In the fast-paced world of technology, defining—or rather, redefining—one’s sense of self is no small feat. For Chatman, it’s a quiet-kept triumph, one that speaks volumes in subtlety.
As the Vice President of SAIC’s Business Development, Chatman has not only shattered the complexities of the tech industry but has undoubtedly brought decade-defying innovations to fruition. She played a lead role in the launch of the first robotic surgical equipment for advanced wound closure and was a pioneering sales rep for online banking, and pay by phone for Utilities— a system still relied upon by the government today.
Her most recent achievement, the launch of SAIC’s AccelerātHER Women’s Leadership Academy, solidifies her legacy as a trailblazer in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Roots of Resilience: A Journey from the Delta to the Top
Chatman’s journey began far from the boardrooms of tech giants and advanced software. Raised on the fringes of the Mississippi Delta in Missouri and in the industrious pockets of Chicago’s South Side, her life was shaped by three pillars: integrity, activism, and spirituality.
The rhythmic sounds of Motown, Blues and Gospel filled her home, creating what she describes as the “soundtrack of her life.” Her father—a music aficionado like herself— was convinced she and her four siblings were going to be “a performing family like the Jackson 5,” she says jokingly. This is especially true, considering they all sing and can play multiple instruments.
Beyond music, Chatman is a natural problem solver, which is a trait she inherited. Her father owned a grocery store and other service-related businesses before shifting his skills to factory work. Meanwhile, her mother—a Tougaloo College graduate with a passion for books and whom she calls her best friend—would often read to Chatman when she was young. Both parents were active participants in the Civil Rights Movement, living by faith and dedicating their lives to serving the wider community.
The legacy of activism runs deep in Chatman’s family. “My grandmother housed and fed the Freedom Riders who came to Mississippi when it was against the law to do so,” she shares, as her voice carries the history of an ancestral line that is as resilient as it is inspiring. This legacy, at least three generations deep, continues to guide Chatman in her own path to this day—a path that bridges the past with the future.
Bold Steps, Clear Vision: Carving a Path in STEM
Career Communications Group
Bridget Chatman
Despite being acutely aware of the broken promises of the South during the 70’s, Chatman didn’t let that deter her from pursuing her dream profession. “I had a love for STEM and could visualize myself in the field,” she recalls, noting that her love for playing the piccolo, sax and flute—a talent she continued to nurture even through the pandemic—didn’t offer the same clear path as STEM.
Chatman’s entry into the tech world began with a bold step—a cold call to IBM. Having seen their ad in the summer newspaper, she says the operator was so impressed that they put her in touch with the sales department.
It wasn’t until later in her career that she encountered her first run-in with injustice in the workplace. After she moved to Maryland to work for a technology company, is when she experienced “blatant inequalities.”
“In my early years of technical and sales management, I rarely saw women of color,” she says firmly. “Oftentimes, I was the only woman on my team for many years.”
Having dealt with the marginalization of her skills and credentials, Chatman was overlooked for promotions, even though she had more experience than her less-qualified peers. “I had a manager say to me, ‘Why do you want stock options? You wouldn’t know what to do with them anyway?’” she recalls, still astonished.
Rather than accept this injustice, Chatman took action. She researched the company’s policies and language, helping to shape documented procedures of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This experience significantly influenced her thinking as she advanced in her career, empowering her to advocate for herself and others.
A Defining Moment: Health, Loss, and Leadership Evolution
Chatman’s ascent to Vice President at SAIC is not just a testament to her professional acumen, but to her resilience in the face of profound personal challenges. As she led transformative projects, Chatman confronted a reality that reshaped her approach to life and leadership. The loss of her mother to cancer—a woman she describes as her rock and prayer warrior—came just as Chatman faced her own battle with breast and thyroid cancer. This dual journey through grief and illness forced her to pause, reflect, and ultimately redefine what mattered most.
"I had always prided myself on being a high performer," Chatman says. But the relentless pace she maintained throughout her 40s became unsustainable as she entered her 50s. The early detection and removal of her cancers offered a second chance, one she chose to embrace with newfound clarity. "I added myself to the calendar," she says, a simple yet profound shift in her approach to work and life.
Today, Chatman’s leadership is marked by empathy and balance. She encourages her team to take time off, cross-train to avoid burnout, and prioritize their well-being. "For the first time in my life, I feel like it’s okay to make myself a priority, and it feels good," she reflects.
Chatman’s journey continues, now driven by a commitment to not just success, but to a life lived with intention and care. In sharing her story, she offers a new vision of leadership—one where self-care and empathy are as critical as innovation and strategy.
She’s not just telling her story; she’s living a redefined version of it.
Bridget’s 5 Recommendations to Maintain a Positive Mindset
In navigating life’s challenges, Chatman shares five key practices that help her maintain a positive mindset:
- Be Resilient: “You must be resilient to manage stress levels, which I am especially working on now.”
- Practice Affirmations: Positive affirmations can reinforce a constructive mindset.
- Develop Perspective: “Treat challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. And if you fail, recover fast.”
- Stay Focused: Keep your goals in sight and work steadily towards them.
- Maintain Hope and Gratitude: “Maintain hope and gratitude to help you cope and become stronger.”