diligence. In IT and cybersecurity, where risks are high and the cost of failure is significant, it is essential to prioritize validation to ensure systems are both secure and effective. While this may extend delivery timelines, it ultimately safeguards the organization and its stakeholders by producing sustainable, resilient solutions. As a leader, I address this challenge by fostering a culture of accountability and transparency — setting clear expectations, communicating the strategic value of quality assurance, and ensuring my team understands that every step contributes to protecting the mission. In doing so, I build trust with stakeholders and demonstrate that long-term success and protection far outweigh short-term speed.

The values most important to me are integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. In IT and cybersecurity, where the stakes are high and the consequences of mistakes can be significant, integrity ensures that I lead with transparency, build trust with my team, and maintain accountability in every decision. Perseverance allows me to navigate complex problems and maintain focus and momentum, even when challenges or unexpected obstacles arise, which is especially important in projects like Data Loss Prevention at the VA. My commitment to excellence drives me to deliver high-quality, secure, and sustainable solutions that protect both the organization and those we serve. These values are equally important in my personal life. Integrity guides my relationships and ensures that I am honest and reliable with family and friends. Perseverance helps me pursue my goals and handle life’s challenges without giving up, and a commitment to excellence encourages me to strive to be the best version of myself in everything I do. Together, these values create a consistent foundation that shapes how I lead, work, and live.