Elaine Ho serves as the Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. She is the Agency’s Chief Diversity Officer, providing executive and transformative leadership over diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policy and programs for the entire NASA workforce. Ho leads the strategy and execution of NASA’s external civil rights programs; NASA’s DEIA Strategic Plan; cross-agency workforce and program data and analytics; Agency-wide anti-harassment, reasonable accommodation, EEO complaints, and conflict resolution programs; and DEIA-related training.

Ho is a long-time public servant who has remained connected to DEIA throughout her career. Most recently at NASA, she served as the Deputy Associate Administrator for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, responsible for leading and managing a wide-ranging portfolio of projects and initiatives that benefit students, universities and educational institutions across the country. Ho began her federal career in senior roles at Department of Agriculture and the IRS, leading transformative workplace diversity and inclusion strategies, including diversity recruitment through student internships. She then served as IRS’s Deputy Chief of Staff where she helped to shape and execute the strategic priorities of the IRS’s global tax operation and its workforce of 87,000. Ho went on to serve several roles in the White House. In 2015, she held the position of Senior Policy Advisor, working with Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Office to implement the Let Girls Learn initiative, focused on adolescent girls’ education worldwide. In 2017, she remained in the White House as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Digital Service, an office dedicated to recruiting diverse top technical talent and deploying teams across the federal government to deliver better services to the American public. After joining NASA, Ho returned to the White House in 2021 on a year-long detail as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Director of Space STEM Policy in the Office of the Vice President’s National Space Council.

Prior to her federal service career, Ho was a practicing attorney, specializing in employment law and workplace diversity and inclusion. She also served over four years active duty as an Air Force criminal prosecutor. She continues her military service today as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves, where she helps the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps with its diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Ho received her degree in civil engineering from Duke University, her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, and executive certificate in diversity strategy from Georgetown University.

Ho lives in McLean, Virginia, with her wonderful husband and three beautiful children.

Carolina Catalan is the Manager of Integration and Support, for the Chief of Staff to the Chief Commerce and Business Solutions Officer (CCBSO). She is responsible for executing the commercial vision across CCBSO priorities. Builds relationships and connections across the organization and drives successful delivery of programmatic initiatives.

She began her career with the Postal Service 19 years ago as a Professional Specialist Trainee-Industrial Engineer at the New York International Service Center and has held numerous positions in the field and headquarters. In her previous assignments, she joined the Network Operations Industrial Engineering team where she was fundamental as co-lead of the Lean Mail Processing (LMP) initiative which helped streamline, optimize, and improve processing efficiencies across 200 plants nationwide.

Carolina earned an MBA, a Masters in Manufacturing Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Florida International University. She attained her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Liz Reinert was hired as the Executive Director in August of 2019 after several years of sending ladies from her program over to SFC for professional clothing. Liz came over from DC Central Kitchen, where she served for six years as the Director of Business Engagement and Community Development and then two years as the Director of Workforce Development.

Prior to her work at DCCK, she was the Deputy Director for Food for Others, the largest provider of free food directly to families in Northern Virginia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA and a Masters of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from George Mason University.

Ms. Love Rutledge, currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Readiness. Outside of work hours, she hosts the FedUpward Podcast (fedupwardcoaching.com/podcast) and coaches federal employees.

Previous positions in the Joint Staff focused on global force management, readiness and budgetary issues. Ms. Rutledge also served in a variety of roles in Headquarters Marine Corps, and the Department of Navy’s Office of Budget.

She holds a B.A. in communication from Tulane University, a Master’s in Public Administration from The George Washington University, and a Master’s in Defense Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School at the National Defense University.

She is a native of Alabama, a wife and mother of two (Greyson and Parker Lu), and lives in Alexandria with her husband, Josh Drumwright.

Ms. Kay Ely is a senior acquisition and business leader with over 35 years of public and private sector experience in diverse technical areas at the enterprise level. For close to 20 years of her government career, she was a member of Senior Executive Service (SES) and is a current member of the Senior Executives Association (SEA). Ms. Ely is a superior leader, communicator, and results-oriented change agent, who has led policy, program, and staff through significant growth and change.
Since her retirement from federal service in December 2018, Ms. Ely has continued supporting the federal government serving as a consultant to companies interested in doing business with the government and ensuring the delivery of quality supplies and services. In this role she is the President and Owner of The Ely Group, LLC.
Ms. Ely held multiple SES positions within the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS); these included Assistant Commissioner, Information Technology Category (ITC), Deputy Assistant Commissioner ITC, and Director of IT Schedule Programs.

