Yolanda Wade
Dr. Yolanda Wade, ISP, SFPC, is a distinguished security professional and veteran leader in the defense and aerospace industry, with over three decades of combined military and civilian experience. As the Chief Executive Officer of STAVA LLC—Security Training & Vulnerability Assessments—she leads a mission that is focused on evaluating and fortifying the security posture of schools, churches, and businesses across the United States. Her career is grounded in excellence, having previously served as a Senior Industrial Security Manager at Boeing, where she managed an enterprise security operation mission for over 50,000 cleared personnel and directed a multimillion-dollar budget across multiple sites.
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With a Doctorate in Management/Homeland Security from Colorado Technical University and multiple advanced certifications, Dr. Wade is a trailblazer in industrial security, risk management, and counterintelligence. Her leadership extends beyond business; she is a passionate advocate for empowering Black women professionals, especially in male-dominated industries. A 2021 Women of Color STEM All-Star Award winner and a 2023 BEYA Modern-Day Technology Leader, Dr. Wade brings not only technical mastery but also a fierce commitment to mentorship, equity, and strategic innovation in national security.
• Industrial Security Professional
• Facility Security Officer
• ICS 100 - Intro to Incident Command System
• ICS 200 - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
• IS 700 - National Incident National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
• IS 800 - National Response Framework, An Introduction
• Introduction to Six Sigma
• Lean Six Sigma (White Belt)
• Security Fundamental Professional Certification
• Colorado Technical University
• Colorado Technical University- Master's
• Columbia College- Bachelor's
• Coastline College- Associate's
• NCMS
• Chief Petty Officer's Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I directly attribute all my successes to my faith in God and His hand upon my life and career. As a Christian believer, I recognize that I cannot do anything without Him leading, guiding, and ordering my steps.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
While serving in the military, one of my mentors advised me to identify my goals and aspirations prior to reporting to my future duty stations (e.g., starting a new job). This advice aligns with the biblical principle outlined in Habakkuk 2:2 which states to "Write the vision and make it plan upon tablets, that he may run that readeth it." This career advice has helped me to not only identify my goals and aspirations, but it has also assisted me in holding myself accountable to achieving them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a woman entering any career field where those around you do not look like you, my advice is to understand you are worthy! You have committed the time and resources to master your craft, have acquired education and the necessary credentials, you have put in the work. Therefore, you have just as much right to be there as your counterparts.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I have observed is the lack of Senior and Executive level leadership opportunities for minorities. Although diversity exists throughout the lower ranks, little to no opportunity is afforded to qualified minorities as you attempt to climb the corporate ladder.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
When I enlisted in the military in 1992 as a single Sailor, I made a selflessly decision to serve my country. My end goal was to provide a better life for myself and my future family. Due to the nature of my career field, I made a multitude of sacrifices. Since I no longer serve in a wartime environment, I have been able to reprioritize what's important to me. Regardless of what transpires in my life, my faith and belief in God will always be my most important priority. My value system guides how I treat others and operate on a day-to-day basis. Secondly, is family. After retiring in 2012, I relocated to Missouri to be close to family. When it comes to work, there has never been a question about my work ethic, my commitment to excellence is evident in every evaluation I have received. However, this moment in my life, I have vowed to play just as hard as I work. After losing my 25-year-old daughter in 2020, I have come to realize the importance of self-care. In order for me to continue leading and mentoring with excellence, I must take the necessary steps to replenish what I need so, I'm able to continue pouring.