Kenneth Kelly, CEO of Strativia based in Largo, Maryland and Girardo Smith, CEO of the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (EFSFCU), are two of the 25 honorees for the Washington Business Journal’s (WBJ) 2025 Diversity in Business Awards.
These awards, hosted on April 24, recognize leaders of color who champion business excellence and foster workforce diversity.
“This annual signature award program, now in its 18th year, is a celebration of Greater Washington’s diverse population and its importance to the local economy,” said Caitlin Lyons, Washington Business Journal special projects editor.
Lyons explained how the 2025 awardees, such as Kelly, were selected.
“Honorees are chosen through an independent editorial review, with selections based entirely on their merits, achievements and contributions to their organizations and local community,” Lyons said. “Commercial interests with the Business Journal are not considered. We selected this year’s class from a highly competitive nomination pool. They hail from the utility, banking, tech, nonprofit, hospitality, government contracting, professional services and health care sectors.”
Since founding Strativia, a tech company, in 2006, Kelly has transformed the company into a powerhouse in government contracting, securing key contracts with federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Army, and the Department of the Navy, among others.
With roughly 300 employees operating in 31 states and internationally, Strativia strives for high standards of excellence in professional services.
Kelly said he is pleased with the recognition.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Washington Business Journal with this award,” said Kenneth Kelly, president and CEO of Strativia. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our outstanding team whose hard work and commitment have established Strativia as a leading provider of consulting, technology, and professional services.”
Under Smith’s leadership, EFSCU recently merged with Howard University Employees Federal Credit Union, significantly expanding the range of financial services for the entire Howard University community.
With more than 200 employees, 14 branch locations, and $1.2 billion in assets, ESFCU has been serving the education community since 1955 and was recognized last year by Washington Business Journal as the 12th largest credit union in the Washington area.
Smith credited the team at ESFCU for receiving the honor.
“This honor is a testament to the incredible colleagues who have supported me throughout my journey and to our dedicated ambassadors and board of directors, whose unwavering commitment makes our mission of supporting our communities a reality,” said Smith.