Desryn Duncan has been breaking barriers and challenging societal norms since her teenage years.
In the late 1970s, a male classmate from her native Guyana discouraged her from taking the national mathematics examination after high school, arguing that it was pointless because “girls can’t pass engineering in college anyway.” This sentiment reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time, which often limited opportunities for young women in academia.
Undeterred, Desryn not only took the exam but achieved one of the highest scores in the entire country. Her exceptional performance in mathematics secured her a scholarship to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at a prestigious Canadian university. Once enrolled, however, a college professor suggested she consider a different major, citing her status as the only Black woman in engineering and the statistical improbability of a Black student graduating in that field.
Her resolute response: “Failure is not an option.”
Fast forward to her junior year, and Desryn’s leadership skills shone through as she was elected president of the engineering society, an achievement that underscored her resilience and determination in a field where female representation was scarce.
Desryn’s career path—and why she loves her job
After completing her engineering degree, Desryn returned to Guyana to fulfill the four-year work commitment tied to her scholarship, immersing herself in her professional development.
Her talent and dedication caught the attention of an American company with a modest presence in Guyana, which subsequently recruited her to work in the United States. While making strides in her professional career, she also pursued and earned a master’s degree in computer engineering. Over two decades in the private sector saw her ascend to the role of technical manager for a significant military project valued at half a billion dollars, before deciding to pivot into public service with the Internal Revenue Service.
After completing a landmark project, Desryn was honored with a promotion to the Senior Executive Service by the Office of Personnel Management. Today, she works on contract with the IRS as an IT program manager, while also serving as a solution architect for IRS proposals at Leidos.
“The solutions designed by Leidos need to be flexible to accommodate changing tax laws and align with the overall architecture of the IRS,” Desryn elaborates, emphasizing the critical nature of her work. “Plus, these projects must be implemented without affecting annual filing season tasks,” she adds, highlighting why her insights into the IRS’s architecture and culture are invaluable for Leidos proposals.
“My job demands that I interact with several people, both from Leidos and the customer, every day. I love that collaboration—and I love a challenge.”
Modernizing a legacy system developed in the 1960s while keeping it operational is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. Yet, Desryn relishes the opportunity to tackle this challenge alongside her dedicated team.
“The people I work with are talented and do not give up. They embody my favorite phrase from college: ‘failure is not an option,’” she emphasizes. “I enjoy public service and hope to continue working with the IRS on updating technology to provide taxpayers with enhanced digital services while ensuring the security of the public’s tax data.”
Desryn’s career advice
Reflecting on her journey and the skills that are most critical in today’s work environment, Desryn shares valuable advice for those aspiring to pursue software careers:
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Build trust by being honest, conscientious, and kind. “People must be able to trust you and to rely on you, so treat others the way you would like to be treated. You cannot do everything on your own, especially as you rise higher in your career. You’ll increasingly need to rely on your team to do their part, and a team that trusts each other performs brilliantly. Build that trust by being honest, having a sense of integrity, and establishing a rapport with your team.”
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Understand the value of diversity. “The U.S. is a diverse country, and the world is a diverse place. To interact positively with others, we need to understand them. If we aim to connect with customers from different countries or cultures, understanding their backgrounds is essential.”
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Foster inclusion. “Being open to listening to perspectives that differ from your own is crucial. By extending the same respect to all individuals, allowing them equal time to share their thoughts, we can harness the value that diversity brings.”
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Don’t underestimate the value of certifications. “Certifications matter in this industry. They help hiring managers assess a candidate’s baseline knowledge in their respective field.”
“Besides basic skills and experience, employers are looking for a willingness to learn, an ability to get along with others, and a positive work attitude,” Desryn notes.
If you’re interested in software jobs or other career opportunities with Leidos, browse our open positions. We are eager to receive your application.
What challenges did Desryn Duncan face as a woman of color pursuing a degree in engineering, and how did she overcome them?
**Interview with Desryn Duncan: Breaking Barriers in Engineering and Public Service**
**Editor:** Take us back to your teenage years in Guyana. You faced significant opposition when pursuing your education. How did you navigate that environment, especially when a peer suggested you couldn’t succeed in engineering?
**Desryn Duncan:** It was indeed a challenging time. At that moment, I felt the weight of societal expectations pressing down on me, but I knew I had to prove them wrong. I took the national mathematics examination and achieved one of the highest scores in the country. More than anything, I was determined to redefine what was possible for young women like myself.
**Editor:** After your impressive performance in math, you pursued an electrical engineering degree, but a professor questioned your choice. What was going through your mind when you faced that kind of skepticism?
**Desryn:** I thought it was disheartening that a professor would suggest I change my major based on my race and gender. I responded firmly, “Failure is not an option.” I recognized that I was part of a larger narrative of underrepresentation, and I felt it was my responsibility to challenge those stereotypes head-on.
**Editor:** You later returned to Guyana before moving to the U.S. and taking on significant roles in engineering and IT. How did those experiences shape your leadership style?
**Desryn:** Returning to Guyana allowed me to understand the importance of collaboration and mentorship. I learned that leadership isn’t just about being at the top but also about uplifting those around you. My involvement as president of the engineering society reaffirmed that belief. I strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels motivated to contribute.
**Editor:** Now, as an IT program manager at the IRS, your work involves modernizing systems from the 1960s. What drives your passion for this field?
**Desryn:** I genuinely love a good challenge! Modernizing legacy systems while ensuring operational continuity is no small feat. The collaboration with my team motivates me; we embody the spirit of resilience. We share a commitment to public service and enhancing taxpayer services.
**Editor:** You have pivotal insights into both technical and leadership roles. What advice would you give to young professionals, especially women of color looking to enter the tech field?
**Desryn:** My advice is simple: embrace challenges and don’t shy away from leadership opportunities. Cultivating skills like resilience and effective communication is key. And remember, the landscape of technology is always evolving, so be adaptable and stay curious!
**Editor:** Thank you, Desryn, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights. Your story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in fields like engineering and technology.
**Desryn:** Thank you for having me! I hope to encourage others to take bold steps in their careers, just as I did.
