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D eirdre W hite, age 37
is the owner of DPW Training & Associates, a small software training company in Fredericksburg. DPW was recently awarded a $2 million contract with the United States Agency for International Development.
EDUCATION: Master's degree in business administration from James Madison University. Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington).
FAMILY: Married to David White. Two daughters: Daughters, Kiersten, 10, and Kayla, 5.
CAREER HISTORY: I have almost 15 years of teaching and training experience. My love for teaching began when I was a professor's assistant in graduate school. I got my first job teaching at ECPI Computer Institute and then taught at Germanna Community College before entering the corporate training environment. I have been a self-employed government contractor since 2003 providing software training to federal government agencies.
FIRST JOB: Ross Music & Audio in downtown Fredericksburg.
HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING DPW TRAINING & ASSOCIATES? I have been a government contractor for almost 10 years and have worked for a couple of top-notch IT firms. I was encouraged by my mentor to start my own business so that I could have sole responsibility for my time and gain financial freedom. Because the government is encouraged to work with small businesses, I have been successful in acquiring contracts. I received my 8(a) certification in April of last year, which enables me to bid on government contracts for small businesses.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS CHANGING THE MOST? Definitely the technology. I have been in the training and teaching field for almost 15 years and the modes of technology used to provide instruction have expanded tremendously. I began my career teaching students how to type on a typewriter; now I am in the process of creating a virtual classroom to provide training to folks overseas.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION FACED ON THE JOB? Keeping up with the technology. Every year there's something new. Because I train adults, each class participant has a different learning curve and skill set. So I have to keep this in mind when I am training and using new technologies. So that all of my class participants will understand the information that I am giving them, I train at the lowest possible denominator and allow plenty of time for hands-on exercises and Q&A.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? I like the fact that I meet different people every day and have the opportunity to acquire new information and use different technologies. Being an entrepreneur also gives me the flexibility I need to be able to balance both my personal and professional lives.
WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO? "DPW--Your One Stop Training Shop"
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT THE BUSINESS CLIMATE HERE? Fredericksburg is a business-friendly place. There's not a lot of hustle and bustle and the professional organizations are very close-knit and ready to lend a helping hand.
FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Cancun, Mexico
FAVORITE BINGE FOOD? Ice cream, preferably from Carl's. I hate when it's closed this time of the year.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST YOU'VE COME TO A BRUSH WITH A CELEBRITY? I attend a lot of receptions where there are dignitaries and have had the opportunity to meet both President Bush and President Clinton. Through Delta Sigma Theta, I have met civil-rights activist Dorothy Height, former Labor Secretary Alexis Hermann, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Bennett College President Johnetta Cole, all of whom are members of the sorority as well. Recently, I met and spoke with former Gov. Doug Wilder and actors Bill Cosby and Ben Vereen through the fundraising efforts of the National Slavery Museum to be opened next year in Fredericksburg.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? A cashier. I guess I was hooked on technology even as a child.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? In Fredericksburg. I attended and graduated from city schools.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT? Personally, my greatest achievement is my family. I have two beautiful daughters and a very caring and supportive husband. Professionally, my greatest achievement has been winning my first multimillion dollar contract.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? I would like to win additional contracts and expand my business. Right now I have five employees; by this time next year, I want to have 10.
--Kafia Hosh
