Orange Slices
September 23, 2025
Tarik Reyes was recognized as one of the 2026 Engage Defense Innovation 150 honorees by OrangeSlices.
Nominated and selected by their peers, they are recognized not for their titles, but for how they show up. They make time to listen. They create space for others. They lead by example – building trust, sharing insight, and connecting across boundaries to drive forward real, workable solutions. These individuals are already shaping how National Security and Enforcement agencies – across the Department of Defense and its subagencies – deliver on behalf of the people they serve.
Nominees were evaluated using a prescribed rubric, with the following six characteristics serving as core evaluation criteria. These qualities reflect what it truly means to lead with purpose, collaboration, and impact in today’s Federal environment:
- Open Communication
They share insights-through events, published thought pieces, or open platforms like LinkedIn – because they believe transparency and shared knowledge drive progress. - Mission-Focused Thinking
Their perspective extends beyond organizational walls. They prioritize the needs of the communities they serve, actively seeking feedback and collaboration to drive better outcomes. - Reliable Partnership
They lead with clarity, humility, and accountability. These individuals are trusted partners who understand their role – and the roles of others – and consistently deliver on shared goals. - Community Presence
These leaders are actively involved. Whether at events, in working groups, or through mentorship, they show up, contribute, and help lift the entire ecosystem. - Perspective-Seeking
Engaged leaders welcome input from a wide range of stakeholders – including users, partners, and community voices – to inform more complete, inclusive, and effective solutions. - Innovation-Minded
They challenge the status quo. By championing new technologies, processes, and ideas, they help drive progress and adaptability in an increasingly complex environment.
