Rosemary McDowell...
Rosemary
McDowell successfully made several career changes over the
years, from marketing to accounting to systems development
to high tech systems development and management. All of
these experiences have combined to help her develop the
skills necessary to become a successful small business
owner. Even when she was laid off in 2000, she turned the
experience into one that helped her grow and learn. What
could have been devastating instead turned into a great
opportunity, the beginning of her own business.
Rosemary worked in the Federal Government for 16 years
mostly at the IRS as a management analyst, internal auditor
and leaving as a program manager for Tax Systems
Administration. She then spent ten years in the private
sector in high tech for Martin Marietta, Sallie Mae, and UTA.
In January of 2001 she started her own business, RSDN
providing consulting services including proposal development
and management; business development; program management;
and strategic planning.
As a student at Georgetown, she always wanted to research
and write. At IRS, her 5 year involvement in tax systems
modernization introduced her to the world of research and
contracting that she continued in the private sector for 10
years. continued in the private sector for 10 years.
Rosemary finds
balancing time between her husband and son difficult. “I
tend to not turn anything down. However, I am learning to
“kick back” and I am delegating more as I go into my
third year in business for myself.” For women over 45 in
the Washington, DC area, Rosemary does feel it is harder
professionally to move ahead than it is for younger women
However, she feels there is a great support network in the
region for working mothers.
“I have successfully made several career changes over
the years. I have combined these skills to become a
successful small business owner. It is very gratifying.
PERSONAL:
Owner: RSDN
Born: July 30, 1953
FAMILY:
Married to Adric McDowell August 5, 1995 Son, Brian,
19 and a
sophomore business major at
Virginia Tech
LIVES IN:
Fairfax City (native Washingtonian)
EDUCATION:
Georgetown University, 1975,
French Major
HOW DO YOU BLEND CAREER &
FAMILY:
Weekdays are career, weekends are family-dedicated. |
FAVORITE
PARENTING TIP:
Never commit to something you might not be able to do.FAVORITE
BOOK:
Katherine Graham’s Autobiography
CURRENT BOOK:
Leadership by Rudolph Guiliani
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
La Hacienda, Ocean City, MD
FAVORITE FUN ACTIVITY:
Weekend trips to the beach in the spring/summer and
Williamsburg in the winter/fall
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