Karmyn Norwood
Vice President, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions,?International Programs
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.
Marietta , GA
Karmyn Norwood, the vice president for Air Mobility and Maritime Missions International Programs at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., believes in the power of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. A product of the Jackson, Mississippi, public schools, she was an undergraduate math major at Jackson State University, where she received the Alpha Kappa Alpha Scholarship that helped launch her career.
?Honestly, my interest in engineering began in kindergarten. I received encouragement and that sparked a desire, which later became a commitment to pursue a STEM career. I took on work assignments that gave me experience. Being an engineer was quite rewarding, but I wanted to become a leader ? a decision maker. So, with the help of mentors, I worked on developing strong leadership skills. This foundation started me on the path to where I am now,? says Norwood. Today, she is responsible for managing the product life cycle for all Lockheed Martin air mobility and maritime patrol aircraft flown by international operators in more than 70 countries.
Norwood received a master?s degree in electrical engineering from George Mason University and an MBA from the University of Tennessee. She is a graduate of the Defense Acquisition University Program Management Institute and has spent two decades honing her craft in positions at Lockheed Martin, the telecommunications industry and the federal government. In 2015, she received the highlight of her career: the Black Engineer of the Year Special Recognition Award. ?I was selected from a large peer group who are all doing excellent work in the industry,? recalls Norwood.
Norwood is dedicated to ensuring a pipeline of diverse talent is developed through STEM. ?Most recently, I went back to my alma mater, and with Lockheed Martin?s help, I was able to offer STEM opportunities to students in the community. And I will continue to do so,? she says.
