Clydea Allaire: Entrepreneur, Veteran, Mentor, and Women in STEM Activist
25 years as an active duty officer, 10 years as a government civilian service, and 5 years of running an IT solutions company have made Clydea one of the most strong-willed people ever. All her life she has worked in male-dominant sectors, living a life that most of us are scared of. She has traveled the world, explored different cultures, and continues to celebrate her life.
Connie, as she likes to be addressed, is a woman who refused to settle down for things she didn’t like. She left home soon after college to join the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Her life after that was nothing less than full throttle and complete adventure ride. Currently, she runs an IT infrastructure company, helping women to thrive in the field of technology.
Army, Europe, and All the ‘Firsts’
Connie's first Army Officer assignment was at 2D Army Division (Fwd) in Garlstedt Germany. She spent 3 wonderful years on this assignment learning her Army craft at the most Combat Ready Army post in Germany. For her, it was the place of many firsts. Her first Army assignment, her first new car, learning to drive a standard transmission, her first apartment, and running her first half-marathon. Connie believes that this was the place that molded and helped her in developing her character.
In the 25 years of her life in the Army, she has traveled abroad extensively, discovering new countries, working with different European militaries, and exploring new cultures. Enjoying every adventure, she proudly says, she has seen more of Europe than the United States. After an exhilarating career in the Army, Connie entered a civilian government job at the Pentagon and was selected for a special assignment with the Federal CIO, White House Communications. It wasn’t long after that she would make the riskiest decisions of her life!
Reforming The IT Sector By Empowering Women
Connie was not ready to settle for a safe job within her comfort zone. She wanted to use her skills and vision to help more women. Connie’s experience comes from Technology career assignments and Post-graduate studies. She has a Master’s in Business Administration, Master’s in Security Leadership, and is a Certified Privacy Solutions Engineer. She has dedicated her time and expertise to mentoring and training those women interested in pursuing a career in Information Technology. She loves to learn new things. So she dedicated hours of her life to learning tech and became the President and CEO of Allaire’s Management Consulting Firm.
Allaire’s Management Consulting Firm provides effective IT solutions to some of the most prestigious organizations in the world. She has a great team that works towards their goal. Connie has been able to employ women and provide internships to women who are interested in learning it. She has helped build the career of many women in tech by giving them appropriate guidance, mentorship, and expertise.
Connie is also an active mentor of women in STEM programs. She now leads a life that aligns with her life goals. The flexibility and exposure gained from owning a business cannot be compared with anything else!
Golf or LinkedIn A Better Marketing Solution? ;)
Connie is an avid golf enthusiast, which again is a male-dominated sport. Well, she is on a roll to conquer everything that the world says is not for women!
Golf for her is like an escape, self-heal, and relaxing activity. It has helped her recover from cancer, prepared her to face the world, and bring out the best in her.
One of the biggest advantages that golf has given her is a ground to connect with potential customers. She finds golf a great conversation starter and the game itself a great way to get acquainted with a potential audience. Somehow, it has been a great lead generator for her, just like LinkedIn!
You Are What You Think You Are
It’s not easy to learn, do and experience things that you are repeatedly told are not your cup of tea. If you still think there is no future beyond the boundaries set by the society, then here’s a woman who has crossed it and come out with a life that was totally worth it.
You should do whatever makes you happy, learn from your mistakes, educate yourself and travel around to see the world from a whole new perspective!
Stay tuned for the inspirational stories of women around you. Inspire and get inspired!
The Fire is my attempt to bring the stories of women around the world to your focus. It’s a self-funded project to make the world a more inspiring and happier place. If you want to help me with this cause, you should probably know that coffees help me write these.