During her tenure at ITC, she and her team grew the ITC business volume by $2 billon, she led the development and program management of IT acquisition and telecommunication products and services, cyber, and shared services to global federal, state, and local customers. Ms. Ely also managed the complex reorganization of an IT category-specific operational model and led the Federal Marketplace initiative.

At the Office of Personnel Management, as the Human Resources Solutions Associate Director, Ms. Ely set strategic direction and led a $700 million fee-for service, 3,600-person nationwide organization providing human resources products and services through multiple business lines. In 2011, she organized and led a historic, comprehensive OPM reorganization; served as Head of Contracting Activity (HCA)/Senior Procurement Executive (SPE); managed USA Staffing supporting more than 70 federal agencies; transformed USAJOBS to be a recruitment market leader; managed the Federal Employee Health Benefits program, serving 8.5 million people; and managed a federal retiree trust fund account of over $1 trillion.

Earlier, Ms. Ely served as Associate Administrator for Acquisition Implementation in the Executive Office of the President, SES Office of Federal Procurement Policy, Office of Management and Budget (OMB). She served as a member of the Federal Acquisition Institute Board of Directors and as an Advisor to the President’s Management Council, Performance Based Contracts. She performed in a key government-wide acquisition policy-making role, served as acting OFPP Administrator during the Presidential transition, developed the Acquisition Policy Best Practices Guide, oversaw all Federal procurement organizations, spearheaded federal interagency IT acquisition program initiatives, and acted as VA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition.
Ms. Ely has received the Presidential Rank Award and is a two-time Federal 100 award winner. She is an Acquisition SAGE with the Partnership for Public Service and was a Fellow with the National Academy of Public Administration.

Rhonda C. Shaffer is currently a Federal Senior Executive. Since January 2021, Rhonda has been serving at the Department of Transportation as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Budget Officer with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) overseeing billions of federal funds in support of our Nation’s infrastructure.

Rhonda has also served in federal leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Army in the areas of Logistics and executive level oversight of quality-of-life programs to over 13,000 military members, Department of Defense Civilians, Retirees, and Contractors assigned to the Pentagon and its annexes. Before her work in the Army, she served as the Regional Chief Financial Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps in the Indo-Asia Pacific area. She has also served in senior staff positions with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Coast Guard leading enterprise-level initiatives. Before joining the federal service, Rhonda held executive level positions in the private sector serving as a Chief Audit Executive for a global manufacturing firm, a Chief Financial Officer for a Midwestern plastics manufacturing firm, and a Chief Executive Officer for a multi-national financial management consulting firm.

Rhonda also serves as an Adjunct Professor with George Mason University. She spends her free time with family and friends, riding her bike, being outdoors, and volunteering. She has served in Board Service on the Board of Directors for Kansas Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children and for Executive Women in Government in leadership with some amazing Past Presidents as Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. During her terms, she was instrumental in bringing together federal executives and agency heads for the memorable 12th Annual Summit with over 350 participants. She led in raising awareness of our prestigious EWG mission and helping solidify EWG as an OPM Infinity Group. She exercised her leadership skills by helping improving EWG’s business processes, strengthening fiscal practices, and rebranding the website to help women leaders better promote, advocate, and network in the federal community. She is a Lifetime Member of EWG.

Patricia is senior leader at the General Services Administration (GSA)
with a long career in acquisition, program management, strategic
planning, and managing major program operations. At present, Patricia
leads the Office of Information Technology Services within GSA’s
Federal Acquisition Service. As the Director, she oversees a major
governmentwide acquisition program, its business operations; develops
strategies to deliver results that align with program goals including
strategic planning, performance management, budget and financial
management, and resource allocation for the organization.

Patricia is a thought leader, with a strong focus on results. She is an
advocate for career development and maintains a strong desire to help
others succeed. Patricia draws from her management and leadership
experience to coach, mentor and champion current and future women
leaders, managers, and supervisors. She is passionate about helping
women learn and grow professionally to achieve desired outcomes.
Patricia enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends. She
holds a Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA) from Bowie State
University, Bowie MD, and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Adult Education
and Nutrition from Cornell University, Ithaca NY. Patricia is a Certified
Federal Internal Coach and trained at the Treasury Executive Institute.

Raquel is a Director in Guidehouse’s Digital Solutions business, and helps lead the firm’s IT Strategy and Transformation services
She has led technology strategy and modernization projects across federal and commercial sectors, including helping government agencies develop AI strategies, implement governance structures to manage AI adoption, and to meet the requirements of the Federal Executive Order on AI
Her expertise includes AI strategy and adoption with a focus on four key components: Data, Technology, Workforce, and Governance

Pam is the Chief of Staff for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions Project Management Office. Pam demonstrates her strategic expertise and dedication to transformative projects. Her influence extends to the US Office of Personnel Management, where she is detailed and spearheads the creation of a Federal Enterprise Level Virtual Human Resources Marketplace, championing human-centered design principles.

