The Hokie Pivot: Career Growth Through Change

Lorraine Feury is a Technical Program Manager at Google and a data science professional focused on using analytics to support strategic decision-making. She is known for developing innovative, data-driven solutions and prioritizing efficient, quality-focused processes.

She serves on the Virginia Tech College of Science Roundtable Board, advising the Dean and contributing industry insight, and has also mentored aspiring data professionals through Springboard.

Previously, Lorraine held roles at Booz Allen Hamilton as a Data Scientist and Lead Scientist and worked in cost analysis at Tecolote Research. She holds a master’s degree in data science from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and sociology from Virginia Tech.

Adam Rossi is an entrepreneur, investor, business owner, and engineer with extensive experience building technology and manufacturing companies. He is the CEO and owner of INDIE LLC, which operates and invests in commercial real estate, software, and manufacturing businesses. He also serves as CEO and owner of TotalShield, a manufacturer of ballistic and explosive shielding solutions for the space, aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors.

Rossi previously co-founded Platinum Solutions, serving as president from 1999 until the company was acquired by SRA International in 2010. Platinum Solutions developed secure software systems for federal law enforcement, intelligence, and defense agencies, helping government organizations share information, analyze complex data, monitor terrorist communications, and apprehend violent criminals.

Under Rossi’s leadership, the company grew to more than $100 million in annual revenue and was named one of the nation’s fastest-growing businesses by Inc. Magazine for five consecutive years. It also received the 2006 FBI Director’s Award for Outstanding Scientific Advancement.

Rossi has managed hundreds of employees and subcontractors, overseen contracts valued at more than $1 billion, and filed multiple patents. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and an MBA in finance from Virginia Tech and serves on advisory boards within the university’s College of Engineering.

Siddhi Watkins is a product and technology leader whose career has been anything but linear. After graduating from Virginia Tech, she discovered a passion for working at the intersection of people, technology, and mission - building a career that has spanned government consulting, customer success, strategy, and product leadership before finding her way into artificial intelligence. Today, she leads federal product and delivery initiatives at Rohirrim, where she builds AI-powered software that modernizes acquisition and procurement for the U.S. government. Along the way, she’s learned that the best career opportunities often come from embracing curiosity, stepping outside your comfort zone, and letting your strengths guide your next move. She is passionate about helping early-career professionals navigate uncertainty, build confidence, and create careers that are uniquely their own.

Jummy Olabanji co-anchors News4 Today, the #1 morning news in Washington, D.C.

A native of Fairfax County, Jummy has spent most of her life in Virginia and has a B.A. in communicatiosn from Virginia Tech. She also earned a master's degree in communication and leadership studies from Gonzaga University.

Jummy started her journalism career as an intern for NBC4. She has also worked for stations in Charlottesville, Norfolk, and New York City.

She has been honored for her work with two national Edward R. Murrow Awards for breaking news anchor coverage, two Virginia Associated Press Awards, and eight Emmy Awards.

Jummy is an advocate for organ donation and sits on the board of directors of the National Kidney Foundation. She is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists; The Links, Incorporated; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Jummy lives with her husband and their baby daughter in Washington, D.C.