The Power of ‘HER’

Alanna helps employees adopt new ways of working and supports teams that align each business area across the Lockheed Martin enterprise.

“As a fully remote employee, I’m grateful I found community at Lockheed,” she says. “Through business resource groups, like the Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Awareness (HOLA), I’m able to network with other employees and still be highly visible with my colleagues – even though I work from home.”

This August, Alanna will graduate with a Juris Master degree in employment law and human resources risk compliance. Next fall, she will complete a second master’s in organizational leadership.

Alanna’s ambition is motivated by her deep devotion to family. Her husband and two sons, the youngest of whom was recently diagnosed with a life-changing medical condition, keep her going. “With employee benefits like FlexTime, I can take my son to doctor appointments, participate in both boys’ activities and pursue my education without having to drain my paid leave,” Alanna shares. “Working at Lockheed has given me the flexibility to pursue my dreams, maintain a balanced home life and be the superwoman I was created to be.”

“Working in engineering at Lockheed Martin for the past seven years has been an incredible and enriching experience for me,” Kimberly shares. “This company’s culture of inclusivity makes me feel valued and has afforded me opportunities that I would not have otherwise experienced.”

Through Lockheed Martin’s tuition assistance and company-partnered Systems Engineering Master’s program, she was able to complete a graduate degree. This education benefit not only expanded her knowledge but helped her contribute expertise and value to the multi-disciplinary teams she works with on a daily basis.

Kimberly adds, “although being a woman in engineering is considered rare, I am fortunate to work with so many brilliant women thanks to the culture Lockheed Martin has built. The fact that this company values families and offers flexible schedules is why I think we have such a dynamic and diverse workforce.”

As aerial photographers at Lockheed Martin, both Kaitlyn and Kyra document flight tests from the air before new systems or technology are implemented on an aircraft.

Kaitlyn has always loved photography, but never believed she could make a career out of it, especially in the traditionally male-dominated defense industry. It wasn’t until 2021, when she met her husband who happened to be an active-duty U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilot, that she was introduced to the world of aviation.

Kyra, who has been with Lockheed Martin for almost five years, has already had a series of memorable experiences. She’s had the opportunity to live and work aboard a foreign aircraft carrier for a month and even piled into a van full of camera gear to chase an F-117 aircraft strapped to a truck bed through the desert.

According to Kyra, “Lockheed has truly helped me build a resume and portfolio that showcases my visual communications skills.” Kaitlyn adds, “This role has presented me with new challenges both in the air and on the ground that have allowed me to grow creatively and improve my skills beyond what I ever imagined possible.”

Hannah, a Sustainment Engineer, embarked on her Lockheed Martin journey five years ago during college. She began as an intern in Rhode Island and later progressed to an Electrical Engineer Associate supporting the MK-48 torpedo program.

A year later, joining Lockheed Martin's Sustainment Employee Advanced Development (SEAD) program proved transformative for Hannah's rapid growth. She attributes her success to Lockheed Martin's commitment to employee advancement, noting, "Lockheed Martin is an excellent workplace because of the leadership development programs available for all career stages."

Reflecting on her intern days, Hannah says Lockheed Martin's inclusive environment helped her seamlessly integrate into her team and foster lasting connections. In the SEAD program, she expanded her skills, sharing, "Through SEAD, I've engaged with executives, worked across various offices, and grew my technical skills and professional network." Hannah's time in SEAD has allowed her to tackle challenging assignments and acquire certifications and training essential for leadership roles.

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Lori didn’t have any STEM role models in her family –so she became her own. In the early ‘80s, she was captivated by the possibilities of discovery and the potential to see a permanent space station orbit the Earth. She never imagined she would become an engineer with a degree in physics and astronomy, but she’s thrived in the field of Systems Engineering after nearly 28 years at Lockheed Martin.

“Part of the reason I’ve succeeded in this industry is because I had leaders who believed in me, gave me honest feedback and advocated for me,” says Lori. As she took on more leadership responsibility, she became active in Lockheed’s Women’s Impact Network (WIN) and became the first Space Chair of the business resource group in 2016. This provided her with access to a network of women from diverse backgrounds.

Lori adds, “Collaborating with my colleagues also gave me support as I balanced my career goals and started a family. I took maternity leave with both of my children and was able to return to work without missing a beat in my career.”

Before joining Lockheed Martin, Silverene worked as a contractor providing services and support to the Middle East for almost a decade. While in Qatar, Iraq, Afghanistan and Baghdad, she developed a passion for program finance.

Upon her return to the U.S., she chose to work at Lockheed Martin because she knew it would be a great place to advance in her career. Silverene joined several business resource groups and served on the board of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association. Getting involved with Lockheed’s community of resources has developed her leadership acumen and helped her feel like a critical part of the company’s mission.

“I feel fully supported to grow as a full-spectrum leader and advocate for the professional development of my team,” she shares. Serving her team has helped her become a better leader. “My individual success is beyond me,” she adds. “I realize my career progression is heavily dependent on the development of my employees and how much I invest in others.”