Peggy Lee Wright- The Company You Keep
What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
It’s easy to point fingers at external barriers like being underestimated, navigating male-dominated spaces, or trying to shatter that elusive glass ceiling without getting a concussion… but my toughest opponent has always been that little voice in my own head: self-doubt.
I overcame it by surrounding myself with people who pushed me to level up, by constantly learning, and most importantly, by making a conscious decision to believe in myself. Every time I tackled a challenge, took a risk, or nailed something that seemed impossible, I proved to myself that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
What trends do you see in your industry that could impact leadership opportunities for women?
The defense, cyber, and engineering industries are moving faster than my kids when they see chores coming their way. Opportunities for women in leadership have never been greater, and the shift isn’t happening because of some policy or because it’s trendy, but because women are crushing it. Companies need sharp, strategic leaders who can think critically and execute effectively, so women who have honed their technical expertise and operational savvy are stepping up, not because they’re women, but because they’re the best for the job.
The future isn’t about making space for women… it’s about recognizing that we’ve already claimed it.
How have you learned to manage stress over the years?
Stress loves to isolate us, to make us feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders alone. So, I step outside myself and pour into others, whether it’s mentoring a young professional, supporting a colleague, championing a cause, or just being there for someone who needs an ear… it helps me find clarity.
Giving my time, energy, and heart to others doesn’t drain me. It turns stress into purpose, anxiety into action, and exhaustion into something fulfilling. Service is how I flip stress into something meaningful.
How does your company engage with the community?
At The Company You Keep, we believe community engagement isn’t about what WE need, it’s about showing up where the community needs us. It’s about listening, understanding, and then rolling up our sleeves to make a real impact.
We enjoy the chance to get in the trenches, amplify the voices of local businesses, mentor emerging leaders, and help organizations tell their stories in ways that inspire action. We work with nonprofits that serve the most vulnerable, advocate for the businesses that keep our economy strong, and bring people together for a greater purpose.
What key advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in their fields?
If I could sit across from every young woman with big dreams and an even bigger fire in her heart, I’d tell her this: Embrace the Suck. There will be days when you feel like you’re running uphill in the rain while wearing ankle weights. Days when the world tells you “no,” when you doubt yourself and wonder if you’re cut out for this. Lean into it. Strength isn’t built in the easy times, it’s built in the setbacks, in the times when you choose to get back up. That’s grit. That’s resilience.
Here's another golden nugget that was passed on to me years ago: When you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure of your next move, remember this: Behold the Turtle; it only moves forward when it sticks its neck out. Leadership is about taking risks, speaking up, and betting on yourself when no one else will. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you stay tucked inside your shell.
So, take up space. Be bold. Own your voice. And when the road gets rough, don’t back down, dig in. Because the women who change the world? They aren’t the ones who had it easy. They’re the ones who refused to quit.
Donna Coleman (AETOS)
What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
Government contracting is a competitive and heavily male-oriented industry. One of the biggest challenges I faced was establishing credibility and navigating the complexities of the contracting process while building Aetos as a company. As a woman, whose experience was predominately information technology focused on commercial non-government markets, I often felt I had to work significantly harder to prove my technical and business acumen.
To overcome these challenges I focused on strategic networking and building relationships with key stakeholders like Small Business Liaison Officers, financial and business advisors, and prime contractors. Additionally, achieving SBA 8(a) certification as a Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based on my Native American status allowed us to access new contracting opportunities and build the necessary corporate experience to navigate successfully executing contracts with government customers and partnering with large businesses.
What trends do you see in your industry that could impact leadership opportunities for women?
Several trends are shaping leadership opportunities for women in government contracting such as expansion of the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business Programs, technology and innovation, and remote/flexible work schedules.
However, breaking into the upper echelons of leadership still requires persistence, strong industry relationships, and proactive engagement in advocacy groups.
How have you learned to manage stress over the years?
Managing stress as a business owner is a constant balancing act that requires not just resilience, but also the courage to take calculated risks. Government contracting is unpredictable, so I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty while putting smart strategies in place to stay ahead of challenges.
I’ve found that stress doesn’t disappear—it just shifts as the business grows. The key is to stay flexible and focus on what’s within my control.
At the end of the day, stress is inevitable, but letting it control you is a choice. By staying adaptable, planning ahead, and taking calculated leaps of faith, I’ve been able to push through challenges and build something I’m truly proud of.
How does your company engage with the community?
At Aetos, community engagement is more than just a corporate responsibility—it’s a core value woven into the company’s culture. We believe that community engagement should be accessible to everyone. We learned early on that many employees truly want to participate in community activities but often struggle with the decision to use vacation hours to volunteer versus time with their families. That’s why we established a paid day off for employees to dedicate time to community service activities of their choice.
I’m a firm believer in leading by example to demonstrate a culture of giving, engagement and leadership that can inspire our entire team to be involved. In addition to Aetos serving the community through organizations such as Manna House, Liz Hurley Ribbon Run, Kids to Love, and Food Bank of North Alabama, I personally serve on multiple boards such as National Space Club, Huntsville Chapter and the Athens State University Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, and I encourage Aetos employees to do the same.
What key advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in their fields?
