62 minute read
WOC AWARD WINNERS AND SPECIAL RECOGNITION HONOREES
Iris Bombelyn
Vice President, Narrowband Communications Mobile User Objective System Program Manager Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Iris Bombelyn is responsible for delivering live satellites to four worldwide ground stations and securing a waveform that provides third-generation mobile communication to the United States and its allies. She manages a $700 million budget and 900 employees. During her 28-year career she has made remarkable contributions to the space industry. In 2000 as manager for a $5 million Proton program she coordinated commercial satellite launches in Kazakhstan. By 2007, she was directing the $80 million Intelsat 15 program at Orbital Sciences Corp. Bombelyn earned a bachelor’s in engineering from Washington State University and an M.B.A. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She speaks Russian and Japanese. “I was the first one in my family to graduate from college,” she said. “Dad was a longshoreman and mom was a seamstress. Dad met mom in Japan after WWII as a JapaneseAmerican U.S. interpreter. When I went off to college, my dad asked me what major I was going to declare. I told him I was thinking Journalism, because I liked writing, or engineering, because I was good in math. He looked at me for a beat, and with an absolute deadpan delivery, said ‘Well, kid….engineers eat.’ Dad was right. Engineers not only eat, they get to solve problems, invent and generally make everything around them better. In my job today, even though I no longer ‘engineer,’ it’s still exciting to see the progress we make, and provide leadership that helps my team deliver capabilities that have never existed before.” Bombelyn is a member of the IEEE and MentorNet, a program that connects students with scientists and engineers. She led campaigns through her Sloan Fellow-
ship Class of 2009 and Boston Women in Business Groups to raise funds for HIV caregiver’s kits for Boston Aids Africa and World Vision. She is a member of the Council of Asian American Leaders leadership forum. Career Achievement in Industry Pamela D. Carter Vice President, Business Development for Global Services & Support Defense, Space & Security, The Boeing Company Career Achievement in Industry
Pamela Carter is an asset to the U.S. Air Force and The Boeing Company. She manages 15 direct reports and 150 indirect employees. She is responsible for a $110 million annual budget to pursue new business. International growth in key markets such as the United Kingdom, Middle East, Asia, Israel and India falls under her responsibility as well. Carter credits much of her career success to her more than 35 years of experience in aviation logistics disciplines. She also has extensive experience with integrated business and operational strategies. As a retired Air Force colonel, Carter has a reputation as an expert logistician and a successful leader of several organizations of various sizes. While in the Air Force, logistics, supply, transportation, contracting and maintenance were among her areas of specialty. She began her Boeing career in 2004 after completing a 26-year career in the Air Force. Carter’s first assignment with Boeing was standing up C-17 operations at McGuire Air Force Base. She led a team of engineers, field and logistics service technical representatives. Her team also included personnel who were responsible for providing engineering, spares and engine management support directly to customers. Carter is a two-time recipient of the Boeing Business Development Leadership Award, and received a Women of Color in Technology All-Star award in 2010. While
with the Air Force, Carter received honors such as the Howard Leaf Inspector General awards. “I always strived to do the job I had been given to the best of my ability,” she said. “Early in my career I learned that my job would be easier if I took care of my people. You never know when people are watching you, learning from you. I am humbled when people come to me and tell me that I inspired them.”
Dr. Mary Eunice Benjamin is a champion of education. As a graduate of Tuskegee Institute, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies. She also received an M.S. in Sociology from Atlanta University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Mississippi State University. Her interest in education and sociology continues to influence her career path. As vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), this position gives her opportunity to assist the chancellor and help shape the academic lives of students. Dr. Benjamin also plays a role in the professional lives of academic staff. She reviews employment, promotion, tenure and retention. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education benefits from Dr. Benjamin’s expertise by having her as liaison on academic affairs. Dr. Benjamin played a pivotal role in helping UAPB acquire a $3 million grant from the Department of Education and one $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation. The grants were to help the school expand its offerings in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Dr. Benjamin is a supporter of STEM programs, and she is recognized and respected as a leader within UAPB and in the surrounding community. “It was a large white house, tree-shaded green lawn, happy college graduates, proud families and an articulate, personable host and hostess which rounded out the reception at the college president’s home many years ago,” she recalled. “I was there as the kid sister of our family’s first college graduate. The ambiance was so warm, professional and impressive; I knew from that day forward that this was what I wanted: a career in a college setting, an administrative role and all the trappings of the college environment. Thanks to Dr. and Mrs. C.V. Troupe of Fort Valley State University for welcoming me to the wonders of the HBCU and 1890 land-grant institutions which remain at the forefront in developing people of color for professional careers.” Dr. Benjamin is founder and chairperson for the Annual Conference on Educational Access.
Mini Balachandran spends a great deal of time and energy in community service, which provides a way for Balachandran to share her love of engineering with young people. In particular, she wants to reach out to young women so they see it’s possible for women to succeed in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). One way Balachandran has been able to reach women is through Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Southern Maryland (SoMD) chapter. As the lead of the outreach and recruitment committee, she worked with the publicity committee to inform a wider audience about the EYH STEM event and volunteer opportunities. The event reached its capacity of 70 students within nine days of the registration period. There was also an average of 30 volunteers a week, which resulted in more than
Mary Eunice Benjamin, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
College-level Promotion of Education
Mini Balachandran
Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems – Production Lead NAVAIR Manufacturing and Quality Division
Community Service
100 EYH SoMD volunteers. Balachandran displayed leadership with effective communication, assigning tasks and providing motivation and feedback for participants. The STARBASE Atlantis Academy benefits from Ms. Balachandran as well. She spends more than five hours each month volunteering at the academy, working with students from local schools. Her background in engineering and electronics allows her to teach students about integrated circuits and related STEM activities. In addition to hands-on activities, Balachandran tutors girls in math and science over the internet via Skype. Balachandran got her start as an electronics engineer at the semiconductor industry, IBM Microelectronics. In 2009, she began her career at NAVAIR supporting the Triton acquisition category 1D program as lead manufacturing and quality engineer. Balachandran earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. She is currently working on a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
A1972 Jackson State University grad, Dorothy Shaw chose to stay in Mississippi and make a difference. “I grew up in a scary place during a scary time—the Civil Rights Movement,” Shaw recalled. “I observed people from everywhere and every race trying to make a difference; trying to make calm out of chaos. I had to look out for five siblings, others in the community and myself. If I could teach someone, I taught. If I could help someone feed their children, I fed them. If I could lend a listening ear, I listened. I felt empowered then and now through my service to others. I overcame the fear and took advantage of the opportunity and helped make Mississippi a not-so-scary place anymore.” Over 36 years, Shaw has worked in a variety of positions at Litton/ Ingalls (now Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding). She currently liaises with all levels of government, community and special interest groups, ensuring that employees of Ingalls Shipbuilding take part in the American Heart Association Walk, March of Dimes, American Cancer Association Breast Cancer Awareness, Special Olympics, and USO, to name a few. Shaw meets regularly with the president of the company to brief him on what Ingalls is doing in community relations. Her name is synonymous with community activities and those things in the community which impact not only Ingalls Shipbuilding but the population as well. She has been recognized by the Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Mississippi Business Journal, United Way and the NAACP. One of the most acclaimed outcomes of her community engagement is that she became an advocate for affordable housing. Out of that effort was born the Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation, whose board she chairs. The organization was formed to facilitate access to affordable housing. Because of her efforts and support of the initiative, more than 800 families have been helped with home restoration or realizing their dream of home ownership through the Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation. Because of Shaw’s work with affordable housing, the company was recognized with a national award from Homes for Working Families.
