Before becoming a cybersecurity leader and advocate for youth and community, Lonye Ford learned the meaning of impact on an Air Force flightline at just 19 years old. That sense of purpose has shaped every chapter since. Tech in Motion talked to Lonye about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and what's next for her company, Arlo Solutions.
Lonye Ford: EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 Mid-Atlantic Award Finalist, Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship First Award at 2025 V-WISE event, “Awardable” status for the second time through the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office’s (CDAO) Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.
Q: What drives your approach to building teams and organizations?
Ford: What inspires me in my work today is impact and legacy. At 19 years old, I was an Airman working on the flightline in another country. I learned early that the work I did mattered. It affected the people beside me, the mission in front of me, and ultimately our national security. That responsibility shaped me.
Today, I carry that same mindset. Whether I’m leading in business or building systems, I see my work as service. The decisions I make affect people, families, and in many cases, broader national interests. I’m motivated by creating opportunity, strengthening the institutions I’m part of, and modeling for my sons what disciplined, mission-driven leadership looks like.
For me, it’s not just about success — it’s about significance and leaving things better than I found them.
-1.png?width=500&name=Screenshot%20(220)-1.png)
Q: Talk about your career journey and what shaped you to become the leader you are today.
Ford: Joining the Air Force truly changed the trajectory of my life. Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, I knew I had to leave for better opportunities, and after facing homelessness, enlisting gave me discipline, skills, and a global perspective that shaped my career.
I found my niche in the emerging field of information assurance, now cybersecurity, and after briefly exploring other paths, I returned to my roots in this work.
Building Arlo required grit and vision: it took three years to win our first contract, pivoting by briefing prime contractors, and I funded the company myself while working full-time and starting a family.
The biggest lesson that shapes my leadership is mission clarity. I learned that when the mission is clear, people align, innovate, and perform at a high level. I lead with discipline, ownership, and service. I believe innovation thrives when people understand the stakes and feel responsible for the outcome.
Today, I’m proud that Arlo is a trusted leader in cybersecurity and strategic solutions, and I lead with the values of perseverance, service, and mentorship that continue to guide how we innovate and build opportunities for others
Arlo Solutions has been ranked on 2025 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list for five consecutive years.
-
Q: What is Stogies & Strategies, and why did you create it?
Ford: We have launched Stogies & Strategies as an exclusive networking series to build strong connections among industry, government, small business communities, and strategic partners. Since its inception last year, we’ve hosted three invitation-only events, bringing together senior leaders from organizations such as US Federal Agencies and key industry players to promote meaningful conversations, share knowledge, and collaborate. This initiative has helped create lasting professional relationships and long-term partnerships within the technology and government community.
Q: What are some of the other ways that Arlo gets involved with the DC community?
Ford: We are deeply committed to supporting organizations that empower the next generation. After-School All-Stars, one of the country’s largest nonprofits addressing the opportunity gap for low-income youth, is particularly meaningful to us; with Lonye as a board member of the DC chapter, I mentor young people, fostering confidence, resilience, and ambition.
At Arlo, we extend this commitment through partnerships with organizations like UrbanPromise and After-School All-Stars DC, engaging our team in programs that build skills and inspire growth. Notably, Arlene Wube is a proud alumnus of UrbanPromise, exemplifying the impact of these initiatives.
For the past 5 years, we have partnered with a local elementary school in Washington, DC, to support 25-30 homeless children by providing them with holiday gifts and creating a heartfelt experience.
Arlo is ranked No. 25 on Washington Business Journal’s 2025 list of the Largest Women-Owned Businesses in Greater Washington.
Lonye Ford (CEO) and Arlene Wube (President), the dynamic leadership duo powering Arlo Solutions.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you, particularly within the context of the tech industry?
Ford: Black history in tech means recognizing the foundational contributions Black innovators have made, acknowledging the barriers that still exist, and taking responsibility to create systems where talent is recognized and supported regardless of background.
In the tech space when you get an opportunity to have a seat at the table, open your mouth…You were invited there, you belong there.
Lonye Ford, 2023 “Carving Your Path” webinar
Q: What's Next for Arlo Solutions?
Ford: We brought on Venice Goodwine as our new CIO and AI Product Owner. Venice joined us at a critical moment in our growth. She brings clarity, discipline, and vision to how we scale technology, systems, and innovation at Arlo
As a partner to CDAO, Arlo provides comprehensive cyber support through our innovative RMF as a Service model. We support the assessment and authorization of critical federal systems, making a meaningful impact on mission readiness and representation in government cyber operations.
We’re investing in developing proprietary technologies in-house.
One key initiative, we’re developing a cutting-edge, AI-driven platform which combines live threat intelligence, exploitability insights, and compliance context all in one view.
This innovative tool empowers leaders to make faster, more informed decisions, focus on what's most important, and confidently address risks in real-time.