Hosted by the StarTUp at the Armory, the ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore Women in Business Speaker Series features trailblazers from across Maryland discussing accomplishments, challenges, and insights as women business leaders. This is a great opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members from Greater Baltimore.
On November 13, ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore held a Women in GovCon Panel featuring:
- Stephanie Bagley, founder and ceo of SCB Management Solutions, a management consulting and project management service business serving private corporations and government organizations
- Tamera Rush, founder and ceo of TENAX Technologies, a government contractor that provides professional services for research and development, testing and evaluation, and execution of mission critical projects
- Jeanne Kimmich Roberts, founder and former president of Kimmich Software Systems (KSSI), a government contractor engaged in cyber operations, signals processing, data analytics, software development and systems engineering.
- Martin O’Neill, managing director of Chesapeake Corporate Advisors (moderator), a boutique investment banking and corporate advisory firm
A commonality among the panelists is they all began in the private sector, and made a pivot into entrepreneurship. While Stephanie Bagley and Tamera Rush are still operating their businesses, Jeanne Kimmich Roberts exited the industry and sold her company in 2022. Throughout the panel, one common piece of advice for the audience was to network and take advantage of government contract groups that can lead to an increase in opportunity for future contracts.
I feel more comfortable going after contracts now because I have more partners through those networks. I’ve been able to build relationships and feel very comfortable going after large projects with these partners.
—Stephanie Bagley, founder and ceo, SCB Management Solutions; ATHENAPowerLink Baltimore graduate
Athena Powerlink acted as my [board of directors], so I had people that help me be a accountable to myself. I really think Athena Powerlink helped me with that because there were so many people on my panel that had varying backgrounds.
—Tamera Rush, founder and ceo, TENAX Technologies; ATHENAPowerLink Baltimore graduate
The number one piece of advice is always keep a positive cash flow. Make sure your rates support your overhead structure. Make sure your rates support future growth. Make sure you aren’t in this to make a loss.
—Jeanne Kimmich Roberts, founder and former president, Kimmich Software Systems (KSSI)
Stay connected to the ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore community. We have a few ways to keep in touch:
- If you are a women-owned business, or know of any women-owned businesses, who would benefit from ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore, apply to join as a participant.
- If you are an industry expert who is interested in guiding a women-owned business, apply to be a panelist.
- Learn more about the alumnae and their experience in the program.