Leshell Hatley is committed to providing K-12 students opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). She believes exposing students to STEM learning opportunities has a positive impact on their future. A love of children and technology encouraged Hatley to found Uplift Inc. A nonprofit organization located in Washington, D.C., Uplift focuses on providing STEM opportunities to youth who live and attend school in the District of Columbia. According to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, less than one-third of American eighth graders are proficient in math and science. The percentage
Dorothy D. Shaw
Manager of Community Relations/Government Affairs Huntington Ingalls Industries - Ingalls Shipbuilders
Community Service Leshell Hatley
Uplift, Inc. Founder and Executive Director
Entrepreneurial Leadership
for African-American students is 12 percent. Hatley confronts this problem head on by using Uplift Inc. to engage students of color in activities that teach STEM concepts. Students experience culturally relevant, innovative and engaging STEM activities. Field trips, internships, competitions and demonstrations are just a small example of ways in which Uplift educates the youth. Hatley is also responsible for educational programs that teach students about robotics, programming languages, and how to create iPhone and Android apps. One such program is Robotics in D.C., which serves 35 students at two schools. Teams from both schools competed in the 2010 VA/DC Regional FIRST Lego League Robotics Competition. One team received first place in Robot Design, while the other team won first place in Robot Performance. Hatley has spent more than 15,000 hours teaching youth about technology and engineering. As a certified K-8 teacher, she has taught computer classes to students and teachers. Hatley earned a master’s degree in computer science and a bachelor’s degree in computer systems engineering from Howard University. She received a master’s degree in library science from the University of Maryland. Hatley is working toward a Ph.D. in learning technology from George Mason University.
Valerie Hawkins is a coordinator and teacher at the Southwest Academy Magnet School of Science and Engineering. She provides students with access to the program using the Project Lead the Way/Gateway to Technology (PLTW/GTT) method to problem-based curriculum. Educators like Hawkins do vital work in the early years of students’ development, especially encouraging girls to take up subjects that lead to careers in science and engineering. This year for Women’s History Month, Hawkins and Women Instructing and Nurturing Girls in Science (WING) sponsored the first “Cool Women, Hot Jobs” STEM Career Fair. Over 300 girls had the opportunity to meet with women in engineering. Hawkins has also volunteered for Maryland MESA students to Space Camp and Maryland MESA students’ whale watching. She has also taken part in Zero Gravity, an educational program sponsored by Northrop Grumman. She is a member of the Technology and Engineering Educators Association and Society for Women Engineers among others. Hawkins has a Master of Science from Towson University, Teaching Certificate for Grades 1-6 from College of Notre Dame of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in AfricanAmerican Studies from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Hawkins also inspired her daughter, Tulani, into a STEM profession as an electrical engineer with the Navy. “I am the sixth child born to a family of eight children,” she said. “My father worked two jobs and my mom stayed home to care for us. From a very young age, my parents told us that we would go to college. They didn’t know how they would pay for it, but they knew we would go. After graduating, for several years I worked as a media assistant in a college. Being in that environment inspired me to advance my knowledge and pursue teaching. I am truly blessed that I made that decision.”
Kim Puckett has dedicated her life to developing innovative ways to teach students through effective modeling and simulation (M&S). A teacher from the Tri-Village School District, Puckett has contributed immensely toward developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in rural, low-income school districts. Her extraordinary way of delivering STEM knowledge through effective M&S has benefited scores of students and helped them establish a successful career. In 2009, Puckett attended the Interservice/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC), the largest training, modeling and simulation conference in the world. This was a groundbreaking conference where Puckett accepted a challenge from Rear Adm. David H. Lewis to translate and apply what she learned in her classroom. Since then, Puckett has worked diligently to enrich STEM education for students at the 2010 I/ITSEC conference, where she was recognized as one of America’s Teachers. For a high school, semester-long M&S course, Puckett has worked as a lead author in her capacity as the Dayton Regional STEM Center’s STEM Fellow. With a goal to motivate students to develop M&S, technical and 3D modeling skills, this course first launched in Puckett’s classroom and is now offered in over 10 schools in Dayton. Through collaboration with GRILL
Valerie Hawkins
Project Lead the Way Gateway to Technology Educator-Magnet Coordinator Baltimore County Public Schools
K-12 Promotion of Education
Kimberly Puckett
Mathematics Instructor Tri-Village Local School District
K-12 Promotion of Education
or Gaming Research Integration for Learning Laboratory, she dedicates her summers to STEM lessons development. Puckett has been successful in equipping her students to handle challenges while mastering technologies. “Every day for the last 23 years I have had the opportunity to engage in a career that I’m passionate about,” she said. “It is my job to encourage, educate, empower and motivate every student that I come in contact with. Each day my goal is to provide each student the very best 90 minutes of their day. Often they don’t come prepared; I prepare them. They don’t bring respect for others; I respect them. They don’t bring a good attitude; I motivate them. I challenge you to make a difference, encourage the teenagers you encounter, respect them, and make the conscious choice to inspire them.”
Deborah Ann Baker is the first chief of staff in the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems, EA-6B office. She plays a vital role in management of more than 450 multiple discipline professionals, including military and contractor support teams. Take one look at Baker’s list of honors and awards, and you’ll see she’s a respected leader within her field. She has received several awards and letters of appreciation for her outstanding performance. In 2003 and 2008, she received the Naval Air Systems Commander’s Award Commendation. She also received Highly Exceptional Performance awards, and a letter of appreciation from retired U.S. Army four-star Gen. Johnny Wilson. She started her career in 2005 at the Naval Air Systems Command and led the integration of support equipment for Marine versions of the MV-22 and VH-60 Presidential Helicopter. Thanks to her managerial skills, she was able to reduce risks to the fleet and make sure supplies and materials were available to support missions. When Ms. Baker became systems product team integrator of EA-6B aircraft, she led development and upgrades for aircraft and weapons systems. She earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in information technology from Monmouth University. She later earned her M.S. in management from the Florida Institute of Technology. Baker is also working on a doctorate in leadership and organizational change at Walden University. “As I accept my award for managerial leadership, I think about my grandmother who has passed on,” she said. “I stand on her shoulders which was a strong foundation. She only had a fifth-grade education, worked in the cotton fields of North Carolina, raised nine children and moved to Alexandria, Va. She started working as a guard in the sheriff’s department, rose through the ranks and became the first African-American chief head matron in the jail. She was a leader and trailblazer of her time.”
