- MIKE MORONES/THE FREE LANCE-STAR

Deirdre White is the owner of DPW Training & Associates, a software training company based in Fredericksburg.

Date published: 1/17/2007

D eirdre W hite, age 37

is the owner of DPW Training & Associates, a small software training company in Fredericksburg. DPW was recently awarded a $2 million contract with the United States Agency for International Development.

EDUCATION: Master's degree in business administration from James Madison University. Bachelor of Science degree from Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington).

FAMILY: Married to David White. Two daughters: Daughters, Kiersten, 10, and Kayla, 5.

CAREER HISTORY: I have almost 15 years of teaching and training experience. My love for teaching began when I was a professor's assistant in graduate school. I got my first job teaching at ECPI Computer Institute and then taught at Germanna Community College before entering the corporate training environment. I have been a self-employed government contractor since 2003 providing software training to federal government agencies.

FIRST JOB: Ross Music & Audio in downtown Fredericksburg.

HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING DPW TRAINING & ASSOCIATES? I have been a government contractor for almost 10 years and have worked for a couple of top-notch IT firms. I was encouraged by my mentor to start my own business so that I could have sole responsibility for my time and gain financial freedom. Because the government is encouraged to work with small businesses, I have been successful in acquiring contracts. I received my 8(a) certification in April of last year, which enables me to bid on government contracts for small businesses.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS CHANGING THE MOST? Definitely the technology. I have been in the training and teaching field for almost 15 years and the modes of technology used to provide instruction have expanded tremendously. I began my career teaching students how to type on a typewriter; now I am in the process of creating a virtual classroom to provide training to folks overseas.

Date published: 1/17/2007