JYLINDA JOHNSON

Jylinda Johnson sees the world for what it could be.

That’s why she thrives in a role that requires her to solve complex problems facing the federal government.

Johnson oversees a 2,000-person team for General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of Reston-based Fortune 500 global aerospace and defense contractor General Dynamics Corp. Her team at GDIT provides IT mission support services to approximately 20 federal agencies.

One of her team’s impactful projects includes partnering with the U.S. Postal Service to distribute more than 85 million COVID testing kits.

Johnson’s father, also an engineer, inspired her to pursue her career path. Enduring the rigors of earning two engineering degrees taught her to have confidence in her ability to persevere and succeed. She graduated from the University of Virginia’s engineering school as the only Black woman in her undergraduate degree program.

“Getting up every day, striving for excellence and facing challenges head-on eventually led me to rise to where I am now,” Johnson says. “I know that other people looking to advance see that it’s possible by looking at me.”

Johnson is passionate about mentoring women and STEM students.

“Find a way to stand with confidence and lead with authenticity,” she says. “When you harness your power and bring all of the people you represent to the table, excellence shines through.”