Ms. Sarah Travelute has spent 21 years honing her managerial skills. Her hard work has culminated in a successful career. As procurement director and program procurement manager, Travelute is responsible for $400 million in supply chain purchases. She also manages more than 14 subcontract managers, procurement representatives and Lean Six Sigma Black Belts. She helps her team excel through coaching and skill training. The hard work pays off, as members of the team
Deborah Ann Baker
Chief of Staff, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program Office Naval Air Systems Command
Managerial Leadership in Government
Sarah Travelute
Javelin Joint Venture Procurement Director Lockheed Martin
Managerial Leadership in Industry
Career Achievement Iris Bombelyn Vice President, Mobile User Objective System Space Systems Managerial Leadership Sarah Travelute Senior Manager, Program Management – Subcontracts Missiles and Fire Control
Technology All-Star winners: Katherine Clinton Azita Kaovasia Shirley Long Valencia Mance Susan Pergrem Maria Rivera Nita Robertson-Smith Alesia Tisdall Anisha Anthony Michelle Araya Grace Auyeung Linda Baek Letia Barnes Ayannah Buford Heather Booze Janice Burns Lori Charles Donna Childs LaChelle Fields Rachel Gambin Terri Gomez Annitta Haywood Michelle Helaire Avery Huggins Carol Y. Hung Ammu Irivinti Madiha Jafri Anne Jobmann Regina Juarez Megan Lewis Kathryn Martinez Kristan Morris Senthilvadivu Natarajan Margaret Nguyen Nicole Plair Nicole Powell Meena Rork Shanthi Saravanan Sejal Shah Dana Smith Sheena Studdard
“Every day we have an opportunity to model the values of diversity by encouraging our colleagues to bring their best ideas forward, and by demonstrating the value of being collaborative,” words our CEO and President Marillyn Hewson lives by at Lockheed Martin. We are proud to honor our Women of Color 2013 awardees — women who exemplify outstanding scientific and technical achievements with their leadership, innovation and inspiration.
Technology Rising Star winners:
OUTSTANDING SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES
received 17 internal company awards and one from the U.S. Army customer. The team also saved $6.7 million through lean/six sigma activities. She received three Department of Defense (DoD) Level II certifications for contracting, manufacturing, production and quality assurance and program management. In 2008 and 2002, she received the Lockheed Martin Excellence Award. In 2006, she was recipient of the Lockheed Diversity Ambassador Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. In addition to solo accomplishments, Travelute led her Javelin Transorb Cost Recovery Team to a Team of the Year award at the 2012 Evening of Excellence for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. Travelute earned a master’s certificate in acquisition management and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Central Florida. She serves as a role model, and affects all those around her with positive leadership. One of 10 Native American children abandoned and separated into foster care, Travelute’s dream was to find her siblings and go to college. Determined, she not only graduated summa cum laude, she also saw her siblings reunited. She is a mentor, church volunteer, and recipient of a STEM Managerial Leadership Industry Award.
Bernice Johnson is a well respected leader within the Walmart organization. Johnson joined Walmart in 2011 as the director of IT security and compliance. She completed a six-month International Compliance pilot in China. This led to a multi-national license agreement, and was a major accomplishment for Walmart. Johnson excels in her position at Walmart, but she honed her managerial leadership skills long before joining the Walmart family. Johnson has held leadership roles in areas such as strategic planning and sales operations. She has also put her leadership abilities to use in corporate compliance, administration and contract negotiations. In addition to her current position, Johnson has worked with some of the most prestigious companies in the world. She worked as a manager with Cisco Systems Inc. where she was responsible for senior level cross-functional business operations strategy and planning. She also managed a set of manufacturing operations programs and managed a staff of 15 business professionals, including four first-level managers while at the Hewlett-Packard Company. She was also responsible for the development of global contract positions and the negotiations of standard and non-standard contract terms. As a contract administrator for the U.S. Naval Plant Representative Office, Ms. Johnson was responsible for senior-level government contract administration. Ms. Johnson wants to be a role model for all women and minorities. To help achieve this goal, she created a shadowing program for more than 800 people. The program allows leaders to share their stories and mentor young people to help them develop leadership skills.
Andrea Bailey is a respected leader in the IBM Systems x Technology Group (STG). Her managerial leadership ability has allowed her to build a successful career at IBM. As a senior software engineer manager, Bailey is responsible for managing a team of engineers, project managers and contractors. The team is engaged in architectural design, analyses and documentation of software. Under Ms. Bailey’s leadership, the team develops and implements software
Bernice Johnson
Senior Director of Risk and Analytics Walmart, Information System Division
Managerial Leadership in Industry
Andrea Bailey
Senior Software Engineer Manager IBM Systems x Technology Group
Managerial Leadership in Industry
breakthroughs that benefit IBM employees and IBM customers. Bailey is also the release manager for the System x Lifecycle releases. It’s her responsibility to work closely with global development and test teams to deliver releases across 25 platforms. Bailey earned a master’s of business administration as well as Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of North Alabama. Soon after, she joined the IBM family as a diagnostic developer for IBM Retail Solutions. Bailey has achieved several milestones and achievements with IBM. She received the IBM Spotlight Award in 2012. In 2005 and 2008, she was the recipient of the IBM Bravo Award, and in 2003, she received the IBM Team Bravo Award. In addition to building a successful career, Bailey makes time for community outreach and service, as she mentors IBM professionals in the areas of project management and engineering. She also mentors youth in her community, and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and With Love from Jesus. Bailey has also worked with Wake County Human Services to provide healthcare awareness and education.
Capt. Charneice McKenzie has been chief of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Europe Plans and Program Integration Division for three years. She distinguished herself through leadership at the United States European Commands IT exercise Combined Endeavour, the world’s largest multinational communication exercise, overseeing operation for 42 NATO nations. Prior, McKenzie served as a battle captain with DISA-Europe, leading a 91-member team in the operation and maintenance of the Global Information Grid in the United States European Command (EUCOM), African Command, and NATO. She also spearheaded operations to identify key cyber terrain with EUCOM operational planning and is currently developing a disaster recovery plan for them. McKenzie volunteers with SaveFirst and has participated in the program Impact Alabama to prepare tax returns for low income family. She has championed Montgomery Public School Systems IT Learning Academy by establishing a Department of Defense mentorship program and the results have led to a much lower dropout rate. Born at Whitman Air Force Base Missouri to two junior enlisted personnel, Capt. McKenzie received her commission in 2008. During her undergraduate studies, McKenzie was named Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for dedication to service and education in support of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program and Appalachian Development. She served as Homecoming pep rally committee chairperson and competed in several pageants, winning the University of Kentucky Multicultural Homecoming Pageant, which fosters leadership, scholarship and community service. She spent a semester studying ancient Chinese philosophy and history at Yunnan Normal University. This year she also gained a Master’s of International Affairs from the University of Oklahoma.
After graduating high school, Chee Ching was accepted at The National Taiwan University, the highest ranked business school in her home country. Ching first came to the United States for grad school, and after earning her master’s degree, she pursued her Ph.D, soon becoming assistant professor at Arizona State University. She has been employed with AT&T for the past 18 years and has witnessed growth and development. Currently she monitors networks and services and her numerous responsibilities include staffing, financial projections, quarterly releases, system engineering and performance management duties. She oversees 50 system engineers and provides performance monitoring to various departments to improve and maintain the network and servers. She contributes to annual benefits of $1,385 million, including $5 million savings in operations. Her responsibilities consist of over 1,400 servers, as well as disaster recovery. She utilizes her knowledge of the AT&T network to drive the PMOSS architecture, a business implement that she created. An experienced manager specializing in implementing advanced networks performance management support systems. Ching’s accolades include been promoted AT&T principal member of staff in only 18 months, holding a U.S. patent for a traffic management algorithm design, holding system planning responsibilities for all company-wide network operations, envisioned, planned, implemented and launched
Captain Charneice K. McKenzie
Joint Strategic Planning Exercise Officer Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Europe
New Media/IT Leadership
Chee Ching
IT System Planning and Delivery AT&T
Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry
the company’s PRIDE data engine for end to end networks and service and delivering a total of $4.484 billion in business benefits in 2012 alone. Ching is a published academic author, holds three U.S. patents and is consistently revered by her peers for her approachable nature and hard-working, driven ethic, with proven results.
