Margarita Howard, the CEO/President of HX5, has led the
company through a period of remarkable growth, expanding its workforce from
just one employee to over 1,000. This achievement is a testament to Howard’s
strategic leadership and vision, as she navigated the challenges of the
government contracting sector.

Howard’s personal journey is one of determination and resilience. Despite
coming from a background with limited financial resources and growing up in an
environment where college education was not the norm, she recognized the
importance of pursuing higher education. “I was fortunate to have the
opportunity to pursue a college education, which was always my goal,”
Howard says. However, she faced numerous obstacles, including the high cost of
tuition. To overcome these challenges, Howard worked long hours and took on
student debt to pay for her education.

It was during her time in college that Howard discovered the job opportunities
and educational benefits offered by the military. Recognizing the potential for
growth and advancement, she joined the Air Force, a decision that would lay the
foundation for her future endeavors in the government contracting industry.

Margarita Howard’s strategic vision became evident as she established and grew
HX5. Recognizing the risks associated with relying solely on single-source
awards in government contracting, she made it a priority to position the
company as a strong competitor from the beginning. “I knew that I didn’t
want HX5 to be dependent on sole-source awards,” Howard explains. By
ensuring the company’s ability to compete independently, she set HX5 on a path
towards sustained growth and success.

In a highly regulated industry like government contracting, adherence to rules,
regulations, and compliance requirements is crucial. Howard recognizes the
importance of understanding and complying with these regulations, emphasizing
the need for impeccable records and strict adherence to compliance reporting
and audits when working with the government.

Being a woman in a predominantly male industry has its challenges, but Howard
has proven herself as an effective and successful leader. She navigated gender
biases and stereotypes to establish her credibility as a business owner and
leader. While progress has been made towards gender equality in the government
contracting industry, Howard acknowledges that some biases still persist.

Central to HX5’s success is its commitment to diversity and
employee-centricity. Under Howard’s leadership, the company has prioritized
promoting women to leadership positions, resulting in a management team
composed predominantly of women. Howard recognizes the invaluable contribution
of her employees to the company’s growth and success and attributes much of
HX5’s achievements to their dedication and experience.

As HX5 continues to grow, Howard’s strategic vision and commitment to diversity and inclusion will continue to
guide the company’s direction. The journey of HX5 serves as a prime example for
other companies striving for success in competitive landscapes while fostering
a diverse and inclusive work environment.

In conclusion, Margarita Howard’s leadership has propelled HX5 to remarkable
growth, transforming it into a significant player in the government contracting
sector. Her strategic vision, resilience, and commitment to her employees have
set a precedent for success and diversity in the industry. Under Howard’s
guidance, HX5’s journey reflects the power of strong leadership and an
employee-centric approach to business growth. See related link for
additional information. 

Learn more about Howard on https://craft.co/hx5/executives