Established in 2001, Cepeda Systems & Software Analysis Inc. supports customers in the Department of Defense, NASA, and the commercial sector through software engineering, systems engineering, and process improvement services.

“It’s more than a mission to us,” says Alice Lessmann, Cepeda CEO. “We’re a military family.”

Based in Huntsville, Cepeda is a woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, and HUBZone-certified small business.

Cepeda provides warfighters innovative software engineering, systems engineering, and performance improvement systems services. Cepeda also holds an impressive CMMI 3 certification, and their experienced coaches offer consulting services for other companies.

“Both veterans, Steve and I, feel deeply connected to this industry, because we know the importance of keeping our country safe,” says Lessmann.

Lessmann met husband and Cepeda co-owner Steve while both were serving in the Army National Guard. Both of their fathers served in the military and the Lessmanns’ daughter is a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy.

Not only is Cepeda committed to this country, but it’s also invested in the local community. Lessmann is a lifelong resident of Huntsville and a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“Our motto is ‘people, customers, community.’ We take care of our employees, who in turn take care of our customers, who in turn help our company to grow, and we can better take care of our community,” says Lessmann.

Cepeda offers a people-focused culture, supporting the wellbeing of their tight-knit team of around 70 employees. By fostering a community within the community, Cepeda empowers everyone to succeed.

Cepeda is also a HUBZone-certified small business. This government-awarded program fuels small business in historically underutilized business zones, like Cepeda’s headquarters.

“We’re exposing our city’s underserved areas to our industry and educating our younger generations in STEM so we can continue to make an impact in our community,” says Lessmann.

As woman-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned, Cepeda seeks to inspire a diversity of individuals to pursue careers in defense contracting.

“Our industry is for anyone,” says Lessmann. “We want to continue to be the most trusted, responsible, and innovative service provider that inspires and empowers our people, customers and community.”