Dr. Millicent Ruffin has turned her love of science into a successful career at Corning. Her current role at Corning involves enabling technology for high performance glass in organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. Her project focuses on delivering technology that will hermetically seal OLED devices that are sensitive to moisture and air. The goal is to propel Corning’s glass products into a new area of display technologies. Corning sought Dr. Ruffin for the position because of her expertise. She is a positive influence on the Corning technology community. In 2002, she was named a Women of Color Technology Rising Star. In 1998, she became a member of the Sigma Xi Scientific Society. She is also a member of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy and the American Chemical Society. Dr. Ruffin is a past recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship Fellowship Award and the Rackham Merit Fellowship. Dr. Ruffin enjoys helping others reach their goals. She has served as vice president of the Corning Society of Black Professionals. When speaking at diversity and leadership events, she is more than happy to share her best practices and experiences. Dr. Ruffin is a trusted advisor for colleagues and those who report to her. She often provides training on her own time and has monthly one-on-one discussions to track her team’s development and their individual objectives. “While growing up in South Carolina, my parents consistently emphasized the importance of music and science,” she recalled. “While the South in the ‘70s still had its challenges, my parents were diligent to keep me in environments that affirmed my sense of self. In second grade, I began violin and piano lessons and continued training. My parents encouraged me by having me spend my summers in science and music camps. So the model I grew up with was: surround yourself with those who believe in you and your potential they provide your foundation. Train diligently to be prepared for competition then go out pursue your goals, and do great work.”
At Chrysler Group LLC, Sinha is currently responsible for managing the Plant Supply systems, supporting 14 assembly and 10 manufacturing plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. She is involved in working collaboratively with Fiat to define common converged processes, tools and systems to manage all plants in order to build, design, manufacture and sell the vehicles anywhere in the world. Sinha has a well established background in information technology with over 20 years’ experience. Prior to joining Chrysler in 1998, she worked in Tata Iron and Steel Company in Jamshedpur, India in their IT department for over five years, developing and delivering technical services for a wide variety of departments in that organization including supply chain and engineering. Sinha is an innovative leader who leads centers of competence and collaborates with industry leaders and vendor technology consortiums to drive strategic business value for Chrysler. Sinha is very active in the community, as she is the lead liaison for the scholarship committee of the North South Foundation (north India region), an organization that provides financial support to the underprivileged children,
Dr. Millicent K. Ruffin
Program Manager, Display Technologies Corning
Outstanding Technical Contribution in Industry Rajani Sinha Manager, Plant Supply Systems Chrysler Group LLC Pioneer Award
aspiring for an engineering or medical college degree. Sinha also worked as a mentor for a local high school robotics team, which allowed her to generate interest among students in STEM, while simultaneously making science and math fun. Amongst her many achievements, Sinha was nominated for the 2012 Professional Achievement Award at the 17th Annual Women of Color Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Conference, Dale Carnegie Leadership Advantage award and the Chrysler Spotlight Recognition awards.
Marsha Brown-Hackworth has been working with NASSCO for 25 years, beginning during a time when there was an influx of women holding positions outside of administrative and secretarial work. NASSCO, located on San Diego Bay, and part of General Dynamics Marine Systems, has been building ships for commercial customers and the U.S. Navy since 1960. A full-service shipyard, NASSCO is the only major shipyard on the West Coast conducting new construction and repair. Working as an electrical material chaser and later senior planner/scheduler, she was known for her passion in her work. “My parents did not have a formal education; they were sharecroppers yet they encouraged us―five girls and three boys to get a good education,” she said. “My dad passed when I was 12, leaving mom who supported us by doing domestic work, and lived to see us pursue higher education and employment opportunities in education, healthcare, business, and shipbuilding. Hackworth attended San Diego State University, where she received an Operation and Resource Management Certificate. She also attended the University of California, San Diego Extension for her professional certificate in manufacturing. She has served on a number of milestone projects, including taking the lead on quality culture process for General Dynamics as an auditor for the planning department. As an African-American woman working in a male-dominated environment, Hackworth has had the privilege to provide support to co-planners and management. Working as a team member and having provided support to co-planners and incoming staff has given Hackworth a great sense of accomplishment.
Col. Regina Goff has built a successful career with the U.S Air Force. She is an officer with 23 years of federal military service experience. She currently leads a division consisting of 40 military and civilian employees. She has oversight of 400 budget professionals in the financial planning and fiscal execution of a $73 billion multi-year budget across eight funding sources. As chief of the Financial Analysis Division, Col. Goff has the responsibility of advising the comptroller and major command commander on Air Force research, development, acquisitions and sustainment programs. This position carries a huge responsibility, as the job demands that she identifies funding requirements, builds the command’s budget, and manages and executes fiscal control of federal funding. The U.S. Air Force has good reason to trust Colonel Goff, as she has proven herself worthy of their trust. . During Hurricane Katrina, Col. Goff made it possible for the two
Marsha Brown-Hackworth
Senior Planner/Scheduler General Dynamics/NASSCO
Pioneer Award
Colonel Regina Goff
Chief, Financial Analysis Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base U.S. Air Force
Professional Achievement in Government
largest evacuee shelters in San Antonio to be operational in less than 24 and 48 hours of notification. She received an Air Force Achievement Medal for her leadership during this time. No matter the assignment, she has exhibited excellence of character and behavior. She’s received several awards and honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. Col. Goff also received the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with six oak leaf clusters and the Humanitarian Service Medal. Col. Goff is an inspiration for military and civilian personnel. “During college, I was egged on by a classmate to join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program,” she said. “Having been born into a military family, moved 7 times, and attended three high schools in three different states, I never envisioned the Air Force as my future. I was, however, enticed by the memory that I rarely saw Black women at our bases with the ‘Eagle’ rank on their shoulders and I thought it would be ‘cool.’ Well it is pretty ‘cool’ and I’m blessed the Air Force not only became my future but empowered me to achieve success. I can’t thank my family, friends and mentors enough for the role they played in this tremendous journey.”
