Why I Built AGADA Edge

After my transition from the military, I stepped directly into the defense industry, where I gained invaluable experience working on Army contracts. From there, I moved into a corporate role, where one of my key responsibilities was to rebuild and lead the internship program for the Information Technology Office (ITO). In a short time, I transformed the program’s structure, culture, and impact by drawing on firsthand insights from the defense side of the business. Watching the program evolve and seeing interns grow into confident professionals was deeply fulfilling.

This passion grew even stronger when I developed the Future Leaders in Data (FLiD) program for the Chief Data Office, collaborating not only with interns but also with early-career professionals. Through these experiences, I connected with hundreds of talented individuals and observed a troubling pattern: too many were struggling to secure meaningful internship opportunities, which put them at a disadvantage when competing for entry-level roles post-graduation.

So, I built AGADA Edge to close that gap.

AGADA Edge isn’t just another career advice brand. It’s a mission.

A mission to give students, recent graduates, and career changers the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to navigate their careers—before they feel lost or left behind.

Because every young professional deserves more than generic advice and outdated templates.

• They deserve a strategy.

• They deserve feedback.

• They deserve a launchpad.

And they deserve it from someone who knows what it takes to grow, adapt, and rise.

Welcome to AGADA Edge. I’m honored to be part of your journey.

— Dr. Gretchen Johns