Pam is an entrepreneurial leader, with a strong focus on start-ups and transitions. She is an advocate for women’s representation and advancement. She specializes in leadership coaching, etiquette coaching, training, travel, and is dedicated to empowering women to maximize their capabilities and thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Pam encourages women in setting ambitious career goals and fostering motivation, she helps them become their own advocates, gaining the confidence to voice their ideas effectively within the workplace.

Pam enjoys spending time on the water, listening to music, community volunteerism, and spending time with family and friends. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Administration in Management from Webster University and is acquiring a Master of Science in Strategic Communications from University of Maryland University of Maryland College. Pam is a leadership and etiquette coach.

Mika Cross is a transformational workplace and award-winning government expert. With more than 20 years in public service and industry, she works with government agencies, leaders, and the workforce to help them adapt to the changing needs and demands of the modern work environment. She is driven by a vision of fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusion to position any workplace for success in the Future of Work.

Mika’s background as an Army veteran,human capitalexpert, and workplace innovator gives her a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the workforce today.

She has a national reputation for leading and implementing groundbreaking, human capital policy and workplace initiatives, such as telework, wellness, and remote work policies across the United States Intelligence Community after 9/11. She has also designed and implemented award­ winning remote and flexible work programs across various Executive Departments and Branches of government, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Office of Personnel Management, the U.S.Department of Labor, and in private industry.

She is a highly respected speaker, trainer, and advisor who offers practical solutions and best practices for improving employee engagement,performance, and well-being.

In March 2023,she was invited by the Government Oversight Committee to provide a Statement for the Record as part of their congressional hearing on the Nation’s Largest Employer-OPM and in December 2021, she testified as an expert witness for the Senate Hearing on the Future of Federal Work.

Jill Marlowe is the agency’s Digital Transformation Officer, and leads the agency to conceive, architect, and accelerate enterprise digital solutions that transform NASA’s work, workforce and workplace to achieve bolder missions faster and more affordably than ever before. In this role, she defines and evolves NASA’s digital transformation vision, strategy, and policies to accelerate NASA’s transformation progress in four target areas: engineering, discovery, program/project management decision making, and business operations. She partners with internal/external organizations to synchronize digital plans and implementation activities exercising five high pay-off digital levers to accelerate progress: interoperable architectures, process transformation, maximizing data impact, common tools, and inclusive teaming.

Previously, Marlowe was the Associate Center Director, Technical, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, where she led strategy and transformation of the center’s technical capabilities to assure NASA’s future mission success. In this role, she focused on accelerating Langley’s internal and external collaborations as well as infusing digital technologies critical for a modern federal laboratory to thrive in a digitally-enabled, hyper-connected, fast-paced, and globally-competitive world.

In 2008, Marlowe was selected to the Senior Executive Service as the Deputy Director for Engineering at NASA Langley and went on to serve as the center’s Engineering Director and Research Director. With the increasing responsibility and scope of these roles, Marlowe has a broad range of leadership experiences that include: running large organizations of 500 – 1,000 people to deliver solutions to NASA’s science, human spaceflight, space technology and aeronautics missions; managing a diverse portfolio of technical capabilities spanning aerosciences, structures & materials, intelligent flight systems, space flight instruments, and entry descent & landing systems; assuring safe operation of over two-million square feet of laboratories and major facilities; architecting partnerships with universities, industry and other government agencies to leverage and advance NASA’s goals; managing technology development and flight test experiment projects; and throughout all of this, incentivizing innovation in very different organizational cultures spanning foundational research, technology invention, flight design and development engineering, and operations. She began her NASA career in 1990 as a structural analyst developing space flight instruments to characterize Earth’s atmosphere.

Marlowe’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech, a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Degree of Engineer in Civil and Environmental Engineering at George Washington University. She serves as a senior advisor for the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy’ Future Advanced Computing Ecosystem Subcommittee, Sandia National Laboratory’s Engineering Sciences Research Foundation, Virginia Tech’s Aerospace & Ocean Engineering Department, Virginia Tech’s Center for Research in Aero/Hydrodynamic Technologies, and the Federal Innovation Council sponsored by the Partnership for Public Service. Marlowe’s recognition includes AIAA Fellow, a Meritorious Presidential Rank Award, two NASA Outstanding Leadership Medals, election to the Virginia Tech Academy of Aerospace & Ocean Engineering Excellence and being voted the 2017 NASA Champion of Innovation. She lives in southeastern Virginia with her husband and the youngest of their three children and their energetic labradoodle.

