At ACT-IAC’s premier government technology event, Alfaro joined federal and industry leaders to explore how strong data strategies drive efficiency, compliance, and trust in AI
At the recent Digital Transformation Summit 2025, hosted by ACT-IAC and Carahsoft, Makpar’s Vice President of Technology, Jessica Alfaro, joined a panel of federal and industry experts to discuss how agencies can enable data-driven outcomes in an era defined by efficiency and accountability.
Speaking before an audience of more than 400 attendees, Alfaro focused on the importance of balancing innovation and compliance, developing strong data strategies, and embedding AI into everyday workflows to help agencies operate more efficiently.
Innovation and Compliance Can Work Together
During the panel, Alfaro highlighted that innovation and compliance are not opposing forces, but complementary components of effective modernization. She emphasized that government can use technology to automate compliance and integrate accountability directly into systems and workflows. This approach not only reduces risk but also creates room for faster and more responsible innovation, which aligns with Makpar’s belief that modernization should enhance, not compromise, trust.
Turning AI into a Daily Efficiency Tool
Alfaro also discussed the practical ways AI can support productivity in the federal workforce. From using AI to streamline routine administrative tasks to enabling intelligent task planning, she described a future where AI becomes a core part of how employees organize and prioritize their work.
This vision reflects Makpar’s focus on capability-led innovation that aims to help agencies use automation to free staff from repetitive work so they can focus on high-value, mission-critical efforts.
Building the Right Data Foundation for AI Success
One of the central themes of Alfaro’s remarks was that effective data strategy is the foundation for successful AI adoption. Many agencies already have strong platforms and analytics tools, but still struggle with data quality and governance. Alfaro discussed the need for consistent data standards, stewardship, and clear ownership across systems to ensure information can be trusted and leveraged for AI.
She also pointed to the growing issue of semantic debt, which occurs when data is defined or managed inconsistently across systems. Addressing this challenge requires standardizing metadata and terminology so that information can be shared and trusted across teams and agencies.
Driving Digital Transformation with Purpose
The Summit brought together leaders from across sectors to explore how digital transformation can improve agility, performance, and citizen experience. Alfaro’s insights reflect Makpar’s broader mission to help agencies modernize through strategic, data first approaches that balance innovation, compliance, and mission success.
These same principles guide Makpar’s Technology Roadmap, which helps agencies build the infrastructure, data governance frameworks, and AI readiness needed for lasting impact.
Makpar is proud to contribute to national conversations shaping the future of federal technology. Events like the Digital Transformation Summit demonstrate how collaboration between government and industry can lead to smarter, more secure, and more responsive public services.
Learn more about how Makpar supports federal digital transformation at makpar.com.
