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IMPACT Podcast Series
IMPACT is FORUM’s signature podcast highlighting the women whose leadership, expertise, and vision are shaping the future of government, technology, and the federal contracting community. Each episode features in-depth, authentic conversations with executives, trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders who are driving meaningful progress across the public and private sectors.
The podcast explores a wide range of topics essential to modern leadership: building inclusive workplaces, navigating career advancement, leading through change, supporting mission outcomes, and fostering collaboration between government and industry. Guests share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and actionable insights that empower listeners to lead with confidence and drive impact within their organizations.
IMPACT offers more than professional stories—it provides a platform for thoughtful dialogue on mentorship, opportunity, innovation, and the challenges and successes women encounter at every level of the GovCon and federal technology ecosystem. Whether you are an emerging professional, a seasoned executive, or someone passionate about leadership and community, the podcast delivers inspiration and practical guidance you can apply immediately.
About the Host:
Mary Ann Brown hosts IMPACT and brings deep experience supporting government–industry collaboration. As Senior Director of Operations at FORUM, she helps create strategic events, leadership initiatives, and platforms that elevate voices across the federal community and advance meaningful conversations about leadership and mission success.
Subscribe to IMPACT to hear the stories and perspectives of the women shaping the federal landscape—and to be inspired by the leadership driving change across government and industry.
IMPACT Podcast Series
Leading with Authenticity with Debbie Opiekun of Leidos
Using experience to guide her way, Debbie Opiekun has worked her way up to lead teams applying for opportunities with Leidos. Let's join the chat with her today.
Debbie Opiekun, Chief Business Development Officer
Debbie Opiekun is the Chief Business Development Officer for Leidos, leading teams in business development, capture operations, government affairs, and customer excellence that focus on delivering industry-leading win rates and above-market organic growth.
With a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science degree in systems engineering from the University of Maryland, Debbie began her career in satellite communications engineering, research and development programs, and large-scale engineering operations management. Across a highly impactful career journey, she has combined wide-ranging business experience across systems engineering, process optimization, and profit and loss responsibility with in-depth technical expertise central to translating a customer’s mission requirement to delivered solutions.
She is a passionate contributor to numerous initiatives aimed at increasing the representation of women in engineering and science disciplines in conjunction with a long-standing history of supporting underprivileged children and their families on their journey to STEM careers.
Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 47,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $14.4 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.
IMPACT: Women in Leadership with Mary Ann Brown features conversations with trailblazing women shaping the future of business, government, and innovation.
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Explore all episodes and learn more: https://www.govforum.io/tags/podcasts