National Center for Responsible Government Contracting, LLC

Meet our intern! Grace Sarick is a senior at the University of South Florida, double majoring in Criminology and English with a concentration in Creative Writing, and is set to graduate in May 2026.

Her academic interests sit at the intersection of the social sciences and literary fiction, informed by research and coursework in mental health, victimology, international literature, and rhetorical strategy. Grace is a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society, and has published literary analysis in the chapter’s journal, The Scribe. She is also actively involved in Alpha Delta Pi, serving on the sorority’s philanthropy and slating committees. After graduation, Grace plans to pursue an MFA in Fiction.

As an intern with NC-RCG, Grace is gaining hands-on experience in ethical and effective government contracting, supporting local businesses. We’re excited to have Grace on the team and can’t wait to see the insight and creativity she brings this semester!

Big congratulations to our partner Linda Olson of Tampa Bay Wave, on being recognized as a Woman of Impact Tech Honoree by the Brazil-Florida Business Council. Her impact on the tech ecosystem and international collaboration is real and lasting. RGC is proud to partner alongside leaders like Linda who are building opportunity and momentum for others.

Meet our intern! Jonae Powell is a senior at Florida State University majoring in English - Editing, Writing, and Media with minors in Psychology and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and is set to graduate in May 2026.

Her academic focus includes professional communication, impactful writing, inclusive teaching, and media analysis, with hands-on experience in writing, editing, teaching methods, and rhetorical analysis. Jonae is especially interested in persuasive writing, research analysis, and business development support, and is passionate about using clear, strategic communication to help others succeed.

As an intern with NC-RCG, Jonae is gaining hands-on experience in ethical and effective government contracting, supporting local businesses. We’re excited to have Jonae on the team and look forward to the insight and dedication she brings this semester!

Hillsborough College's STRIVE recently finished its Spring 2026 semester, marking another successful cohort of veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs completing the program.

STRIVE (Startup Training Resources to Inspire Veteran Entrepreneurship) is a national initiative led by Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) that helps veterans, active duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses transform business ideas into viable ventures. Through a hands-on six-week training program, participants develop the skills needed to build and sustain a business while gaining access to a powerful national network of mentors, resources, and support.

At Hillsborough College, Responsible Government Contracting (RGC) delivers full-cycle program management and instruction for the STRIVE initiative. Our team plans and executes three cohorts each year, guiding veteran entrepreneurs through business ideation, customer discovery, financial planning, operations, and launch readiness while connecting them with mentors and local partners. Since the program began in Tampa, STRIVE has supported 200+ veteran entrepreneurs, launched 40+ new businesses, and helped graduates secure startup and grant funding to bring their ideas to life.

Congratulations to the Spring 2026 STRIVE cohort on completing the program and taking the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.

Meet our intern! Sydney Graham is a double major in English - Editing, Writing, and Media and Studio Art at Florida State University, anticipating to graduate this May 2026.

Her academic work centers on rhetorical analysis, editing practices, and research-based writing, with coursework in advanced writing and editing strengthening her skills in research, revision, and critical thinking. Sydney enjoys analytical writing that incorporates multiple perspectives and brings a deep, detail-oriented approach to both her academic and creative work. Beyond the classroom, she gained international experience through an internship in Valencia, Spain, where she edited journalism pieces and collaborated with a student team, and she currently helps manage The Kudzu Review, an undergraduate literary and art magazine.

As an intern with NC-RCG, Sydney is gaining hands-on experience in ethical and effective government contracting, supporting local businesses. We’re excited to have Sydney on the team and can’t wait to see the insight and dedication she brings this semester!

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to recognize the women across RGC who contribute their expertise, leadership, and service to the government contracting community. RGC is a team that is 75% women, and we also have the privilege of supporting many women-owned small businesses among our clients as they grow and compete in the government marketplace.

Within our organization alone, women bring experience that spans military affiliation across every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, hold more than 45 academic degrees, and are fluent in 7 languages. Our interns are very accomplished ladies as well. Their awards include scholarships, Dean’s and President’s List honors at their universities, and membership in respected academic honor societies.

Across RGC, our women serve as advisors, mentors, and problem-solvers helping businesses navigate government contracting and build lasting opportunities. Highlighted in this post are just a handful of the amazing women that work with RGC. This Women’s History Month, we’re grateful for the dedication, service, and leadership they bring to this work every day.

Meet our intern! Emerlinda (Emmy) Lemonis is a second-year student at the University of South Florida, majoring in English with a minor in International Studies and on track to graduate early in Fall 2026.

Her interdisciplinary studies span literature, language, government, legal research, and policy-making, and she has gained valuable experience through the Undergraduate Law Review, serving as an Executive Board Member for multiple Pre-Law Societies, a Congressional internship with the U.S. House of Representatives, and as a Writing Tutor at USF’s Writing Studio. Emmy plans to attend law school and pursue a career in transactional or public interest law.

As an intern with NC-RCG, Emmy is gaining hands-on experience in ethical and effective government contracting, supporting local businesses. We’re thrilled to have Emmy on the team and can’t wait to see the expertise and energy she brings this semester!

Meet our intern! Aishat Lawal is a third-year Presidential Scholar at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in Creative Writing and Theatre Studies, with a minor in French.

She is passionate about dramaturgy, arts administration, and intercultural storytelling, and hopes to use the power of words and performance to bring people and communities together. At FSU, Aishat has immersed herself in campus life and theatre, taking on leadership and creative roles as a Lectures Coordinator, Outreach Intern, stage manager, director, and dramaturg for the Spring 2025 production of Young Frankenstein.

As an intern with NC-RCG, Aishat is gaining hands-on experience in ethical and effective government contracting, supporting local businesses. We’re thrilled to welcome Aishat to the team and can’t wait to see the creativity and perspective she brings this semester!

Meet our intern! Audrey Zilay is a recent graduate of the University of South Florida, earning her B.A. in Professional and Technical Communication with minors in Environmental Science and Policy and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Through her academic work, Audrey developed strong skills in professional writing, editing, research, and analysis, with experience spanning conference presentations and publications.
She is especially interested in the intersection of environmental policy and gender studies, with a passion for ecofeminism, environmental justice, and equity.

As an intern with NC-RCG, Audrey is standing out as she gains hands-on experience in ethical and effective government contracting, supporting local businesses. We’re excited to have Audrey on the team and look forward to the insight and passion she brings this semester!

At RGC, we help small businesses, universities, and community partners navigate government contracting ethically and effectively through real-world problem solving, clear communication, and strong public–private relationships.

Our internship program gives current students hands-on experience working on real projects—from client discovery and government research to written deliverables and professional communication. This spring, we’re excited to welcome our second cohort of interns from FSU and USF. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting individual interns to showcase their skills and introduce you to the next generation of responsible government contracting professionals.

RrrrrGC hopes you had a great weekend! We joined Tampa Bay to watch the Gasparilla invasion and celebrate one of the region’s most iconic traditions. Always proud to support the local culture and community that make Tampa special.