2020 Special Recognition Award nominee Latitia McCane, Ph.D. is director of education at Huntington Ingalls Industries.
She is the first female and first African American to lead the Huntington Ingalls Industries—Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School in its 100-year history.
The apprentice school serves as a production leadership factory, with nearly 900 students and 19 trade and eight advanced optional programs.
Upon taking the position, Dr. McCane made an impact on the culture and business practices of the school by making it more student-centric.
She established town hall meetings so that apprentices could communicate face-to-face with faculty. She also helped set up numerous scholarships for the school in conjunction with local community colleges.
Her efforts reach beyond the company that she works for as she serves on the Greater Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Board, Virginia Apprenticeship Council, and Chesapeake Robotics Board.
Over the course of her career, as a chemist and former professor, McCane has worked to give young students a chance at having a successful career through an education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“Dr. McCane is a serious and thoughtful leader of the very highest caliber and strongest character,” said Robert McKenna, president and CEO, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
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