Different paths, same passion

Mei Schieder, Data-Driven Operations Tenet Lead & Solutions Architect

When Mei Scheider was growing up, she and her brother would hover around creating engineering challenges for her father, who they called "Mr. Fix-it," to solve. Now, Schieder is following in her father's footsteps.

Through her work in data-driven operations at Leidos, she not only "fixes it" but also "builds it," having been involved in the creation of the DOD's worldwide data network from the early days of Leidos bid development.

"Watching this program mature as we broke new ground in terms of both technology and partnerships has been incredibly rewarding," she says. "There is something uniquely bonding about facing seemingly impossible feats together, and the sense of achievement we share as a team when overcoming these obstacles makes all the hard work worth it."

Christina Hill, Vice President, Digital Modernization Sector

With a passion for understanding the entire lifecycle of engineering processes and systems, Christina Hill always has the end users in mind. In her current role, that means the over 600,000 sailors and civilians served by Navy Marine Corps Internet. With that kind of person-centered perspective, it's no surprise that the highlights of Hill's career have been the opportunities to build teams and guide the next generation of technology leaders.

She advises future female engineers to take advantage of these sort of mentoring relationships.

"Identify someone who does a job that you aspire to," she says. "Then connect with them and emulate their behavior."

Learn more about digital modernization at Leidos

Gouthrekka Mahalingam, Engineering Manager

Having excelled in mathematics and physics at a school where girls were encouraged into STEM careers, Gouthrekka Mahalingam was drawn to an engineering career from an early age. From working on Navy programs to becoming an engineering manager at Leidos, what's helped Mahalingam succeed throughout her career is strong conviction in her own ability, alongside a habit of seeking out companies that value a diversity of perspectives.

"There will be numerous times in your career where you will have the most expertise in an area, far greater than anyone else, male or female," she advises aspiring female engineers. "You owe it to yourself to showcase that to the best of your ability and to rise above any adversity you face along the way."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.