Beyond the Uniform

In recognition of Veterans Day, we celebrate the stories of those who have served our country and continue to contribute to our community at Intact. This year, we had the privilege of sitting down with Gloria Williams, Deputy Director of Client Management at Intact Technology, who shared her remarkable journey from the Air Force to federal IT.

From Family Legacy to Military Leadership

For Gloria, the decision to join the military was rooted in family tradition. Because of her dad’s role as an officer in the Air Force, she experienced a unique upbringing, moving every two years and living in diverse places like Germany, Italy, and Japan. These early experiences instilled in her an open mind, resilience, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Growing up with a family that proudly served in the Air Force made the transition to military life a natural step, but not without her own challenges. During her role as a Cyberspace Operations Officer, Gloria often took on leadership roles beyond her job description, guiding teams to navigate unique and complex problems. During her service at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, she led a team tasked with developing a new wing from the ground up.

Beyond her core responsibilities, Gloria also served in a ceremonial role at the White House, participating in traditional events like the Easter Egg Roll and Turkey Pardon. This experience provided her with a deeper appreciation for representing the military in a historical context, further shaping her leadership skills.

A Leader Shaped by Empathy and Mission

Reflecting on her military service, Gloria emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in leadership. “You have to see people as the sum of all their experiences,” she shared. This approach has shaped her leadership style at Intact, where she prioritizes getting to know her team members beyond their roles. For Gloria, the focus is always on supporting people first while never losing sight of the mission—values she brought with her from the Air Force.

Gloria reminds us that behind every uniform is a person with a unique story. “Remember the humanity behind the person wearing the uniform,” she said. “We are individuals who have chosen to serve, much like any public servant.”

The Transition to Intact: Finding a New Mission

Leaving the Air Force was a pivotal decision for Gloria, influenced by advice from her father: “Stay as long as it’s fun and makes sense for you.” After years of service, she chose to prioritize her professional growth, which landed her at Intact. Here, Gloria found a familiar sense of purpose, translating her skills in organized training and leadership to a new environment. “In many ways, I’m still doing what I did in the Air Force—organize, train, and equip—just for a different mission,” she said.

Looking Forward: Growth Mindset and Continuous Learning

In honor of Veterans Day, Gloria reflects on her journey and her time at Intact. She attributes much of her success to a growth mindset, a core principle she sees reflected in Intact’s culture. “Just because I held a leadership position doesn’t mean I knew the most in the room,” Gloria noted. “The most successful leaders ask questions and listen to their team members, and I believe we embody that here at Intact.”

At Intact, we know our success is strengthened by the unique contributions veterans bring to our workplace—their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning. These qualities enrich our culture and inspire us daily through their dedicated work.

On behalf of everyone at Intact, we thank Gloria and all veterans for their service, their protection, and the lasting impact they make in our communities, our business, and across the nation.