Sonal Deshpande spent more than 27 years at Northrop Grumman Corporation, after earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Deshpande also earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and attended the general management program at Harvard Business School.

“I came to this country with my family when I was six years old," Deshpande told Women of Color magazine. “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 (family advice) to work hard, not be afraid of a challenge, and stay true, those values have been with me throughout my career.”

At Northrop Grumman, Deshpande was 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.

As a digital hardware designer, she designed processors and radar hardware for sector programs including Comanche. Later, as the function manager, Deshpande established the first formal in-house training program. Within three years, she was an engineering manager in the Systems Development and Technology Division. She also served as a director of B-1 Programs in Combat Avionics.

In the last five years, Deshpande served as director of Special Technology Programs, Combat Avionics Division; director, Cobra Judy Replacement Program in the Naval Marine Systems Division; and vice president of engineering in the Manufacturing and Logistics Division.