ACT-IAC Announces MetroStar Manager as Voyager Program Initiate

RESTON, VA — For over five decades, the American Council for Technology (ACT) and the Industry Advisory Council (IAC), known to many as ACT-IAC, have bridged technology gaps between industry and government. Their distinguished Voyagers Program is a space for rising leaders in government and industry to hone their leadership development skills. Members of the program are often mid-career professionals with aspirations to advance their careers through collaboration and education.

Voyagers announced their 2023 cohort, including MetroStar's Senior Manager of Experience Strategy, Iva Hutson. 

MetroStar is a leading digital services and solutions company navigating the new era of technology and transforming how people, bureaucracies, and tech enthusiasts connect to make the world safer and more equitable. Hutson is an esteemed member of the company's human-centered design practice and is focused on advancing inclusive design and customer experience in federal agencies.

After a detailed application process, twelve new members are matched with twelve mentors for the duration of the program. During this year-long collaborative learning experience, participants gain trusted 1:1 relationships, showcase their talent through capstone projects, experience niche training, and enhance their leadership and communication skills.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must obtain a corporate sponsorship to be selected. "I'm grateful to work for a company that supports people at the mid-level of their career and is starting to seek senior leadership roles. It's important to have encouragement from your company to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and improve," Hutson said. 

MetroStar is home to multiple Voyager alums, including two women leaders who championed Hutson during her application process. "It's hard to be in your own head at times, but I am grateful to have a support system of other strong women leaders behind me who were gracious with their time and tips."

After three years of not interacting at in-person conferences or public, professional events, Hutson is ecstatic to attend the first off-sight meeting and interact with her peers. 

"It's a throwback to the days when I attended in-person work events often, and I'm dusting off my skills to have those challenging, intellectual conversations. I've heard great things about the program and how they encourage talent to push themselves to do things that seem scary or unattainable."

Reach out to learn more about Hutson's day-to-day work at MetroStar and how her team is transforming conversations around customer experience, human-centered design, and accessible design in government. 

About MetroStar 

MetroStar has a rich, two-decade legacy of building the best and brightest teams. As we navigate a new era of technology, our mission is to serve and transform how people, bureaucracies, and tech enthusiasts connect in the digital age. Everything we touch begins and ends with people—the civil servants, service members, farmers, and immigrants (to name a few)—and our tools empower faster solutions worldwide, supporting dozens of federal agencies, hundreds of thousands of users, and millions of Americans. Learn more about how MetroStar is developing the next generation of solutions.