The Women in Defence Awards are an annual celebration of the value women bring to the defence sector. The final nominees for the 2020 Awards have now been revealed, and Dstl is represented by Dr Kate Gill and Sarah Strangleman.
The Women in Defence Awards are open to all women who excel in their fields across both military and civilian workplaces, and the 2020 Awards shortlist includes nominees from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, MOD, MI5 and Industry and Academia; and to be shortlisted is an incredible achievement in itself.
Kate. who is seconded to the United States (US), is nominated for her work supporting the UK F-35 program via DE&S Lightning Delivery Team (LDT). Her nomination was submitted by the Washington DC British Embassy Science and Technology Attaché and supported by statements from the F-35 Joint Project Office National Deputy, Group Captain Willy Hackett and Ms O’Hearn (F-35 Chief Software Officer, OCIO).
Dr. Gill has championed Software Modernisation in the F-35 program and has been crucial in defining and establishing an F-35 Agile cloud ecosystem. She has worked tirelessly to improve collaboration between US Government, eight Partner Nations and worldwide Industry. As the international lead of an all US team, Dr. Gill’s efforts have been pivotal for the United Kingdom achieving innovative software collaboration in support of a global program. Her contributions have saved the Ministry of Defence millions of pounds, increased aircraft lifetime availability, and improved and streamlined capability.
Sarah Strangleman is currently seconded to Military Strategic Effects (MSE) within the MOD as the UK Defence Exploitation Facility (UK DEF) Liaison Officer. Her citation reads: Sarah’s determination to break down barriers and deliver tangible progress and outputs has led to a significant increase in intelligence and information sharing and wider national and international collaboration. Her work is vital, important, and makes a genuine difference in enhancing the effectiveness between key interlocutors responsible for a portfolio of national interest and significance.
Dstl Chief Executive Gary Aitkenhead said of the nomination:
As well her significant contributions, Kate epitomises the Dstl values: innovative, collaborative, impactful, and I am thrilled she has been recognised for her impact during her US secondment to the F-35 program. Kate’s nomination not only highlights the importance of collaboration in Defence but also emphasises the significance of international partnerships.
Sarah should be congratulated for her nomination. This is a great achievement and truly demonstrates the impact that Dstl’s people have across defence and security. Furthermore, it shows the importance of collaboration between Dstl and partner organisations. Both Kate and Sarah are an asset to Dstl and I am very proud of their achievements.
The Women in Defence Awards 2020 ceremony will be held virtually on Monday 12 October.
Read more about the Women in Defence Awards 2020 and see the full list of nominees and categories at the official website.
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