Forge Group, LLC

Cori Lynne Fleser & Siena Cicarelli provide an insightful overview and 'now what' recommendations for advancing the critical climate-gender-security nexus. Their recommendations focus "on where NATO can better include a gender perspective in its climate security work, and a climate perspective in its WPS work. This approach can help NATO optimize its finite resources for both agendas in service of bolstering its core tasks."

Today marks the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth — the day when enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Forge pauses to remember the past, acknowledge the road ahead, and protect the future. We invite you to learn more about the historical legacy of this National Holiday with the National Museum of African American History and Culture https://lnkd.in/g4EX_uUD

Major General Tammy Smith retired from the United States Army Reserve in 2021 after last serving as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army. She formerly served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Mobilization and Reserve Affairs and before that as Deputy Commanding General – Sustainment, Eighth United States Army. Maj. Gen. Smith also has had tours as a commanding general and served in the War in Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Smith came out as an openly gay officer in 2012 and has been an example of living authentically while also being a beacon of visibility to other military members and their families. Forge shares many of Maj. Gen. Smith’s beliefs – LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and dignity, respect and honor in military service, and the importance of kindness and empathy in leadership.     Maj. Gen. Smith believes everyone should have the right to be authentically themselves. She states, “ Each person has these values, these characteristics that make them uniquely who they are...You need to take exactly who you are into each environment that you need to lead in, and not let anyone else stereotype you.” At Forge, we couldn’t agree more. As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ #pride Month, Forge remains committed to raising awareness and celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ people – all year long. We believe every person deserves the opportunity to be their most true self, and we will continue to build a culture where all individuals can flourish.

Today, we honor and remember our fallen heroes. Their bravery and service are never forgotten. May our actions today, and every day, reflect our gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice.

We’re one of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies nationally! It’s an honor to be recognized by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and JPMorgan Chase & Co. Forge, led by Owner & CEO Brittney Killen, ranked 29th on this year’s list! “The business leaders recognized on this year’s 50 Fastest are at the forefront of dynamic, fast-moving industries. Their growth, geographic reach and performance is impressive and deserving of celebration,” said Thelma Ferguson, Global Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Vice Chair of Commercial Banking for JPMorgan Chase. Brittney founded Forge and sought a better way. Six years later, Forge grows in all the right ways and places, and her vision thrives. Evolving together, the Forge Team continues to innovate and deliver – driven solely by missions that ignite our internal flame. Congratulations to all the honorees who made this year’s list. The complete list is available at https://lnkd.in/e-sM_Pps #WPO50Fastest

Forge is a DoD Certified SkillBridge Internship provider. As Veterans ourselves, we get it – and we are here to help you navigate the new civilian terrain. Our SkillBridge Program can translate valuable military experience into a successful civilian career. Contact us to learn more.  https://lnkd.in/eBB6xYYw

Congratulations, Forge Team! Virginia Business Magazine named Forge the #2 Best Place to Work, Medium-size Employer in Virginia. This award is based on two main components: 1) Employee surveys that benchmark companies on core values: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communication; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training and benefits; pay; and overall engagement; and 2) An employer brief which evaluates benefits, corporate strategies, and business processes. This award is our first in the Medium-sized employer category. Last year, Forge was named the #4 Small-sized employer. Moving up from #4 Small last year to #2 Mid this year continues to validate that we are stronger and better as we grow.   More info at: https://lnkd.in/eRHGaGUq

Forge is a proud woman-owned and woman-led company. Our CEO is a woman, and 56% of the Leadership Team are also women. In honor of International Women’s Day, we asked the women leaders of Forge to share some of their experiences, motivations, challenges, successes, and advice. Visit https://lnkd.in/e_dGg8nw to find out what they had to say! 

Thank you, Susana I. Vallelonga, MBA, FMVA®, HITc! And Happy Employee Appreciation Day to you! You exemplify a collaborative, supportive teammate - and we are grateful for you and all our talented Forge Group, LLC staff who choose to be a part of our community!

This past week, the Forge Leadership team met for the 2024 Offsite. It was a time for big ideas, honest conversations, and enjoying one another (and new equine friends!) Growth means change. Forge is evolving and innovating new, better ways as we grow. We are excited about the necessary change to refine corporate functions and ensure Forge continuously improves. However, there are some things we will always be unapologetically stubborn about: 1) Treat people like people - we are all humans first. 2) Seek & execute a simplified approach to contracting actions. 3) Only take on work that truly excites us and that we will unequivocally deliver on. We look forward to the future together – as capability and community remain key to our battle rhythm.