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IMPACT Podcast Series
IMPACT is FORUM’s signature podcast highlighting the women whose leadership, expertise, and vision are shaping the future of government, technology, and the federal contracting community. Each episode features in-depth, authentic conversations with executives, trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders who are driving meaningful progress across the public and private sectors.
The podcast explores a wide range of topics essential to modern leadership: building inclusive workplaces, navigating career advancement, leading through change, supporting mission outcomes, and fostering collaboration between government and industry. Guests share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and actionable insights that empower listeners to lead with confidence and drive impact within their organizations.
IMPACT offers more than professional stories—it provides a platform for thoughtful dialogue on mentorship, opportunity, innovation, and the challenges and successes women encounter at every level of the GovCon and federal technology ecosystem. Whether you are an emerging professional, a seasoned executive, or someone passionate about leadership and community, the podcast delivers inspiration and practical guidance you can apply immediately.
About the Host:
Mary Ann Brown hosts IMPACT and brings deep experience supporting government–industry collaboration. As Senior Director of Operations at FORUM, she helps create strategic events, leadership initiatives, and platforms that elevate voices across the federal community and advance meaningful conversations about leadership and mission success.
Subscribe to IMPACT to hear the stories and perspectives of the women shaping the federal landscape—and to be inspired by the leadership driving change across government and industry.
IMPACT Podcast Series
Talking Accessibility with Martha Wilkes of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Today we discuss the importance of accessibility at the Department of Veterans Affairs with Accessibility Strategist Martha Wilkes.
Martha Wilkes, Accessibility Strategist
Martha Wilkes is an accessibility strategist in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Previously, she served a 4-year term at the US Digital Service, a tech startup at the White House. Before joining the federal government, she spent her career designing enterprise software in various private industries, from banking to statistical analysis to home health care.
The Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) works closely with core program portfolios across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). OCTO's mission is to align VA’s technology experiences with our users’ expectations and to continue to move VA closer to reaching its digital modernization vision.
IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation.
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Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts