Booz Allen’s Maria Gilley: Celebrating Diversity, Modernizing Government

“Inclusion is more than a concept at Booz Allen. It is embodied in our culture.”

This fall, Booz Allen Associate Maria Fernanda Gilley is not only celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). She’s also working on a project with a very personal mission.

She supports the Office of Foreign Labor Certifications (OFLC) within the Department of Labor (DOL), leading the OFLC Project Management Office  in developing and deploying a cloud-based platform to modernize the U.S. visa application process. In 2001, her parents used the same visa process to come to the U.S. from Venezuela.

Helping people secure jobs for a better life

The new OFLC system will give employees an efficient and reliable tool for managing visa applications and deliver a user-friendly and consistent experience for applicants.

 People who are applying for a U.S. visa and their employer or lawyer will be able to go in, review, and make sure everything looks okay before it’s processed.

“It’s incredible rewarding to help people secure the jobs they want for a better life—just like my parents were able to do,” she said.

Embracing heritage, empowered by diversity

Gilley said she feels empowered by her work at Booz Allen and the diversity she sees around her every day at the firm. She’s a member of Booz Allen’s Latin American Network and  served as the group’s social and cultural lead for three years, planning professional development events, family picnics and movie screenings.

“Events are not just for members—they are open to all employees, which reflects the welcoming and passionate nature of the Latin community,” she said.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month—and year-round—Gilley enjoys flamenco dancing. “It is a big part of my life and reminds me of dancing as a kid in Venezuela.”

“It allows me to express myself, to show my passion, and to face my fears,” she said.

Read more about Maria Gilley and diversity and inclusion at Booz Allen.