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.

Intact thrives because of the unique perspectives and backgrounds that come together to shape who we are. We strive to create an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to bring their whole self to work.  

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re excited to spotlight Erick Skyle, a System Administrator on our Technical Services team, whose journey represents the vibrant cultures that enrich our team and drive our collective success. Erick’s experiences are a part of the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our Intact family. 

A Tale of Two Worlds 

Erick’s journey began in El Salvador, where he spent his early years before moving to the United States at the age of four. Growing up, he found himself navigating two distinct worlds: the Spanish-speaking home environment steeped in Salvadoran culture, and the English-speaking world at school and in American society. 

This dual perspective has been a cornerstone of Erick’s identity, shaping his worldview and fostering an open-minded approach to life. “Experiencing two worlds allowed me to open my mind and see things from a different perspective,” Erick reflects. 

The Power of Food and Family 

For Erick, food has always been a powerful connector, bridging cultures and bringing people together. He fondly recalls his mother’s pupusas, tamales, and homemade bread—each dish reflecting his Salvadoran heritage and a way to honor family traditions. 

At Intact, we understand the importance of family and community in shaping who we are. Erick’s experience sheds light on how food can become a centerpiece for gatherings, with shared meals creating moments of connection. Just as these traditions help Erick stay rooted in his heritage, the values of family, culture, and community are central to the collaborative spirit we foster at Intact. 

Overcoming Challenges and Growth Mindset 

Erick’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. As a child, he often served as a translator for his parents, requiring him to navigate adult-like responsibilities. While it was sometimes frustrating, Erick now recognizes how these experiences built his resilience and growth mindset—one of Intact’s core values. 

Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, Erick learned the value of determination and hard work. “The amount of work and determination it takes… Even for me, I still feel that struggle sometimes,” he reflects. His story reflects Intact’s values of leaning in, staying all-in, and fostering empathy through relationships built on trust and compassion—principles that resonate with many of us at Intact. 

Embracing Identity Difference & Connection at Intact 

As we continue to build an inclusive workplace at Intact, we celebrate the multifaceted nature of identity, understanding that no one should be limited by labels. Erick, who identifies as Latino, recognizes that his heritage is a significant part of who he is—influencing his love for food, music, family, teamwork, and culture. 

The richness of diverse experiences and backgrounds at Intact creates an environment where different voices drive innovation and foster collaboration. Erick’s story highlights how embracing all of who you are leads to meaningful growth and success. As we honored Hispanic Heritage Month, we were reminded that our differences are to be celebrated—they are the fabric that makes Intact uniquely positioned to drive innovation and serve our clients and community. 

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Intact is committed to doing our part. This cause holds deep significance for many within the Intact community, especially those who have personally experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide. For the third consecutive year, Intact is honored to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Out of The Darkness Fairfax Walk on Sunday, September 29 in Farifax, VA.  

Over the past six years, Intact CEO, Jesse White, has worked alongside dedicated volunteers in support of AFSP, an organization committed to raising awareness, providing critical support to those struggling, and helping families affected by suicide. “The experience has been reflective, raw, and heart-opening—one that goes beyond just volunteering to truly make a difference,” says Jesse. 

AFSP offers a nationwide community for those impacted by mental health challenges and suicide, empowering them through research, education, and advocacy to act against this leading cause of death. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and instilling hope. 

Last year, Team Intact raised $9,125 for AFSP’s vital work and thirty Intact team members walked together. Intact matched the funds that were raised dollar for dollar, totaling $18,250 raised. This year, Team Intact’s goal is to raise $10,000 to support AFSP’s local Fairfax chapter, with Intact once again matching all donations to amplify impact. 

Remembering Loved Ones 

Suicide prevention holds deep personal significance for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. It’s not only about raising awareness; it’s about honoring their memory and doing everything possible to prevent others from experiencing the same heartbreak. For those of us who have faced this kind of loss, suicide prevention is a way to create change, offer support, and ensure that people know they do not need to endure profound grief alone.

We recognize that not everyone feels comfortable or ready to reach out for help or speak on this topic. Our team fosters an empathetic and welcoming environment, offering support when the time is right.