Humans of DDS: Women History Month Edition

Pictured: DDS Deputy Director, Katie Olson

By: Maya Kuang
Defense Digital Service Expert

As we approach the midpoint of Women’s History Month, now is the perfect time to not only look back at the women role models from the past, but to also shine a light on all the women that have taken up the torch. I fondly remember when I became adamantly passionate about biology. I read the biography of Rosalind Franklin and the injustice she faced during her career researching DNA structure alongside her male labmates. I knew I wanted to continue this spirit of perseverance she had started within the discipline.

In order to keep our torch constantly lit, we should highlight the critical contributions of women in the past, present, and future. In this edition of Humans of DDS, we spotlight our Deputy Director, Katie Olson. In her current position, she brings a unique perspective on what it means to be a woman leader within tech and within a sphere that is still working toward expanding the boundaries of workplace diversity. In this interview, Katie brings us along her journey from Chicago and civic tech, to DDS and government tech. Join me as Katie shares with us how she became a resilient leader, just like the historical women pioneers who inspired her.

Why did you choose a career at DDS?

I have spent most of my career so far working at the intersection of government and technology. I’ve been doing that work for cities and urban places for a number of years and really enjoy helping the government solve technology challenges, provide better security, provide better services, provide better quality of life. When I had the opportunity to join DDS, I was excited to do this work at a level that impacts national security.

My undergrad was in political science and my masters was in urban planning. I came to Chicago to work for the mayor, where I met Brett [Goldstein, DDS director]. I worked with Brett to capture and visualize the data to help city administrators and the city council make informed decisions about critical services like parks, transportation, and vacant land. Our work ultimately led to new legislation being passed. After working with Brett, I started an organization that created application prototypes for urban infrastructure performance, such as green infrastructure monitoring and underground infrastructure mapping. I became really interested in product design and the powerful role of UX/UI. I think oftentimes companies have products without really talking to users, instead of having intermediaries, like what I did in the city and like what I do at DDS, to really understand the problem. Intermediaries make all the difference in the world.

What is it like to step into a primarily male environment like the DOD?

I’d say it is challenging to walk into a room and not have other people that look like you. You sort of wonder if you are going to have an ally, and if you will be able to communicate in a way that is both authentic and effective.

We are getting a lot better as the DOD at creating environments with all kinds of different voices. General Austin is the first POC to hold the SEC DEF position and Kathleen Hicks is the first permanent woman Deputy Secretary. Last week, I was in a room which was 80% women and 30% women of color. When you have a military and U.S population that is diverse, it is important that leadership look like those people and represent those people too.

In this way, we can be comprehensive in the issues we address, ranging from sexual assault to the impact of climate change, to national security that impacts all of us.

We still have a ways to go, but I am encouraged by the progress.

Who are your women role models and why?

When I was growing up, I looked up to women who were pioneers, sometimes in the literal sense. I loved Amelia Earhart. People who were exploring uncharted territory and didn’t have someone showing the way. Marie Curie, who didn’t have anyone telling her how to create comprehensive medicine. Rosa Parks, no one guiding her brave decision to not give up her seat and face arrest. Ruby Bridges, as a little girl, integrating her school and facing threats to her life and safety as the only girl of color.

They had to rely on themselves to chart new territory.

What are some challenges you face as a leader?

We live in an unprecedented age of tools and technology. The velocity at which we can acquire products and see data is unprecedented. On the one hand, that’s great because issues like cybersecurity and national security cannot be beholden to a budget cycle, we don’t have time to wait. On the other hand, we want to be thoughtful on the technology buys, such as how we bring AI to the warfighter or how we use data right now in the Covid-19 crisis. The challenge I face right now is how to encourage bureaucracy to get out of its own way and move faster without sacrificing quality and being thoughtful in the long-term decisions and architecture we are creating.

How do you overcome this?

This is why we really rely on our designers and method of discovery. It is really important to spend the time up front with a wide variety of stakeholders and be really thoughtful on the long-term application. You can’t predict all the future use cases, but you can take thoughtful steps so you can update it over time. The one step two step for us is to first do a thoughtful discovery process and then start executing.

How would you advise other women to reach their own goals?

We live in a world and generation where so many career paths and technology are opening up to us. A field might exist in 10 years that doesn’t exist now. There is something to be said for being flexible and following technology and market trajectory.

However, mentors are also really important. I have benefited from so many mentors in my career. Find mentors with whom you can develop a mutually beneficial relationship. You might provide them your perspective and work hard for them, and they will show you the way and provide you opportunities and advice.

The second piece is self-education. Learn about the subject matter that you are immersed in. Don’t disqualify yourself just because you are not immediately an expert in the field. Talk to people who are in the field. Go to lectures. Take a class. Find ways to bring yourself up to speed so you can tap into new fields you have not previously considered for yourself.

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