Success requires the ability to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace opportunities that may seem uncertain at first. Own your expertise and on’t let self-doubt hold you back. Find the people that make YOU Better. Find your network of supporters in all parts of life, through jobs, community activities, friends and family. You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards. Build your relationships and connections now and trust that the dots will connect in the future when you need these relationships the most. Be Resilient and Adaptable. The ability to pivot strategically is crucial. And take calculated risks. Taking risks is not about being reckless—it’s about making informed, strategic decisions that propel your business or career forward. Growth doesn’t happen by staying in the same place—it happens when you embrace opportunities, learn from challenges, and push forward despite uncertainty.
Melissa Chaves (MAC Global Promotions, LLC)
What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
I am not sure if it is because I am a woman or simply because I care deeply about getting things right, but imposter syndrome has certainly been a challenge. What has helped me overcome it is surrounding myself with strong, values-driven leaders who share the same mindset around service, integrity, and growth. We support each other through the highs and lows, and that community has been everything. I remind myself that I do know what I am doing, that confidence is earned through consistency, and that I was made for this. I may still get nervous, but I show up anyway—and I show up strong.
What trends do you see in your industry that could impact leadership opportunities for women?
In the promotional products and marketing world, there is a growing emphasis on purpose-driven branding, storytelling, and relationship-building—areas where women naturally excel. I believe this shift creates space for more empathetic, strategic, and intuitive leadership styles to shine. As the industry becomes more collaborative and digitally connected, women are not only finding more seats at the table—they are building the table. It is a powerful time for women to step into leadership, bring fresh perspective, and reshape how we define success.
How have you learned to manage stress over the years?
Stress is part of the journey, especially when you are building a business from the ground up. I have found that how I start my day makes all the difference. Each morning, I journal as a form of prayer and reflection. I write out my goals, visualize where I want to go, and give all the glory to God. On the days I skip this, I feel it. But when I stay grounded in that quiet time, I know I am not walking alone—He is either holding my hand or carrying me entirely. That mindset shift helps me face each day with grace and clarity.
How does your company engage with the community?
Community is the heart of everything we do. We have supported local nonprofits through sponsorships, served on boards, volunteered to build homes, and spent time helping those less fortunate. That said, I know there is more we can do—and we want to do more. I have recently started meeting with my team to brainstorm ways we can give back with deeper intention. We are building a strategic plan to ensure our efforts align with our values and truly make an impact.
What key advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in their fields?
Stay curious and be a lifelong learner. The world moves fast, and being open to growth is your superpower. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who have been where you want to go, and who will challenge you in the best way. Do not be afraid to ask for help or take up space. Most importantly, trust that you have what it takes—deep down, you know you do. The journey will not always be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Kim Lewis
What challenges did you face as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, one of my biggest challenges was breaking through traditional barriers and proving my expertise. There were moments when I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, many times having to force myself and my company into rooms to prove that our organization could handle the work. As a woman of color, especially in leadership roles, I even had to prove to my employees that I was capable of leading. I overcame these challenges by staying persistent, continuously expanding my knowledge, and building a strong network of mentors and allies. Confidence and preparation were key – when you walk into a room prepared, you command respect, and I believe over the years, we have earned the respect of the community and our employees because we have proven we are a company, and I am a leader, who cares!
What trends do you see in your industry that could impact leadership opportunities for women?
In the past, there was an intentional effort to set aside opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned businesses, which equipped businesses like ours to compete with larger organizations. Undeniably, companies who recognize a diverse leadership team brings innovation and better decision-making will realize more success and larger impact. We have recently begun to see that intentionality disappear, causing a disruption in women’s capacity to compete. I cannot stress enough though that women must remain proactive in seeking out leadership roles and advocating for themselves. We are worth it!
How have you learned to manage stress over the years?
Managing stress is essential to maintaining a strong leadership presence. Over the years, I have learned the power of NO to protect myself and my family. Those NO’s have equipped me to set boundaries, delegate effectively, and prioritize self-care. To me, self-care means pursuing my faith, meditating and restoring peace, and exercising to maintain balance. I have worked hard to surround myself with a strong support system—both personally and professionally—to help me stay focused and resilient in high-pressure situations, and for those people, I will forever be grateful.
How does your company engage with the community?
It is deeply rooted in my personal and professional life to serve the community around me, and as a CEO, I believe that businesses have a responsibility beyond profits. We have pillars of focus for our community engagement that align with our mission, and we utilize our time and resources to engage with mentorship programs, workforce development initiatives, healthcare advocacy, scholarships and career training, STEM-related education, and initiatives focused on minimizing the economic disparity for women and children.
What key advice would you give to young women aspiring to become leaders in their fields?
“One NO, or even ten NO’s, does not equate to failure; it only means that those NO’s weren’t your YES to move toward success.” Never underestimate your value. Stay curious, never stop learning, and seek mentors who will selflessly guide. Surround yourself with women who encourage you to use your voice and find your seat at the table, and in that seat, always be ready to solve the problems. Leaders are not just problem spotters, they are problem solvers. Do not be afraid to take risks and step into leadership roles, because when you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too.
women are not only finding more seats at the table—they are building the table.