A trailblazing engineer, Chineta Davis was senior vice president for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems business unit when she won the top Women of Color award in 2007.
She was one of the first women to hold the title of Vice President at any Fortune 100 defense company.
After more than 30 years in the industry, she went on to serve as the second vice-chair of the Associated Black Charities in Maryland.
Asked what 5 things she wished she knew at the beginning of her career, Davis said:
Davis noted the changes since she joined the workforce in the 1970s.
"Women are moving up—are more comfortable making decisions, and companies have become a lot better with family and career," Davis said. But, she added, that there are things that could be holding women back. She shared 10 tips to help move women forward:
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Developing a thick skin early also helped in her career.
“I didn’t grow up where people talked about stocks around the table at night or what was going to happen in the market the next day,” Davis said. “But I was fortunate to work for the first female vice president at Northrop Grumman, Suzanne Jenniches. Suzanne used to tell us ‘If you want to work in this industry and you want to be competitive, you’ve got learn how to have 'rhino hide'—not take anything personally.’”
Jenniches served from 2003 to 2010 as the vice president and general manager of the government systems division of Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Electronic Systems sector. She was one of the first female engineers at Westinghouse Electric Company and one of the first female leaders at Northrop Grumman.
Davis said with the right mentoring and sponsorship more women are coming in as directors and vice presidents.
“I know a woman, who became a vice president at Northrop Grumman at 37, that I’m super proud of. These changes don’t happen overnight but we can make changes,” Davis added.
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About a decade ago, she had observed that people come out of college wanting a "hockey stick effect”—in five to 10 years they want to be a vice president.
She also acknowledged the shifting trend in job tenure. Davis said that one doesn't have to stay with the same company for 30 years.
"A lot of that has gone away," she said. “I know colleges now teach people about changing jobs… it depends on the individual, but don't burn bridges,” she advised.
“Do a one to five-year plan, understand your goals, plan out a career path, have a performance review, move forward and be successful."
Davis also advised women to find ways to let people know they have a seat at the table and not make them invisible. She encouraged STEM professionals to go out and make a difference.
"That's why I like to go out and mentor girls."
She also said the Women of Color STEM Conference brought a lot of value.
"It’s very nice to know you have such avenues for recognition. You find out what other companies are doing which gives perspective. Use the conference to put something in and get something out,” she said.
Click here and nominate women who inspire you.
