“I want to listen to women’s stories to ensure that all are heard and develop actionable solutions to address inequities.”

This is what “Choose to Challenge,” the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month at Booz Allen, means to Senior Associate Michelle Ralston, outgoing co-chair of the firm’s Global Women’s Business Resource Group (BRG), which creates opportunities for women to build networks through professional events, workshops, and development programs.

In the 1997 movie “Good Will Hunting,” a genius janitor taught himself advanced mathematics from equations left on a professor’s chalkboard. Two decades later, Josh Carroll similarly pored over equations on YouTube—today's chalkboard—during shifts as a security guard.   

In Carroll’s case—the experience was transformative: making him a YouTube and media star in his own right. Highlights follow from Carroll’s journey from self-taught math scholar to Booz Allen physicist and technical support engineer.

“Solving tomorrow’s biggest challenges—particularly in the defense space—requires technology solutions that improve performance, readiness, and survivability. We need talented people, like transitioning service members, who understand the mission challenges and who can leverage the best emerging technologies to help our clients meet those missions.”

-Booz Allen Executive Vice President Greg Wenzel

International Women’s Day is both a call to action for accelerating women’s equity and a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. This year’s theme is “Choose to Challenge.” Over the past year, women everywhere stepped up bravely and selflessly to confront a multitude of challenges that touched all facets of society. In recognition of their achievements, part one of this two-part series explores how the women of Booz Allen answered the call.  

Stepping up and “being human” during COVID-19