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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
An Eye for Design with Emily Ryan
Today we hear from 2023 Leading for IMPACT Award winner Emily Ryan. We dig deep into her career highlights and what got her to where she is today. As the Director of Design for CivicActions, Emily love her focus on the civic tech space.
Emily Ryan, Director of Design
Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate enough to work cross-functionally to solve a variety of digital issues for the public and private sector spaces. I began my career as a web and print designer, then transitioned into a full-stack and database developer and finally, in the last 13 years, have worked primarily in the user experience / user research competency, focusing on the civic tech space. I’ve worked in start-ups, the federal government, consulting agencies and the non-profit space.
I hold a BFA in Design, an MA in Criminal Law and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Government, focused on technology's influences on mis/disinformation and the impact that has on global democratic movements and free and open elections. In my (limited) free time I run ultramarathons and travel. I have a deep love for traditional European holiday markets, walking food tours and modern art exhibits.
CivicActions
Founded in 2004, CivicActions is a digital services company that enables the government to deliver better public services through the implementation of open technology and design. With specialized knowledge in digital accessibility, free and open source software, and humanity-centered design, CivicActions is deeply committed to leveraging technology to foster a more inclusive world that works for all.
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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