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Sheronda Baltimore
"Just as prior leaders encouraged me, I want to encourage the next STAR that they can do it too."
My pathway to government began with a summer internship at the USDA.
I did not originally plan to work in government but after leaving college to care for my son and finding it difficult to get an IT job with no degree, I reconnected with my summer internship manager and was hired for an open entry-level administrative position.
While I took on an admin position, my interest in IT remained. I became known amongst colleagues for my interest in IT and technical experience. This paid off, as one of my colleagues hired me for a role in his department when he was leaving his position. In that role, I learned more about IT, formed a connection with the CEO, and eventually became Executive Admin for the President.
After a few years in this role, I applied for an IT role in Montgomery County to be closer to home. After a year of being frustrated in the role because it was more data-entry related than IT, I initiated a discussion with my supervisor about opportunities for promotion and began an application development course to develop more IT expertise. Soon after, a position in app development opened up but I was hesitant to apply because I did not have a college degree. The hiring manager encouraged me to apply anyway and I got the position.
In 3 weeks, I built my first application. In the years following, that one app turned to 80. I began developing applications for other departments and was recognized for my innovation. My department director took notice and invited me to participate in trainings, speaking opportunities, and leadership committees.
This led to me becoming the Manager of the Division of Central Services in the Montgomery County Office of Procurement, where I coordinate all internal functions of County contracts including administration, compliance monitoring, IT, budget, customer service, and information requests. I now also serve as co-chair for Montgomery County's Women in Government Committee where we provide a forum that encourages women to network. Just as prior leaders encouraged me, I want to encourage the next STAR that they can do it too.
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