Anne Defot-Sido
CEO, Makwa Global
Anne Defot-Sido’s biggest recent achievement has been leading Makwa Global’s transformation into a high-performing, mission-focused federal partner delivering advanced cybersecurity, AI/ML and enterprise IT solutions.
Under her leadership, the company expanded its capabilities, secured major programs supporting organizations like USSOCOM and strengthened its reputation for operational excellence and reliability in complex, high-security environments.
Defot-Sido has also driven measurable growth while building a culture centered on accountability, innovation and people development.
Makwa Global stays aligned with federal priorities by driving efficiency through cloud-first strategies, automation and streamlined cybersecurity operations. The company reduces costs and operational complexity by modernizing legacy systems, implementing zero trust security and leveraging AI-driven monitoring and response capabilities.
Through disciplined program management, continuous monitoring, and compliance with frameworks like NIST and RMF, Makwa delivers secure, scalable and cost-effective solutions that improve government performance and resilience.
“Anne Defot Sido, CEO of Makwa Global, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in transforming the organization into a trusted, high-impact federal partner,” said Catherine Urban, CFO of Makwa Global. “Her ability to align innovation with mission execution has strengthened Makwa’s capabilities, expanded its footprint, and positioned the company for continued growth and long-term success.”
Why Watch
In 2026, Defot-Sido and her team are focused on advancing AI-enabled cybersecurity operations, zero
trust architecture and secure cloud modernization to stay ahead of evolving threats. Makwa is actively integrating automation, machine learning and DevSecOps to deliver faster, more resilient and intelligence-driven cyber defense solutions across federal missions. This forward-leaning approach positions the company to help agencies transition from reactive security models to proactive, predictive operations.
“At Makwa Global, we believe cybersecurity must be both mission-enabling and efficiency-driven,” said Defot-Sido. “Our focus is on delivering secure, scalable solutions that reduce complexity, strengthen resilience, and empower our federal partners to operate with confidence in an increasingly dynamic threat environment.”
Fun fact: Outside of work, Defot-Sido enjoys baking and is known for creating exceptional European pastries and tarts, a craft that reflects both precision and creativity. She’s also an avid paddleboarder and regularly practices Pilates reformer workouts to stay active and balanced. These personal passions mirror her leadership style: disciplined, focused and thoughtfully creative.