The Women of Color STEM Awards Gala, held on Saturday, was the final event of a three-day conference filled with seminars, workshops, networking sessions, and other activities.
During the gala, Ravi Dankanikote, the senior vice president of enterprise development at SAIC, presented the Technologist of the Year Award to Bridget Chatman, the vice president of business development and growth for SAIC.
In his introduction, Dankanikote described Chatman's work and leadership as transformative. In her role as the vice president of business development at SAIC, Chatman redefined leadership with innovation, courage, and commitment to inclusion.
Throughout her career, Chatman has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives that have not only enhanced business development but also created opportunities for women and people of color in STEM fields.
One of her remarkable achievements is the development of SAIC's women's leadership academy, which has nurtured over 100 aspiring leaders.
Chatman also played a key role in creating and launching an initiative in collaboration with 150+ organizations to inspire women and people of color in STEM and space sectors.
Her impact also extends as she serves as the official White House representative to the National Space Council Users Advisory Group, advising on space policy and strategies across multiple areas.
As the chair for Women in Aerospace, she has paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive leadership in one of the most forward-thinking industries.
Chatman's unwavering pursuit of excellence, her vision for a more equitable future, and her profound contributions to technology make her not just a leader but a true luminary in the STEM community.
In her acceptance speech as the 2024 Technologist of the Year, Chatman said the award came with a lot of responsibility and accountability.
After thanking her family for their support, love, and encouragement, her friends, SAIC family, and her sponsors, Chatman said she also wanted to honor women of color whose legacies we all draw from every day.
This included STEM pioneers, who were recently recognized by the White House with the Congressional Medal of Citation in recognition of their service to the Apollo generation space race: Katherine Johnson, Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson.
Chatman also recognized everyone in the audience, from school-going students to subject matter experts.
Women of Color magazine's cover story is about her personal journey.
"It's a humbling experience to reflect on the influences that have shaped my life," she said. "I've always been immersed in the language of civil rights, human rights, and STEM, so it's natural for me to be passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of technology.
Chatman's maternal grandmother, who was a civil rights activist, transformed her life from picking cotton and working as a housekeeper to becoming an empowered scholar and teacher. Her mother, too, overcame limitations to pursue education and develop a love for science.
Chatman's father was a musician and later worked in a factory, and his influence initially inspired her to pursue a career in music before she found her passion for technology.
Her education began in Chicago, where she was inspired by teachers who instilled in her the importance of dreaming big and making a difference. She was deeply affected by the civil rights movement from a young age, understanding both its triumphs and its challenges.
Chatman later had the opportunity to travel to South Africa, where she worked on human rights issues and had the honor of meeting Nelson Mandela. This experience deepened her understanding of the importance of freedom, equity, and human rights for all individuals.
Her interest in technology was sparked by her mother, who introduced her to science and technology through visits to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
She began her career at IBM, where she worked with their computer systems, and later transitioned to Johnson & Johnson, focusing on medical devices.
At SAIC, she is involved in business development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and business transformation.
She has also been active in industry groups, such as Women in Aerospace, and served on the National Space Council. She chaired the first diversity, equity, and inclusion council that included technology and aerospace companies.
Looking ahead, Chatman said she saw a need to address the shortage of STEM workers in the United States, particularly among underserved groups. Recent studies have highlighted these challenges, and she called on others to join her in addressing them.
Women have made significant progress in the corporate world, but women of color are still underrepresented and face obstacles due to their gender and race.
McKinsey predicts that it will take another 50 years to achieve gender parity, with 22 years for white women and 48 years for women of color.
"As we navigate unprecedented technological change, we must ask ourselves: Can we afford to exclude the voices that are key to a just, ethical, and inclusive future? Chatman asked.
Human rights, freedom, equality, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integral to technology, even in endeavors like space exploration.
Technology is shaped by those who build it, and without the wisdom, creativity, and innovation of women, especially women of color, it becomes narrow and exclusionary.
The perspectives of women of color bring valuable insights and solutions to the table. Their inclusion is not optional; it is fundamental to addressing the diverse needs of our society.
Chatman advised the audience that women must recognize that we are the leaders, pioneers, and innovators in technology.
Women must shape the future of technology and not let impostor syndrome hold us back.
Women need to build strong networks, support each other, and mentor the next generation of women in technology.
Women must lead the way into a future where every woman of color is recognized, heard, and celebrated as a driving force of innovation.
