Alicia A. Betha is a distinguished professional recognized for her expertise in innovation, process optimization, data management, leadership, and automation. Currently working as director of agile product management at USAA since 2023, Ms. Betha leads initiatives that drive digital transformation and operational excellence for one of the nation’s most respected financial services organizations. Her tenure at USAA builds upon a remarkable legacy at Sallie Mae, where she led the development of advanced test data management and automation within governance tools. These efforts dramatically enhanced efficiency, reducing account creation time from 15 minutes to a mere 30 seconds through a pioneering automated user interface.
Ms. Betha’s academic journey reflects her unwavering commitment to professional and personal growth. She earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and information systems from the State University of New York at Brockport and a Master of Science in management from Wilmington University. Demonstrating her dedication to lifelong learning and leadership, Ms. Betha has been accepted into the doctoral program at Wilmington University, a significant milestone in her pursuit of academic excellence and future aspirations. Her expertise is further strengthened by prestigious certifications as a project management professional, in SAFe DevOps, as a SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager, and in SAFe Agile Product Management.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Ms. Betha is an active member of the Project Management Institute and previously served as vice president of the Organization for Students of African Descent at SUNY Brockport. Her leadership is rooted in a desire to inspire and empower women and minorities in technology, roles she personally found underrepresented during her early career. Influenced by her grandmother, mother, and godmother, Ms. Betha developed a logical, analytical mindset that fuels her pursuit of excellence and her mission to foster inclusive workplaces where all voices are heard.
A defining moment in Ms. Betha’s career occurred in 2018, when her team leader recognized her potential and encouraged her to craft a strategic vision and embrace a leadership position. This pivotal opportunity enabled executives to witness her capabilities firsthand and cemented her reputation as a transformational leader. Ms. Betha emphasizes the importance of strong advocates, particularly for women in technology, who can help bridge the gap to executive leadership and support professional advancement.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Betha is a devoted mother and an avid photographer, finding creative expression through her lens. Looking to the future, she aspires to become a professor, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of leaders, and to work as a chief information officer, furthering her commitment to mentoring and inspiring future industry leaders. Ms. Betha’s advice to women in information technology is to embrace authenticity, seek mentorship, cultivate emotional intelligence, and continuously invest in education and leadership development.
Alicia A. Betha’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact, both within the technology industry and in the broader community. Her story continues to inspire and uplift those who aspire to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose.