SPARKS, Nev., June 29, 2018 – For exceptional contributions to American jobs and national security, Women in Defense (WID), an affiliate of National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), presented Eren Ozmen, president and owner of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), with the notable Service to the Flag award. Honoring only two women annually—one top government leader and one distinguished industry leader—the award recognizes women who have made a significant impact in the national security and defense industry.
“I am truly inspired by the commitment of Women in Defense to help women reach their full potential. It is a great honor to be recognized alongside other great female leaders who are making a tangible impact,” Ozmen said. “Today it is more important than ever before that we maintain U.S. global leadership through innovation, agility and affordable technology solutions. I hope my story inspires the next generation of women and men to set high goals, persist against all odds, and most importantly, to dream big and never stop dreaming.”
“Women in Defense is honored to present our prestigious 2018 Service to the Flag award to Eren Ozmen, whose entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership make her a role model for women and men across the defense enterprise,” said Gen. (retired) Hawk Carlisle, NDIA president.
Eren and her husband Fatih Ozmen acquired SNC in 1994, and under their strategic leadership have grown the company to nearly 4,000 personnel in the U.S. and abroad. Among SNC’s portfolio of products and programs is its Dream Chaser spacecraft – America’s spaceplane. This next generation space shuttle technology is under contact with NASA to service the International Space Station starting in late 2020.
Committed to creating a diverse national security workforce, WID provides women with professional growth, education, and career development opportunities. “Women make up 51% of America’s talent pool and I’m excited about Women in Defense’s vision for expanding and enriching professional development, networking and mentoring opportunities, to strengthen the defense industrial base workforce,” Gen. Carlisle said. “Female leaders throughout government, industry and academia provide diversity of thought and approach, injecting imagination and innovation into the collaborative processes championed by NDIA to help deliver solutions to our toughest security challenges.”
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through advanced engineering technologies in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, National Security and Defense. With applications including navigation and guidance, communication and surveillance systems, electronic warfare, aircraft systems and telemedicine, SNC provides state-of-the art solutions to military and commercial customers around the world. SNC has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest growing companies. For more information, visit www.sncorp.com.
About Women in Defense
Women in Defense is the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Affiliate founded to engage, cultivate and advance women in all aspects of national security. WID provides a dynamic, forward-thinking community for developing leadership skills, cultivating relationships, as well as mentoring, and education through a variety of national and regional events addressing some of the most pressing national defense issues. Through the HORIZONS program, women seeking post-bachelor’s degree scholarships are given the opportunity to further their educational objectives and career pursuits in the defense workforce through a demonstrated commitment to creating a more diverse national security marketplace. For more information, visit www.womenindefense.net.
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Eren Ozmen, president and owner of Sierra Nevada Corporation, accepted the 2018 Service to the Flag award presented by Women in Defense in recognition of her exceptional contributions to American jobs and national security.