Kimberly Nevels serves as HUD’s Chief Diversity Officer sitting in the Office of the Chief Human Capital Office, where she and her team are working on spreading the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) throughout HUD.

Prior to joining OCHCO, Kim was with the Office of Field Policy & Management where she served as the first national Director of Equity. She began her HUD career in the civil rights division, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) where she served in various positions for 21 years. Kim earned her B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University and her J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.

She’s been married for 25 years, has 2 teenagers and 1 fur baby. In her spare time Kim enjoys reading, watching tv and movies (even though the book is usually better) and traveling.

Ms. Cheryl Thornton-Cameron is the Executive Director (SES) for the Office of Acquisition/SCRM Operations. She previously served as Acting Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Acquisition in the Information Technology Category of Federal Acquisition Service (FAS). Ms. Thornton-Cameron oversees a contract portfolio of GSA’s premier IT contract vehicles through which federal, state, local, tribal and territorial agencies spend over $30 Billion annually.

The contract portfolio includes the IT Multiple Award Schedules (MAS), Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), and Telecommunications program initiatives to include the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions contract (EIS). In addition, she
oversees an acquisition workforce of over 300 professionals across 6 regional offices who focus on key functions, such as contract award/administration, supply chain risk management as well as acquisition policy and governance.

Ms. Thornton-Cameron is a Acquisition professional with over 30 years of combined government service spanning GSA and the Department of Defense and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, a Master’s certificate in Program Management from George Washington University and a CyberSecurity for Managers Certificate from MIT, as well as FAC-Professional and FAC-PPM Level III certifications. She also holds an unlimited Warrant.

Ms. Thornton-Cameron is a graduate of the 2018 ACT-IAC Partners Program designed to support knowledge sharing between government and industry leaders. She is a 2022, FED 100 Award Winner For Exceptional Contributions To Federal IT. Ms. Thornton-Cameron is the Primary Designated Representative for the White House Equity Initiative on Black Americans.

Jessica N. Berrellez is ODT Executive Officer and Director of the Office of Organizational Excellence. Ms. Berrellez serves as the right-hand to the CIO, collaborates with Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members to determine ODT priorities, leads strategic communications and organizational development, helps oversee ODT’s day-to-day functioning, and directs special projects and high-priority change initiatives.

She has held multiple leadership roles at FDA and was a Senior Advisor to the Principal Deputy Commissioner and Director for Program Evaluation and Process Improvement.
Ms. Berrellez is the recipient of agency, federal, and industry awards, and has received national recognition for her volunteer work.

She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard University. Ms. Berrellez earned her M.A. and M.S. from the University of Arizona and B.A. from Indiana University.

Natalie Buda Smith is the Director of Digital Strategy at the Library of Congress, where she leads the use of AI and other emerging technologies to foster innovation. She is a leader in digital transformation through data, emerging technologies, and human-centered design practices with over 30 years of experience in IT, in the U.S., Europe, and India.

She is strongly committed to ethical, human-centered products and services that adhere to best practices in inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.

Shanika’s career consists of a remarkable blend of expertise in real estate, banking, mortgage lending,
and financial planning, spanning over two decades. Her journey, rich with varied experiences and
profound personal growth, positions her uniquely within the financial advisory landscape. Currently
serving as a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley in the bustling DC Metro area, Shanika embodies an
entrepreneurial spirit, an innovative mindset, and a sincere passion for the finance industry—a passion
ignited amidst personal tragedy and fueled by a commitment to help others navigate their financial
futures with confidence and security.

Born to a veteran, Shanika spent her formative years traveling extensively, a backdrop that instilled in
her a profound understanding of diverse cultures and lifestyles. This early exposure to various walks of
life laid the foundation for her well-rounded perspective, a trait that would later become one of her
greatest assets. Her international experiences culminated in her adulthood with a significant tenure in
Seoul, South Korea, where she taught English at the country’s top language institute. This chapter of her
life not only honed her communication skills but also deepened her appreciation for cultural nuances
and the global landscape.

Shanika’s academic pursuits, marked by a Bachelor’s degree in English followed by a Master’s degree in
Integrated Marketing and Management Communications from Florida State University, further solidified
her analytical and strategic thinking abilities. These qualifications, combined with her diverse
professional background, have equipped her with a unique skill set that she brings to her role at Morgan
Stanley.

