Shakeria Hayes is the current VP of Administration at Cortina Solutions, where she started years ago as an intern. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Alabama A & M University and a Masters of Science in Acquisition & Contract Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. She is an active member of NCMA, the Catalyst Workforce Now Committee, Women in Defense, and is currently going through the C12 Leadership Training. She was also the Women in Defense, Tennessee Valley Chapter’s Young Professional of the Year Awardee in 2019.

Where is your favorite place to kick back and relax in Huntsville?

Grille on Main at the Village of Providence

What is a fun fact about you?

I was born on Valentine’s Day.

What is the best part about working in Huntsville?

The community in Huntsville is welcoming and the city is thriving, making it a great place to work and live.

What is your best piece of advice for starting a career in Rocket City?

To kickstart a career in Rocket City, networking is key. When I began my career in government contracting, I joined the Women In Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter (WID-TVC) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Huntsville Chapter. These professional organizations provided me with the opportunity to meet many great professionals in my field and expand my knowledge.

What is your favorite work day jam?

Beyoncé’s 4 Album