Philipia Hillman has more than 20 years of professional experience in government, academe and private consulting, partnering with clients to drive cultural transformation, strengthen executive alignment, develop leaders and facilitate impactful meetings. The tools, resources and overall ethos she offers clients creates a safe space to take risk, be provocative and discover their personal and organizational shine. She believes in an appreciative approach and encourages individuals to acknowledge what is good and to use that to ignite the transformation they want to see. She applies a wide lens to analyze and appreciate her clients' professional, personal, communal and even political concerns and finds it "magnificent when clients discover the mindsets and behaviors that harvest the results they desire."
Before founding The October Group, Philipia was VP of Culture and Engagement for CSRA Inc. (and its successor, General Dynamics Information Technology) from 2016-18. In that role, she led adoption of the company's values, instituted the company’s philanthropy policy and motto, and partnered with leaders to drive a Next-Gen technologies culture. Prior to her tenure at CSRA/GDIT, Philipia was Director of Leadership & Organizational Development with SRA International, where she partnered with the CEO and SVP of Human Resources to oversee the company’s leadership and development initiatives efforts.
Philipia's client list includes AARP, CONSOL Energy, National Weather Service, and many others. She holds certifications in coaching from George Mason University, organizational development from Georgetown University and facilitation from the International Association of Facilitators. She has a BA in journalism from Howard University, and a PhD in sociology from American University.
When she is not working, Philipia is busy in Washington, DC navigating her sons Amir and Zavier, supporting non-profit boards, and pushing herself to upgrade her culinary muse.
Getting a Little More Personal
Words people often use to describe Philipia -
Collaborative, Curious, Forthright, Fun and Perceptive
What inspires her
A good Sunday sermon, comeback stories and her sons
What brings her joy
An amazing meal seasoned with thought provoking conversation, the emergence of spring and laughing out loud
What anchors her
Yoga and a budding meditation practice
What drives her nuts
Mean spiritedness, complacency, and sorting dirty laundry only to find my sons’ clean, folded clothes in the mix
Her guilty pleasure
Homemade pineapple upside down cake, decadent champagne and kettle potato chips
A favorite quote
“You cannot do the wrong thing the right way”—Ethel Mae Rivers, her grandmother
What she can't do without
Her girlfriend posse, international travel, new experiences and the color purple
Her secret ambition
Write two award winning children’s books: Amir’s Amazing Imagination, followed by Zany Zavier
