Alita Salley majored in the Russian language at the University of Maryland. Throughout college, she worked with a group that mentored young people in the Washington, D.C. area. The program, known as Damali, provided a safe space for young girls.

Alita also won a spot in the Department of Defense Scholars Program, which prepared her for a career in the federal government.

While pursuing her MBA, she worked at the Defense Logistics Agency. Her successes led to a full-time appointment as a contracting officer, while at the same time pursuing certification in contracting.

Alita later joined the Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center, where she spearheaded an initiative that converted six information technology (IT) service contracts into three that focused on cyber defense, cyber operations, and cyber logistics.

After more than a decade with the federal government, she accepted a position as an acquisition manager for a large IT firm.

While pursuing Project Management Professional certification, she served as a technical advisor for an enterprise resource planning tool.

Now at MITRE, Alita leads a project that supports the procurement of land mobile radio services and supplies, which are used by organizations such as police, fire, and ambulance services, and other governmental organizations, as well as private taxi or delivery services. MITRE recognized her contributions to this program with a Director’s Award for excellence.

Alita has made equally notable contributions to a Department of Treasury program. Her work on a Department of Justice program earned her a Trailblazer Award.

Alita also serves in MITRE initiatives such as the Contracting Community of Practice, Women’s Advisory Council, MERG Multicultural Council, and One MITRE Mentoring.

In her community, Alita dedicates time to assisting the Spotsylvania County school system. She joined the Boosters program to raise money for sports that help students in working as a team. Alita regularly supports a volunteer group that provides emergency relief for the residents of Spotsylvania County, including victims of natural disasters and others who are not eligible for public assistance.

She also makes frequent donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Breast Cancer Awareness Research, Lou Gehrig’s Disease Research, and Women Veterans Transitioning to the Workforce. In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, she sewed masks for Mary Washington Health Center.

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