2011 Women of Color STEM Special Recognition honoree Devina C. Beatty graduated from high school in Fresno, California in 1984 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. During her more than 20-year service, she rose to the highest rank as a non-commissioned officer.

Among her many military honors, she was named Marine of the Year in Yuma, Arizona's Marine Corps air station.

When an injury in 1993 prevented her from completing an assignment at the Drill Instructor School, she changed tack and graduated from recruiter's school instead.

In 1997, she was selected to join the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Degree Completion program. In 2002, she graduated magna cum laude from Park University with a bachelor's degree in financial management and social psychology.

Two years later, she graduated from Webster University with a master's degree in procurement and acquisition, as well as a certificate in government contracting.

In 2006, she was selected as a master gunnery sergeant, making her the first ordnance female master gunnery sergeant.