Tiffany Saleem-Tyler - Software Development Project Scheduler

Meet Tiffany Saleem-Tyler, a Software Development Project Scheduler with CGI Federal. 

Project Scheduling pretty much chose me.  I was looking for a job after graduation and I got a call to be a project scheduler. I thought I was going to be a network administrator, but once I received the call I thought I'd check it out. I've been in this field for nine years.  

A Project Scheduler oversees and monitors the entire project from start to finish.  They work with every team on the project from the finance, developers, testers, communications, and the project management office to ensure everything is contractually delivered.  

Tiffany is from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and an Associates Degree in  applied science in computer information systems from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She is also a Certified Scrum Master and is certified in Project Management for IT Professionals and Business. 

Why is diversity in STEM important to you? 

Within the last five years, at least 17 billion dollar tech companies have been created. While none were led by African-Americans or Latinos, all received investments from companies with shareholders and stakeholders that are Black and Brown.  We need to establish our place at the table.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

I'm currently working on a project to revamp the Department of Veterans Affairs financial systems. Financial Management Business Transformation (FMBT) is an enterprise-wide initiative to modernize the current financial management system into an integrated financial and acquisition management system (iFAMS) and to update and standardize VA financial practices to meet Federal standards. This project has been attempted twice with no success but we're about to have a successful deployment with the first wave in June 2020.

What advice would you give to youth who are interested in your career field?

I started out in IT because of a two hour computer business class I took in high school. This class was offered by my schools vocational education program. Vocational education programs provide great opportunities for youth and allow them to gain job skills before and even without going to college. Because of this experience, I would tell youth to never give up on their dreams. Set goals and continue to work hard to achieve them. Your path may not be your chosen path, but it will eventually lead you to your heart’s desires.