Valerie A. Poarch-Harding
Branch Chief/Deputy Division Chief, Maint. & Property/GCSS-Army Branches Bridging Information Systems Division SEC-Lee Tactical Logistics Directorate
Professional Achievement in Government
Valerie Poarch-Harding‘s childhood memories are filled with the times she played in the garden with her five siblings while her mother fed them garden-fresh, nutritious food. Valerie’s father was the sole bread-winner. Valerie went on to graduate from Sussex Central High School and attend college at the Virginia State University (VSU) with the aid of the Pell Grant. Her father felt she let the family down when she got pregnant during college. Determined to keep her grades up and bring up her daughter, Poarch-Harding graduated from college in business information systems and provided for her daughter, Melodie, who is now 24 and a graduate of VSU. For over 23 years, Poarch-Harding has been employed at Fort Lee. She joined Software Engineering Center–Lee (SEC LEE) as a computer specialist intern and enrolled with the Army Civilian Training, Education and Development System to improve her chances of being promoted. She earned a management information systems baccalaureate degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996. In 2000, she completed a Master of Administration degree from the Central Michigan University and did a course at Nova Southern University before completing the required calculus course to work as a computer scientist. She continued to mentor computer science interns and in 2011 was the first African American woman at SEC LEE to become a supervisory computer scientist. “I started to love and enjoy math in the fifth grade. The late Mrs. Louise Pegram was a mentor who showed me the fun and excitement in math and, in return, I did the same for my daughter who graduated with a degree in manufacturing engineering with a minor in mathematics in 2011. I didn’t let becoming pregnant in college stop my dreams. I’m grateful for my parent’s hard working principles, my daughter, and my teacher for inspiring me and helping to shape my dreams.” Apart from being actively engaged in the Disputanta, Virginia-based Loving Union Baptist Church, Poarch-Harding gives motivational speeches at elementary schools, is a volunteer with Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity organization and vice president of a Christian association called Solidarity Family Organization.
LaQuita C. Hall
Vice President-Business Operations AT&T
Professional Achievement in Industry
With over 20 years of experience in business leadership with a Fortune 50 Company, LaQuita Hall utilizes her skills to deliver results, supporting operations, financial and corporate goals. Hall has a history of executing strategic business plans and a reputation for planning and achievement. At AT&T her senior leadership team is responsible for supporting the mobility and wireline network whack represents over $20 billion in capital. She has led a specialized team and is responsible for development and operation that span the company’s performance. Hall’s accomplishments include increasing productivity by nearly 30 percent while decreasing costs by 40 percent within 12 months. She decreased costs by $100 million by collaborating with cross functional teams she formed to develop changes, saving an anticipated $400 million over the following 36 months. She has streamlined customer service performance and redefined the operational model to best assist customers. Her consistent commitment and dedication to improving budgets as well as quality of product and service has been proven time and time again in her results. Hall works with finance, human resources and auditing departments to achieve departmental and corporate goals. She is an accomplished leader with a proven ability for team building; coupled with her industry expertise it has brought her to her current position of vice president of business operations at AT&T. Throughout her time with the company since 1990, her interpersonal skills and support for her colleagues and customers has been just as invaluable as her business planning and execution skills. “I am the daughter of a coal miner and a secretary. While they never attended college their expectations of me were always high,” Hall said. “At a very young age I had an extreme interest in math; so much so my grandfather would call me from Connecticut to quiz me on theoretical problems.” Hall’s top two aspirations were to be a pediatrician or an engineer. “While speaking with my guidance counselor, I was told that I could never be an engineer because that wasn’t a ‘girl’s career.’ I went on to obtain a physics and engineering degree showing it could and should be a girl’s career.”
Cheree Chisolm, enrolled in a dual program at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and University of Arizona, is a Bachelor of Science student, specializing in aviation maintenance management. Chisolm also has an Associate of Arts degree in business administration from the American InterContinental University. As a part of her role as a U.S. Army officer, Chisolm is committed to leading next-generation aviation mechanics, technicians and instructors. She has served as a technical inspector, fight line squad leader, and avionics mechanics and electrical tech over eight years in the Army, and continues to gain experience working for the past six years at Unmanned Aerial Systems as electrical technician, avionics mechanic and training instructor. Chisolm’s achievements include obtaining a Distinguished Graduate honor after completing the basic non-commissioned officer and other military leadership courses. She contributes to organizations
Cheree M. Chisolm
Cadet University of Arizona
Student Leadership
such as the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Parent Club at Buena High School and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She has been a part of the Potter’s Hand Outreach that feeds the homeless. Chisolm actively supported the Spartan Race and took a lot of effort bringing together a team of service members, civilians and veterans. Speaking to fifth and sixth grade underprivileged students, Chisolm shared with them the advantages of enrolling in ROTC and going to college in her capacity as a participant of the joint recruitment event organized by the Army and Air Force ROTC. Chisolm is a wife of a soldier stationed at Arizona’s Fort Huachuca and a mother of two kids. “As a teenage mother,
Betzany Perez
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet
Student Leadership
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet Betzany Perez has a bright future ahead. Perez is currently studying nursing at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. Upon graduation, Perez will enter the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and join the Army Nursing Corps. In spite of her busy schedule, Perez finds time to participate in extracurricular activities at the university. In 2011, Perez represented the university’s ROTC battalion at the 2011 Ranger Challenge competition. As part of the team, she would start every morning at 5 a.m. with rigorous physical training. The hard work paid off, as the team received third place in the competition. Shortly after, Perez participated in the Army Ten Miler in Washingtonm, D.C. In addition to ROTC obligations, Perez takes her education seriously. Perez is active in the university’s Nursing School Association. She earned membership into the Nursing School Honor Society, as well as membership into Lambda Chi Honor Society. Perez has maintained a cumulative 3.54 GPA. She also counts three appearances on the Dean’s List among her accomplishments. As a first generation American on her father’s side, and a second generation American on her mother’s side, Perez feels I decided that serving my country through enlistment in the United States Army would be my career of choice,” she said. “After enlisting at the age of 17 and serving eight years and 11 months as an avionics mechanic on active duty, I continued to serve my country in the career in which the Army trained me as a contract worker both domestic and overseas. Aspiring to serve in a greater capacity, I pursued enrollment in the ROTC program to become an office and return to active duty. The University of Arizona ROTC program opened that door of opportunity and this one as well by nominating me for this prestigious award.”
it’s her duty to make her parents proud. One of her goals is to be a good role model, and to have a positive impact on her classmates. Perez has started working towards this goal by mentoring underclassmen in the nursing field. She meets with two cadets each month to discuss their academic and ROTC progress. Perez helps the students set goals, deal with stressors and create a plan of action to overcome problems and reach goals. Being a leader comes naturally to Perez. During the Leadership Development Assessment Course at Fort Lewis Washington, she received a rating of excellent in 10 out of 17 areas. The purpose of the assessment is to rate the cadet’s level of proficiency, knowledge and moral standing as a future Army officer. Perez’s ultimate goal is to use her medical knowledge and positive attitude to save lives.
