Enlightened, Inc. is not just another technology firm in Washington, D.C. It is a haven of innovation and thought leadership, dedicated to solving the most pressing challenges of its clients. With a mission to provide intelligent solutions that make a measurable impact, Enlightened stands out as an award-winning HUBZone-certified Information Technology (IT) and Management Consulting firm. At the helm is Antwanye Ford, President and CEO, whose vision and leadership have propelled Enlightened to the forefront of the industry.
A Legacy of Innovation
Enlightened was founded with a singular purpose: to leverage technology and thought leadership to address the complex problems faced by businesses and governments alike. The seeds of this vision were sown at George Washington University, where the three founders first discussed the idea of starting a company that would leave a lasting impact. In 2000, a decade after that conversation, Enlightened was born. Each partner brought unique skills and abilities to create a company that excels in large-scale system integration, cybersecurity, and cloud services.
“Our purpose is to solve our customer’s biggest challenges and opportunities by leveraging technology and thought leadership to ensure that there is always a return on their investment,” says Antwanye. This commitment to client success is embedded in every facet of the company’s operations.
Core Values: The E4-I Framework
Enlightened’s success is built on a foundation of four core values known as E4-I: Integrity, Intelligence, Intensity, and Innovation. These principles guide the company’s business approach and relentless pursuit of excellence. “Innovation means that the tortoise can really beat the hare,” Antwanye explains, emphasizing that innovation is only limited by one’s ability to imagine, plan, and implement. The company fosters a culture of innovation through lab environments, creating white papers, and rewarding staff for innovative contributions to internal and external projects. Enlightened’s approach ensures that innovation is not just a project but a core part of the company culture.
Cybersecurity and Beyond
Enlightened’s expertise extends across various domains, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, software development, and management consulting. The firm provides end-to-end IT solutions, helping clients navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Its comprehensive cybersecurity services are designed to protect organizational resources and assets, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.
“Success to us is efficiently discerning and responding to our clients’ unique challenges, then designing high-impact information technology solutions to empower business success,” says Antwanye. Enlightened’s capabilities include vulnerability assessments, security testing, enterprise risk management, and cybersecurity training, among others.
Driving Innovation with Software Development
In the realm of software development, Enlightened is dedicated to creating custom solutions that address the complex business requirements of its clients. Whether building proprietary applications, customizing commercial software, or integrating systems and data, Enlightened’s team delivers solutions that make technology work for the client.
“Our team will help you implement the most viable solution for your organization with personalized support to ensure a smooth transition,” Antwanye adds. This commitment to client satisfaction is what sets Enlightened apart from its competitors.
Strategic Management Consulting
Enlightened’s management consulting services provide strategic guidance to organizations adopting and implementing new technologies and business processes. The firm’s experts are passionate about helping clients operate at peak performance, offering services such as business process re-engineering, IT strategic planning, and quality assurance.
Antwanye highlights the importance of being a trusted advisor: “We partner with our clients to solve their toughest problems and protect their most valuable assets.” This partnership approach has helped Enlightened build long-lasting relationships with its clients, based on trust and mutual success.
A Vision for the Future
As Enlightened looks to the future, it remains committed to expanding its reach and impact. The company is exploring acquisition opportunities to enhance its innovative culture and is partnering with universities to advance cybersecurity and artificial intelligence research.
Antwanye is excited about the company’s growth prospects: “We are targeting acquisition opportunities in the future specific for those businesses who have an innovative culture that can be additive to our own.” This forward-thinking approach ensures that Enlightened stays ahead of the curve, continually developing solutions that anticipate the needs of its clients.
Commitment to Community and Workforce Development
Enlightened’s impact extends beyond its business operations, with a strong focus on community engagement and workforce development. For over 15 years, the company has hosted interns and apprentices, providing them with hands-on experience and opportunities to contribute to real projects. This commitment to nurturing the next generation of technology leaders is a testament to Enlightened’s dedication to giving back to the community.
A Clarion Call for Innovation
Enlightened, Inc. is a testament to the power of innovation and the impact of visionary leadership. Under the guidance of Antwanye Ford, the company has achieved success and set a standard for excellence in the industry. “Do what needs to be done, but what other people are not willing to do,” Antwanye’s mentor once advised him. This mantra has become a clarion call for Enlightened, driving the company to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in the world of technology and consulting.
In the ever-evolving landscape of information technology, Enlightened continues to shine as a leader, committed to solving the toughest challenges and empowering clients to achieve their goals. With a legacy of innovation and a vision for the future, Enlightened is poised to make an indelible mark on the industry and the world.
