June 2026

 

 

 

 

Name of the Organization: ASHA-IT Solutions

Industry: Information Technology, Cybersecurity

CEO/Founder: Victoria Persaud

 

1) How has MTIP impacted your company or your ability to hire interns?

“MTIP has significantly expanded my ability to bring on student talent in a meaningful way. As a small, woman-owned business, balancing growth with hiring can be challenging, especially when funding is limited. The program has allowed me to provide real-world, hands-on experience to students while also supporting my business operations. It has been a win-win — students gain valuable exposure, and I am able to build a pipeline of emerging talent who can contribute to ongoing projects.”

2) What inspired the founder to start the company?

The company was founded out of a desire to provide high-quality IT consulting services while creating opportunities for growth — both for clients and for people. With a background in healthcare IT and government contracting, I saw a need for trusted, reliable project and program management support. Over time, that vision expanded to include mentorship and workforce development, particularly for students and early-career professionals.”

3) What problem is the company solving, or what service or feature is the company providing?

“ASHA IT Solutions provides IT consulting services with a focus on program and project management, process improvement, and strategic support for government and higher education clients. We help organizations navigate complex initiatives, improve operational efficiency, and successfully deliver technology-driven projects. More recently, we also bridge the gap between academia and industry by connecting students to real-world opportunities.”

4) Can you share a major milestone or success that has had a significant impact on your company’s growth?

“A major milestone has been expanding into higher education through my work with the University System of Maryland. This has allowed me to not only contribute to large- scale technology initiatives but also build partnerships across institutions to support student placement and workforce development. Additionally, being selected to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program has been instrumental in refining my growth strategy and expanding my network.”

5) What is your company aiming to achieve in the next 5 to 10 years?

“Over the next 5 to 10 years, the company aims to scale its consulting services while formalizing a strong workforce development pipeline. This includes creating structured internship and training programs, expanding partnerships with universities, and increasing contract opportunities that allow us to hire and mentor more students. The goal is to grow sustainably while making a measurable impact in developing the next generation of IT professionals.”

6) What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a company in your industry?

“Be prepared for the long game. Building a business in IT consulting requires resilience, consistency, and strong relationships. Focus on delivering value, maintaining integrity, and continuously learning. Also, don’t be afraid to seek out programs and partnerships as they can open doors and provide support that you cannot do alone. Lastly, invest inpeople. Your reputation is built not just on your work, but on how you uplift others along the way.”