HBCU/MSI alums who work for us

Get to know the people who work for us and discover how their diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences positively impact GSA and the federal government.

For all matters related to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions, reach out to our liaison Lanelle Chisolm at lanelle.chisolm@gsa.gov.

Katrina N. McDow

Katrina N. McDow  |  IT solution advisor

Hampton University and Johns Hopkins alum

She/her
katrina.mcdow@gsa.gov
Customer Strategic Solutions Division, Information Technology Category

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When did you join GSA?

September 2022

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

I lead business development efforts with IT category to increase the utilization of the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions and Multiple Award Schedule contract vehicles. Specifically, I support the telecommunications division and their strategic initiatives by utilizing data to make decisions.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

I graduated from Hampton University in 2002 with an bachelor’s in Business Management with a Marketing and Finance emphasis. After working in private industry for Marriott International, I joined the public sector while attending graduate school at Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business, for my master’s in Marketing, class of 2009. I have over 15 years of experience in the federal government working at the Department of Transportation, Department of Treasury, and Department of Labor before GSA.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

GSA is a forward-thinking agency. Leadership supports and promotes innovation, ingenuity and collaboration across all areas of the agency. You can work here and make a long-lasting impact that affects the day-to-day lives of American people.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

When I started here at GSA, some golden nuggets of advice were shared with me, and those were to “create your destiny” and “stay new” — meaning keep learning and challenging yourself. This is so true because GSA supports you to do just that!

Lanelle Chisolm

Lanelle Chisolm  |  National account manager

Norfolk State University alum

She/her
lanelle.chisolm@gsa.gov
Federal Acquisition Service, Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Division

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When did you join GSA?

July 2018

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

My focus is external. I meet with agency executives at federal agencies to discuss how GSA can support their strategic plans and objectives. I travel across the country attending networking events. No day is the same.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

I joined ROTC at NSU and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Medical Services Corps. My career path included leading logistics and contracting teams in a health care environment.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

The work flexibilities, the travel, and focus on work life balance.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

I would say apply for the job. Be prepared to bring your BEST self to work and collaborate in a team environment. 

Yolanda Collins

Yolanda Collins  |  Senior contracting officer

Troy University and American Graduate alum

She/her
yolanda.collins@gsa.gov
Federal Acquisition Service, Innovation Division

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When did you join GSA?

June 2014

Describe what you do for GSA and what a typical day is like.

Vendor and agency outreach. I typically have one to three meetings for different teams in which I am a member. I usually have meetings, phone calls, or answer emails from different agencies or vendors. I also have several projects I have to keep updated.

What was your career journey before you got to GSA?

I was a member of the Armed Forces and a student.

What is the best part about working for GSA?

The people and the flexibility.

What advice do you have for others about working for GSA?

GSA is a place you can achieve any of the career goals you set! As long as you’re willing to learn, be active, and put your best foot forward, you will reach the moon!