Deborah O. So’Brien
Logistics Management Specialist, Process Integration Division U.S. Army Materiel Command, Logistics Support Activity
Technical Innovation in Government
Deborah So’Brien works with items valued at $9.9 billion. Her job requires her to maintain necessary logistic supply
needs and extensive knowledge to provide system area support for combat forces. She has controlled the Army Enterprise Materiel Master (AEMM) in her role to sustain the Joint Warfighter during peace and war. Master data is distributed to non-Army and Army trading partners through AEMM. She manages materiel disposal and distribution, maintenance, reporting, control, storage and acquisition through logistics management data integration. So’Brien graduated from Alabama A&M University, earning M.B.A. and M.A. degrees. She then obtained professional development training in Lean Six Sigma, the Leader Investment for Tomorrow’s Aviation and Missile Command Program, and logistics modernization. In September 1981, she started her career as a technical writer/ editor. “As an undergraduate, I was indecisive about my major,” she recalled. “I eventually declared one, freshman year, second semester and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business education, since most of my relatives were educa-
Tina P. Srivastava
Chief Engineer and Lead, Core Research Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems
Technical Innovation in Industry
Tina P. Srivastava has distinguished herself as a technical and innovative leader at Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. In 2009, Ms. Srivastava entered Raytheon’s Engineertors.” After college, So’Brien fell into the electronics industry with a company that was one of the largest employers in her state. “As I drove to work each day for nine years, I passed one of the gates to Redstone Arsenal and was always inspired to become an Army civilian.” Eventually, she would join a Department of the Army Intern program, accepting a decrease in pay to pursue her dream. “I worked long hours and took assignments that no one else wanted. All of this occurred in the midst of becoming a divorcee, raising a daughter and son (now both in college), and pursuing a master’s degree. My support structure—parents and family, management chain and colleagues—have propelled me. I have been an Army civilian for nine years and received several promotions and accolades; don’t let fear keep you from doing something.” So’Brien volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity, is a Sunday school nursery teacher and a part of the choir at the Lakeside United Methodist Church.
ing Leadership Development Program. The program is for select Raytheon employees who demonstrate a high level of expertise and excellence. Participating in the program allowed Srivastava to learn and work in various Raytheon businesses, including Network Centric Systems (NCS), Space and Airborne Systems (SAS), and most recently in Integrated Defense Systems (IDS). She has worked hard at Raytheon to build an exciting and successful career. Srivastava has supported several programs since joining IDS. She is the Chief Engineer for an Advanced Radio Frequency (RF) Program, and is responsible for providing leadership, technical direction and oversight of program execution. Her budgetary responsibilities also exceed $40 million. As the Lead of the Core Research Enterprise Campaign, Srivastava shapes technical strategy across Raytheon. She helps develop customer relationships, and deals with a budgetary responsibility of $3 million. The campaign, which she leads, focuses on providing innovative leading-edge technology that will potentially affect how Raytheon builds RFsystems. These advancements might also dramatically increase the range or search efficiency of radars. Srivastava has received several awards based on her technical performance, innovative ideas, leadership and teamwork capabilities. Raytheon awarded Srivastava the Raytheon Individual Achievement Award for Outstanding Job Performance four years in a row. She has received four Raytheon Patent Awards, a Raytheon Innovation Accomplishment Award, and a Raytheon Innovation Award for Excellence. Srivastava earned a Master of Science degree in engineering and management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics and astronautics engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her published writings on system of systems, design structure matrices, hybrid vehicle design and advanced thermal management have received national recognition. Srivastava is a respected role model, innovator and leader within Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.
Joan D. Wada
Technical Fellow, Systems Engineer Networks and Space Systems Boeing Defense, Space and Security
Technical Innovation in Industry
Joan Wada holds 17 U.S. patents for scientific instruments, as well as various other proprietary papers. She is a distinguished Boeing Technical Fellow, an honor bestowed on only the top one percent of all 60,000 engineers at Boeing. Wada has accumulated various awards and accolades over her 25 year career including completing a challenging TSAS re-design for the P-8 Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft ahead of schedule. Her finished product was 25 percent less expensive to produce. She was recently instrumental in assisting Boeing to gain a profitable classified contract. Wada’s long list of awards include; a 2003 Women of Color All-Star; a Professional Excellence Award (2003) from Boeing; the Asian American Engineer of the Year Award, 2007, from the Chinese Institute of Engineering; an Outstanding Merit Award, 2008, from the Orange County Engineering Council; and, most recently, a Boeing Lean+ 10x Cost Reduction, Lean Validated Cost Reduction Honor, 2012. She currently holds Board positions with the IEEE and the Chinese Institute of Engineers, as well as memberships with Boeing Women in Leadership, the Amelia Earhart Society and the Boeing Asian-American Professional Association, as well as the U.S Figure Skating Association. She currently works with the U.S. Navy and is responsible for generating revenue and business, up to $400 million for Boeing. Wada also is an active volunteer and mentor. “I was fortunate to have been raised in a family who worked hard and supported each other. I was even more fortunate to have friends with high aspirations and carried me along. But looking back, my most memorable and career deciding mentor was my math high school teacher. He was the most generous man, who took his own personal time in the summer, to teach a math class to a small group of students to keep us “on-track” for college. Can you believe that? Not that he taught the class, but that I actually took the class! But for that, I am forever grateful to him for making me the engineer that I am today.” R honda Brown is a business manager and vendor liaison who manages forward and reverse logistics for AT&T. She is responsible for planning, designing, implementing and supporting the AT&T internal enterprise data LAN/WAN communication network for all AT&T throughout the U.S. and in several overseas regions. In this role she handles annual revenues of more than $100 million and oversees 500 employees at 125,000 IT/retail outlets. Brown joined Ameritech/SBC as a collection representative with no previous IT experience in 2000, but led the Midwest for revenue for 10 consecutive months. In 2008, she moved to Dallas to manage logistics for ITON’s streamlining processes, spearheading a program that allowed IT to implement 22 percent more internal/external networks while maintaining a 99 percent SLA rating. In this position she also negotiated an unprecedented agreement with Cisco, which led to $12 million in new revenues. Last year Brown received the Women of Color STEM award for Professional Achievement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management and a Six Sigma Green Belt. She regularly volunteers her services to educate youth on physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. She is also an annual Junior Achievement volunteer, which empowers young people to own their economic success and is a regular participant of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Perhaps all this was inspired by her private life. Brown was born and raised in inner-city Detroit by a single mother who taught her the value of work ethic, perseverance, integrity, sacrifice and spirituality. When the family’s house burnt down at age 9, Brown, her mother and sister were left homeless for two years. Brown is now married with two children, but the untimely passing of her sister to cancer in 2009 added two new and much loved members to the household. She is also a proud soccer mom.
Designated as a Tier 2 leader, Priyadarshini Bajoria is in the top 25 percent of the Infosys employee base. Bajoria is a group manager (client services) and associate vice president of financial services and insurance, as well as geo-cluster head for New York/New Jersey and Member of Management Council with a global innovator in business consulting and information technology services. Her primary function with the company is
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Rhonda Brown
Senior Business Manager and Vendor Liaison AT&T
Priyadarshini Bajoria
Assoc. VP and Group Manager - Client Services (FSI) and Geo-Cluster Head (NY/NJ) Infosys Ltd
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
to build and strengthen the company’s global client relationships with large investment banks and financial services firms across the U.S., the U.K., India, China, Singapore and Eastern Europe. Bajoria’s background includes experience in consulting, investment banking, capital markets business and technology landscape. Over the course of a career that has spanned nearly two decades, Bajoria has consistently delivered measurable results in the form of increased account revenues, new business growth and relationship management. Her career began as Management Trainee with Merrill Lynch, India. In just six years, she went from Management Trainee to Assistant Vice President of Investment Banking. In the ensuing years, Bajoria was hired in at Infosys and served as domain consultant/senior consultant, practice lead/senior principal, and senior manager (client services) before taking her current position. She has been responsible for leading U.S. relationships with Infosys’ largest capital markets client, converting a multi-million-dollar proposal into a strategic partnership, building and managing a team of 50 consultants, implementing a comprehensive trade surveillance and compliance system at a Wall Street major, and designing and developing a real-time trade processing system at a large U.S. stock exchange. Now, New York-based, Bajoria volunteers with New York Cares and the after-school STEM program of the New York Academy of Sciences. As well, she is a sought-after industry speaker and leading champion of women’s inclusivity issues at Infosys.