Her foray into the finance industry was more than just a career choice; it was a personal mission. The
loss of her father to cancer, an event that revealed the financial vulnerabilities her family faced, served
as a pivotal moment. This experience sparked a profound desire to ensure that no other family would
have to endure the financial uncertainty hers did. Shanika’s approach to financial planning is deeply
rooted in empathy and understanding, driven by the goal to empower her clients to achieve their
financial objectives while sidestepping potential pitfalls along the way.
As a financial advisor, Shanika leverages her extensive experience and personal insights to provide
tailored advice, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning. Her entrepreneurial mindset
and innovative thinking have led her to develop comprehensive solutions that address a wide range of
financial challenges, from wealth accumulation and management to retirement planning and estate
strategies.

In her work, Shanika combines her professional expertise with her personal experiences to foster a
genuine connection with her clients. Her dedication to her craft and her sincere love for the industry
shine through in her commitment to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures.
Shanika’s journey is a testament to the resilience, skill, and compassion that she brings to the table as a
financial advisor. Through her work, she not only honors her father’s memory but also transforms the
lives of those she serves, guiding them towards financial well-being and peace of mind.

With a strong inclination for innovation, Susan Mitchell is eager to leverage her government contracting experiences to make meaningful contributions in the field and is known for protecting people, programs, and performance at the helm of Guardians of Honor. After 20+ years leading teams that support program evaluations, grants management, research, and workforce development efforts for agencies such as NSF, NIH, and NASA, Susan is deploying that body of knowledge to positively impact the biotech industry via her newest venture, Athari BioSciences, a CLIA certified BSL-2 diagnostic, research, and training laboratory. Driven by collaboration and a deep desire to advance wellness and workforce initiatives, Susan brings her expertise to the forefront with unwavering dedication.
Her efforts sustain the integrity of operational and program objectives and drive improvement and access.

Her passion is safeguarding economic structures and transformation by facilitating purposeful participation and creating capacity within the broader economic landscape at all levels.

Susan is an implementation scientist and translational researcher committed to delivering knowledge, skills, and abilities that solve the contemporary challenges of today while developing solutions for a brighter tomorrow. Ms. Mitchell graduated from Norfolk State University with a B.S. in Mass Communications. She earned a Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies from Hampton University and successfully completed her Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University’s Stern School of Business.

Shweta is Director of Data Science Futures and AI Strategist at SAIC. She is also an SAIC Technical Fellow. Shweta can help you zero in on the best articulation of your key problem and leverage solutions from diverse domains to innovate with speed. Shweta works across the enterprise to extract meaningful business outcomes from data. Shweta collaborates with business development teams and technologists on transformative solutions; is an AI thought leader to the enterprise and engages with customers to bring the future of data into the present.

Shweta has excelled in diverse domains including medicine, patent examination, aviation and neuroscience. Shweta has worked in a condensed matter physics lab at The George Washington University; as a neuroscience researcher and in critical care medicine, both at the National Institutes of Health where she published her first paper in Nature Neuroscience describing neural correlates of memory formation; as an electrical engineering patent examiner at the US Patent and Trademark Office and for 12 years at the MITRE Corporation optimizing safety and efficiency for aviation. This included managing the largest aviation safety program in the world, through which Shweta’s team led the safety study of the 737B Max accidents for the FAA Administrator.

Shweta won a best paper award at DASC 40 for, “Assuring Human and Artificial Intelligence are Appropriately Informed in Aviation Systems”. Shweta also established a new work program with the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine to transform human machine teaming in the cockpit.

Shweta lives in Falls Church, VA with her daughter Natalia, husband Jon, and cats Bosky and Mishka. She is a recipe tester for America’s Test Kitchen and will be a Virginia Master Naturalist in the Fall.

Michelle Clark serves as the Business Development Executive for Health Programs at SAIC, leveraging over 23 years of experience in executive leadership and strategic partnerships. Formerly the Executive Director of the African American Federal Executive Association (AAFEA) and Business Lead of Strategic Partnerships at AT&T Public Sector, she is recognized as a #changeagent for her forward-thinking approach. Michelle is renowned for her influential management style, prioritizing the success and development of her team members.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Michelle navigates the challenges of work/life balance as a mid-career professional in the sandwich generation. Her unique perspective is highlighted in her chapter in the book “Leading through the Pandemic: Unconventional Wisdom from Heartfelt Leaders.”

Outside of work, Michelle serves on the board of Tigerlily Foundation, a national women’s health and oncology organization dedicated to education, awareness, advocacy and hands-on support to young women – before, during and after cancer, and on the Advisory Board of 131 and Counting, dedicated to supporting women lawmakers and public policy professionals. She is also a life member of Blacks in Government and the Federally Employed Women.

Michelle earned her BA in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government, as well as her MS in Justice, Law, and Society from American University. She holds a certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).