Faces of Loudoun: Angela Mitchell

Angela Mitchell, ARM Consulting, Champions Community Relationships

ARM Consulting, LLC is a nationally recognized healthcare, human resources and information technology solutions consulting company located in Leesburg. For nearly two decades, the consulting firm has provided innovative solutions to customers in the federal government, commercial and nonprofit sectors. Angela Mitchell, President and CEO, ARM Consulting, founded the company in 2005 and officially left her corporate job in January of 2006 to pursue her business head on.

“I have a background in healthcare doing consulting work for pharmaceuticals and biotech companies that centered around market access – reimbursement, coding, coverage, and patient support programs,” said Mitchell. “After a few years working in the D.C. metropolitan area it became apparent that the federal government was a large customer and a consulting need existed there. I began pivoting to government contracting support.” Mrs. Mitchell capitalized on her 25 plus years of expertise in public health, healthcare, federal and local governments to create the award-winning organization.

While the need for consulting work existed in D.C., small business resources were not as prevalent. Mrs. Mitchell had lived in Loudoun County for a few years, but began considering moving her business to the area as well. “I was looking for resources that provided support to small businesses, and I found those in Loudoun County. I did most of my work in the metro, but after a few years, I decided to move everything to Loudoun,” she said. Loudoun County’s proximity to Washington D.C. provides an easy commute and maintains ARM Consulting’s access to high-profile government contracts.

After moving her business to the area, Mrs. Mitchell decided to immerse herself in the Loudoun community. She began her business relocation by joining the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, where she ended up serving in several capacities throughout the years, from Advisory Board Member to Chairman– and everything in between. “Once I got connected to the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, I was introduced to other support services available to small businesses,” she said.

Recognizing the support her business received from Loudoun County, Mrs. Mitchell decided to intentionally give back. In addition to serving as Chair of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce board, Mrs. Mitchell serves on the Loudoun Community Media/Loudoun Now Board, Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls Board and the Inova Foundation Board. Mrs. Mitchell is an Advisory Board Member for Northwest Federal Credit Union and Northern Virginia Science Center. She is the co-founder of Women and Girls Inspiring STEM Excellence (WISE), a Loudoun-based nonprofit focused on supporting girls of color in advancing education and careers in IT and STEM-related fields.

“I noticed the lack of women and girls in the STEM field and young women who pursued opportunities in STEM but were not able to find jobs once they graduated. There was a need to provide not just tutoring and mentoring opportunities to young girls, but also to young women who are trying to break into the STEM industry,” said Mitchell. “I started a nonprofit called Women and Girls Inspiring STEM Excellence, and through that, we’ve been able to touch hundreds of young women and girls by providing them with mentoring and tutoring opportunities and information about internships.”

Mrs. Mitchell’s business acumen and experience as an entrepreneur and female business owner over the years has given her a unique understanding of how to navigate disparities within the STEM field. “Not only are employers contributing to the problem, but the educational system is too. Young girls have support in the STEM field until they get to college, then they’re placed into a male dominant arena, and that level of support is reduced,” said Mitchell. “By the time many of the young women who were in the STEM field come home from college for spring break, they’ve changed their major. They felt out of place with nothing there to connect them. WISE fills this gap and gives them the support they need.”

The non-profit organization focuses on helping black and brown women and girls maintain and sustain their interest in STEM from third grade through college, and throughout their STEM career. WISE uses a holistic approach that supports tutoring, mentoring and technology. “Being intentional about ensuring that young women succeed is critical,”  said Mitchell.

Her conviction for enabling young women and girls to succeed is making a difference and it transcends to the community as a whole. She was recognized as Community Foundation’s “Changemaker of the Year” in 2023, Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, for her positive impact on strengthening relationships with diverse Loudoun-based businesses and organizations and her initiatives to promote diversity in Loudoun. Mrs. Mitchell believes people are important, and building those connections catalyzes success for everyone. “I like to call Loudoun a little big town. It’s a big town, but we’re really small in terms of how we know each other and how we really care about one another. That’s been monumental for me and my business,” she said.

“A lot of businesses do not have those relationships within their community or with an economic development department,” said Mitchell. “Not having that connection can be detrimental to the success of your business.” Mrs. Mitchell referenced how the Loudoun Economic Development team and local bankers in Loudoun County have spurred her business growth, even during COVID when many small businesses were struggling.

ARM Consulting is thriving. Mrs. Mitchell and her employees have created a best-in-class organization that provides unrivaled customer service and a seamless execution of the best business solutions. ARM Consulting serves businesses nationwide. Mrs. Mitchell is always seeking solutions to make a positive impact, and ARM Consulting is a reflection of that passion.