Sonal Deshpande joined Northrop Grumman 27 years ago having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Deshpande later earned Master of Science in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins and attended the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. Currently, she is responsible for the execution of research and development programs for advanced maritime and integrated air and missile defense sensors and systems, business development and growth of the Navy’s Above Water Sensors and Systems and new business creation for the next generation of Surface Navy Radars EW, and EO/IR markets. Deshpande is an accomplished leader whose penchant for solving business challenges coupled with her technical prowess has afforded her the opportunity to serve in a series of management positions. As a digital hardware designer in the Processing Systems Division, she designed processors and radar hardware for sector programs including Comanche. Later, as the function manager, Deshpande started and established the first formal VHDL in-house training program. Within three years, she was engineering manager in the Systems Development and Technology Division. Less than two years later, she served as program manager of Comanche then as director of B-1 Programs in Combat Avionics. In the last five years, Deshpande has held the positions of director of Special Technology Programs, Combat Avionics Division; director, Cobra Judy Replacement Program in the Naval Marine Systems Division; vice president of engineering in the Manufacturing and Logistics Division before being installed in her current position. “I came to this country with my family when I was six years old, Deshpande said. “My parents taught me to work hard, not to turn away from challenges. Growing up, I wanted to be an artist, but I also liked math and science…It wasn’t until college when I decided to pursue engineering, remembering to “work hard, not be afraid of challenge and stay true.” Those values have been with me throughout my 27-year career.”
Aimee Do is in charge of multiple laboratories overseeing 30 employees and $50 million in equipment. She is responsible for development and improvements to integrated systems laboratory infrastructure for new commercial airplane programs, and overseeing engineering of the 737 Max airplane program. She has also taken on special assignment supporting the 787 return-to-service battery program. Do is a leader not just at Boeing but in her field having written numerous white papers on work flow and cost cutting with XML technology. One of her most outstanding personal attributes is her passion for helping others realize their potential by initiating mentoring programs within Boeing and leading “Entrepreneur Issues in Alternative Energy” workshops for Society of Women Engineers. Do’s own journey began when she fled Vietnam at age 11. Arriving in the U.S.A., she learned quickly and excelled in mathematics and science, before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and then a master’s degree in engineering from Washington State University. She is currently working with the deans of the University of Science in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to improve undergraduate problems in technology, computer science and engineering. Her favorite local charity is Fare Start, a job training and placement program for the homeless in Seattle where she acts as a mentor in their Fare Start restaurant. She is a member of the Boeing Women in Leadership group, Boeing Asian American Professional Association, Boeing Management Association and an advisor on the Engineering, Operations & Technology board. In her spare time she loves to travel with her husband, Steve, and runs marathons. She has a daughter, Aline, who is studying for her master’s degree in nursing, and plans to join Aimee on her charitable pursuits. “As a teenage[r] in war torn Vietnam, I witnessed pain, suffering, and despair,” Do said. “But when I came to the U.S., I saw hope and opportunities.
Sonal Deshpande
VP, Advanced Maritime and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Aimee G. Do
Manager, Boeing Testing & Evaluation The Boeing Company
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
With the support of family and many mentors whom I met as I was growing up, and throughout my career, I learned to believe in me, and I did my best to get where I wanted to be. By giving back, I use my experience to help others.”
Pamela Jones’s lifelong social responsibility coincides with her corporate career. From the moment she set foot outside University of Maryland after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she was committed to doing something that would impact her community. “My father was a physician and my mother was an educator. My parents showed me through their deeds, the importance of giving back to the community; the importance of uplifting others by showing them the opportunity to improve their skills and potential.” Shortly after going to work as a systems engineer/marketing representative with IBM, she was touched by the paradox of homeless people rummaging through trash in search of leftovers from the area’s well-to-do tech professionals out on lunch. So Jones partnered with a local soup kitchen to organize a monthly community food program. She has divided her time between community outreach and professional achievement ever since. Jones has twice gone before members of Congress to promote the need for greater emphasis on and funding for initiatives that promote women and minorities in STEM and was invited to help write a congressional bill that would mandate STEM-related curriculum for all K-12 schools. Other community efforts include working with inner city school children through the Discover-E STEM program, implementation of the Computer Lab at the Robinwood Community Center to teach children computer skills through a partnership with Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems African American Task Group, training female professionals on the soft skills needed to advance their careers in the male-dominated STEM arena, and the development of a STEM-based youth mentoring and training program with the Black Professional Men Organization. Jones earned a second undergraduate degree, a Bachelor’s of Science in Information Systems Management, before obtaining a Project Management Certificate from the University of California at Irvine. Over the course of her twenty plus-year career, she has worked as an independent consultant, help desk/site support representative, web developer and Livelink administrator /software developer before finally being promoted to her current position as lead software engineer and project manager with Northrop Grumman Corporation. Lakela Lofton has architected an exemplary STEM career. For years, the imprint of her stellar leadership has positively impacted the corporate culture at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) where she serves as nuclear engineering manager. Lofton has a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Hampton University and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology. Lofton’s career began in Nuclear Fueling Engineering as an associate electrical engineer. Her skill set immediately set her apart as a leader in her group. Within two years, Lofton was recognized as one of US Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine’s “30 under 30 who made a Difference in Engineering.” In the two years following, Lofton was promoted to Construction Supervisor and then to the position of Refueling Cranes Engineering Supervisor. While in this position, Lofton standardized a refueling process that improved the reliability of the cranes at a time when the company and her team were faced with consistent equipment failures which hampered productivity and increased delays. Later, Lofton served as Principal Nuclear Engineer and that same year was honored by Northrop Grumman as a “Woman That Makes a Difference in the Shipyard.” In 2011, Lofton was appointed Project Manager for Kesselring Site Proposal at Ballston Spa, New York. There, she and her team developed a winning proposal worth $590M, a feat that allowed NNS access to new similar opportunities. The Kesselring project was nominated for the NNS 2012 Model of Excellence Award. One of the most valuable aspects of Lofton’s expertise is her ability not just to ascertain challenges but to provide solutions in the form of research, improvements and new processes. The implementation of one such process stands to save Kesselring more than $5 million and save the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program $11 million. She is a woman who is committed to departmental and organizational excellence.
