Alicia A. Betha has established herself as a distinguished professional in innovation, process optimization, data management, leadership, and automation. She currently excels as the director of agile product management at USAA, a role she has held since 2023, before which she played a pivotal role at Sallie Mae, where she led the development of test data management and automation within the governance tool. Ms. Betha’s efforts significantly improved efficiency, reducing account creation time from 15 minutes to just 30 seconds through an automated user interface.
Ms. Betha 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. She has also obtained several certifications, including Project Management Professional certification and credentials in SAFe DevOps, SAFe PO/PM, and SAFe Agile Product Management. Ms. Betha is actively involved with the Project Management Institute and previously served as vice president of the Organization for Students of African Descent at SUNY Brockport.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Betha’s passion for innovation stems from childhood aspirations to surpass industry leaders and contribute to societal advancements. Influenced by her grandmother, mother, and godmother, she developed a logical and analytical mindset that has shaped her professional journey. Moreover, as a Black woman in the information technology industry, she has recognized the importance of becoming the leader she once lacked. Ms. Betha identifies as a transformational leader, advocates for greater representation of women and minorities in technology leadership and is committed to continuous learning and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace.
In 2018, a defining moment in Ms. Betha’s career came when her team lead encouraged her to develop a strategic vision and step into a leadership role. This opportunity allowed executives to witness her capabilities firsthand. She emphasizes the importance of staunch advocates, particularly for women who may not always have access to executive leadership, and highlights the critical role such support plays in professional growth. In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Betha was honored to be included in the Junior Scholars Program by USA Today, recognizing her dedication to excellence and continuous learning.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Betha is a devoted mother and enjoys photography as a creative outlet. Looking to the future, she aspires to become a chief information officer and teach leadership courses, furthering her mission to mentor and inspire future industry leaders. She advises women in IT to bring their authentic selves to professional spaces, seek mentorship, cultivate emotional intelligence, and continuously invest in their education and leadership development.