Page 16 - MILConnection_Spring_2024

I currently advocate for more women in the field of Representation is just one of the challenges female engineers
engineering by working with high school students (judging like Natalie encounter—along with other young women in
robotics competitions/science fairs) and volunteering. I want the workforce—which is why MIL believes female leadership
to be the person/mentor/etc., that I wished I had when I knew is so important to the professional development and morale
I wanted to go into engineering in high school.” of its younger female employees. To be seen, heard, and
understood is vital to ensuring women in the workforce feel
On the value of female role models, both academic and in
respected and cared for by their employer. But so is ensuring
the workplace, Natalie said, “Having women in leadership
issues of particular importance to women are accommodated;
positions throughout the company is great to see as a young
working women need to be supported in their quest to
employee. I also have had quite a few role models in the form
maintain a healthy work-life balance. “Even though I haven’t
of professors at school, alumni from my school, and other
used it, I think that appropriate parental and maternity leave
female engineers throughout the NAVAIR community. Having
is one of the most important things that a lot of women look
the support of other female engineers is amazing because
for when joining a company,” Natalie shared. “We want to
engineering is such a male-dominated field; we lift each other
know that if we take the time off to care for family, we will be
up.”
welcomed back and treated fairly after doing so.”
“I have been a mentor for a female intern. I can’t tell you how
When asked if women in leadership should champion
much of a difference it makes for both the mentor and mentee
issues affecting women in the workplace, Natalie responded
to have that sense of community and for the mentee to have
“yes.” “I do expect them to help advance multiple issues in
someone to look up to,” she noted. Adding, “Having women in
the workplace, especially gender bias, sexual harassment,
leadership who lift up their mentees is what allows women to
and just general camaraderie amongst other women in the
advance further and further in engineering.”
workplace.”
mil cares
South Carolina's First Steps Program
MIL was pleased to have served as a sponsor for the South Carolina First Steps fundraiser,
Night to Celebrate Community, which was held on Thursday, March 21st in Columbia, SC.
First Steps is a 501c3 non-profit organization and the state’s only dedicated early childhood
education agency. First Steps serves over 55,000 children ages 0-5 and their families across
South Carolina who are at risk for early school failure. First Steps supports young children
through a wide array of programs focusing on parenting, early education, health, and
more. As both a nonprofit and a state agency, they are uniquely positioned to help reach families with young children in every
community prepare their children for success in life and school.
Along with gathering funds for the organization, the evening was an uplifting opportunity for fun featuring live music,
cocktails, games, and dancing at the Hall at Senate’s End. All ticket proceeds from the event directly support the intensive
programs First Steps provides in all 46 counties across South Carolina.
Thanks go out to MIL team member Allyson Moffat (King) who serves on the organization’s event committee and drew our
attention to the First Step program’s good works.
Visit SC First Steps to learn more about the organization, its mission, and how you can get involved and help.

announcements

Christian Michael Fisher

Congratulations to Paul and Samantha Fisher on the birth of Christian Michael. Christian
was born 12/17/2023 at 10:22 AM and weighed 9 lbs. 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. Paul is an
AVP / Senior Network Engineer for the Department of Defense Business Unit, supporting the
Engineering and Technical Services Sector in Southern Maryland. Along with being welcomed by
both his mom and dad, Christian became the baby brother to seven older siblings.
Congratulations to the now 10-member Fisher family!

16 | the MIL connection | spring 2024