Cynthia McCollum’s career has spanned 18 years and resulted in more than a dozen performance awards. McCollum has provided the Army with distinguished service, coordinating affordable, top-quality professional development and technical training programs. Outside of her service with the Armed
Pamela Jones
Lead Software Engineer & Project Manager Northrop Grumman Corporation
Lakela Lofton
Engineering Manager Newport News ShipbuildingKesselring Site
Cynthia McCollum
Professional Development Counselor U.S. Army Materiel Command Logistics Support Activity
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Forces, McCollum is a respected community leader and influential political advocate. She has worked to support community advancement in the Huntsville area through the implementation of local programs. Since being appointed in 1987, McCollum has consistently served as a member of the Madison, Alabama City Council. She has served as both president and president Pro Tem of the City Council and led the campaign which resulted in the passage of a smoking ban in local restaurants. McCollum was appointed vice president and later president of the National League of Cities, a historic organization representing 17,000 municipalities. She also served as president of the National Black Caucus of Local and Elected Officials, the largest African American political organization in the world. McCollum has served in various leadership capacities including as founding member of the Madison County Big Brothers /Big Sisters program; Executive Director of the Huntsville Girls Club, Inc.; board member of the Madison County Community Action Agency; as well as a gubernatorial appointee to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, McCollum holds undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology from Alabama A&M University. She studied Executive Management at Emory University. She has been named “Female Politician of the Year” by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, “Politician of the Year” from 20 Distinguished Young Men of Huntsville and has received the Rising Star Award for Women in Municipal Government. “I sat on a dais one day and recalled a childhood event,” she reflects. “I was reared by my grandparents and was devoted to my grandfather. I was his constant companion. One Sunday, we rode to the country to see some of our relatives. I had a bag of over 20 grape bubblegum balls that I refused to share with my cousins and their neighbors. Going home, my grandfather told me he was so very disappointed in me because I didn’t share. He said life brings prosperity to some and not so much to others, and we have a biblical responsibility to always help those less fortunate than us. I felt so embarrassed and genuinely hurt that I disappointed “granddaddy.” I remembered that event there on the dais, and I knew right then why I had spent my life in service to others.”
Brenda Sanders is a respected leader in Naval Air Systems Command. She excels in a career that requires her to manage people and projects. In 2000, she achieved the rank of S-6 Leading Chief Petty Officer for the USS Harry S. Truman. She supervised and directed 66 personnel. Her responsibility was to make sure each person performed as instructed, and that 11 squadrons and 6 T/M/S aircraft had supplies and any necessities for daily operations. Sanders also managed 62 personnel within the Repairable Management Branch, Supplies Response section and the Maintenance Support Package branch. In addition, she managed Operating Targets (OPTAR) maintenance funds in excess of $18 million. She compiled monthly financial reports, analyzed spending, and processed reports for the Defense Accounting Office. During her career, she’s managed and trained more than 500 personnel at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, VA, NAS Lemoore, CA, and NAS North Ireland, CA, during implementation of Continuous Process Improvement methodologies. Sanders is a performance management professional for the Naval Air Enterprise. She develops policies and procedures that allow civilians, sailors and marines to execute and develop ideas. Sanders is active in the NAVAIR Women’s Advisory Group, and a parent volunteer with King’s Christian Academy. She received an AAS degree in Management Development from the College of Southern Maryland. Sanders also received a Bachelor of Arts in Management Studies from University of Maryland University College. Sanders demonstrate strong leadership abilities and displays high standards of professional conduct.
Born in an economically disadvantaged family, Maria-Cristina Spiak’s family endured many hardships. Her birth home did not even have the basic plumbing and electricity facilities. Her parents were sixth graders and labored to feed the family until one of her grandfathers became a successful farmer. Her father worked his way up to become the vice legislator and presently holds an important post. Spiak is the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Technologica de Panama in computer systems engineering. She went on to complete her master’s degree from the Falmouth, MA based National Graduate School, specializing in quality systems engineering and earned her doctorate in Business Administration. She moved to America in 1999 and became a U.S. citizen in 2002. She started her career in America with a Texas based firm due to her work experience in Panama. In 2004, she became the data architect at the Boeing Company and continues to work at the company. Her role encompasses computing and technical system creation, management and development. Apart from this, she is also responsible for process improvement, consulting, training and software quality assurance. Currently she leads at least four quality teams in her capacity as the quality manager. She and her teams offer excellent support to the Renton, WA based 737 airplane productions. Spiak is a member of several Boeing affinity groups and is the founding member of the 737-Diversity Council. In 2013, Maria was selected as the South Puget Sound President as a part of the Boeing Women in Leadership awards. Apart from mentoring students at the Des Moines, WA based Aviation High School, Spiak also helps support better quality of life for Hispanics and is a member of the National Community
Brenda D. Sanders
Performance Improvement Branch Manager Maintenance and Supply Integration Performance Branch Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
Maria-Cristina Spiak
Quality Manager The Boeing Company
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
of Latinas. She is an expert team builder and is a self-motivated, energetic person with effective interpersonal skills. She has managed up to 28 employees singlehandedly including non-union, union and hourly salaried employees.
Ms. Selina Vik has built a successful career full of accomplishments. A glance at her list of career achievements will show you exactly why Vik has the respect of her peers. Vik is the first African-American woman to receive the Barbara Ward-McCracken Human Resources Specialist Award at her Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and at her Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) site. The NAWCTSD Mentoring Team led by Vik is responsible for more than fifty percent of command employee participation in the mentoring program. She also created the NAWCTSD On-Boarding Academy Program. The program introduces new employees to the practices, policies and culture of the Command. Vik is also the first African-American woman at Patrick Air Force Base to receive the Air Force Space Command Javits-Wagner O’Day Chairman’s Award. She received the award in recognition of awarding the first National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH) contract for Base Custodial Services. In addition to building her own successful career, Vik takes an active role in helping the careers of others. In 2000, Vik became a Management Analyst supporting the employees of the Contracts Department with expert management of their staffing, recruitment and training needs. Vik became a NAVAIR National Recruiter, and expanded recruitment efforts to include historically African American colleges and universities in Florida. Her efforts increased the number of African Americans in the contracts department from 2 percent to 15 percent over two years. As a volunteer at St. Peter and Paul Church, Vik cooks food for the Feed the Homeless Committee. She believes it’s important to do well in all areas of life, not just on the job. Helping others achieve all their potential is important to Vik. Her experience as a mentor, coach and leader spreads a renewed interest in learning and development to anyone she meets.
Selina Vik
Head, Training and Career Development Total Force Strategy and Management Department Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
REDISCOVER THE IMAGINATION OF INNOVATION
Applicants are subject to a security investigation for access to classified information. Equal Opportunity Employer. © 2013 The Aerospace Corporation. All rights reserved. Aerospace Corporation is a dynamic leader in delivering space mission success. We are a team that takes pride in our readiness to answer some of the most complex technical challenges in existence. With projects and challenges spanning clandestine to commercial, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work on projects that are literally evolving our space capabilities. When you join us, you’ll join a rare collection of the most intelligent people in the field and be fully empowered to do your best work. We are always looking to talented men and women with M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the scientific and engineering disciplines listed below. If you’d like to join us, please apply online at www.aerospace.org/careers by creating a profile and uploading your resume. Please refer to code: Z9M. We have openings in El Segundo, CA and Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas. Avionics System Engineering – Bearing/Mechanical Drives – Circuit Design and Simulation – Communication Systems – Component Engineering – Computer Systems Engineering – Cyber Security – Digital Image Processing – Electronic Systems Design – Failure Analysis Engineering – Flight Mechanics Engineering – Mass Properties – Product Assurance Engineering – Product Engineering – Radar Systems Engineering – Reliability Analysis Engineering – Satellite Integration and Test – Satellite Propulsion Systems – Signal Processing – Software Engineering – Spacecraft Development – Survivability/Vulnerability – System Analysis – System Safety Engineering – Technical Cost/Schedule Analysis – Upper Stage Flight Operations
