Ellie Reda, a Hispanic woman CEO of Stratford Solutions, leads an IT staffing firm based in New Jersey. With roots in Brooklyn and a deep connection to her Colombian heritage, Elizabeth founded Stratford Solutions in 2015, growing it into a certified WMBE, DBE, and SBE provider. She brings over two decades of expertise in contract staffing, with a focus on database and data warehousing, business intelligence, and application development talent solutions. Elizabeth is committed to advancing diversity in tech by connecting highly skilled professionals with impactful roles and fostering inclusivity through strategic partnerships across the industry.
About Stratford Solutions Inc.
Stratford Solutions Inc., an IT staffing firm in New Jersey, stands as a certified WMBE, DBE, and SBE dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with industry leaders. Established in 2015, Stratford Solutions specializes in placing skilled professionals across database and data warehousing, business intelligence, and application development fields. Known for its commitment to diversity and excellence, Stratford Solutions empowers organizations to achieve their goals with a strong focus on inclusivity and innovation. Under the leadership of CEO Ellie Reda, the firm is passionate about advancing opportunities for minority and underrepresented professionals in the tech sector.
What does being a minority business, or supporting minority businesses, mean to you?
Being a minority business means proudly embracing and reflecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and strengths that make up our communities. It’s about more than just representation; it’s about the resilience and unique perspective that minority-owned businesses bring to the table. For me, it means using my platform to show that success and impact are within reach for anyone, regardless of background.
Supporting minority businesses is equally powerful. It’s an opportunity to uplift those who have historically faced challenges accessing the same resources or networks. By partnering with and promoting these businesses, we build a more equitable and inclusive economy. Each connection, contract, and success story contributes to a larger movement for diversity and opportunity, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
How has being certified with the NMSDC helped your business?
Being certified with the NMSDC has been invaluable for Stratford Solutions. The certification opened doors to opportunities with corporations and government agencies seeking to diversify their supplier base, and it positioned us as a trusted partner in the tech staffing field. The NMSDC’s network has enabled us to connect with like-minded businesses and industry leaders committed to diversity, providing valuable networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
Through the NMSDC, we’ve showcased our capabilities to larger organizations, including securing contracts with the City of New York. This certification has helped us build credibility, expand our reach, and grow our business while supporting our mission to elevate diverse talent in tech.
What is one thing you wish you had known when you were starting out in your career?
One thing I wish I had known early on is the power of intentional networking. At first, I focused primarily on honing my technical skills and knowledge, believing that hard work alone would propel my career. While those qualities are essential, I later realized that building relationships and surrounding yourself with mentors and advocates can open doors in ways that skills alone sometimes cannot. Meaningful connections offer guidance, new perspectives, and resources that are crucial for growth, especially as an entrepreneur. Knowing this from the start would have helped me establish a strong support network even sooner.
For more information on Stratford Solutions, please visit: stratfordsolutionsinc.com or follow them on LinkedIn.