Rising Stars offer inspiration

The 2009 Rising Stars teach lessons of hard work, dedication and skill.

In this issue, we honor a group of individuals who, though early in their careers, are having a significant impact on the government market.

We call them the Rising Stars, because although they have already accomplished great things, we expect their best days are ahead of them.

We have divided the group of 28 winners among Washington Technology, Government Computer News and Federal Computer Week. Washington Technology highlights the Rising Stars from industry. GCN and FCW will share the government honorees.

What can we learn from the Rising Stars? Plenty. First, there is the confidence that the government market still attracts talented, dedicated people.

Second, there is the wide range of problems these people are working on. Too often, we think of the government as a monolith, but it is far from it. There are a rich diversity of problems and solutions. There is no one size fits all in the government market.

Third, hard work still pays off. These Rising Stars are nothing if not dedicated. They have put mission above self and, in some cases, have even put themselves in harm’s way.

We invite you to read their stories in print and online. And feel inspired.