Jennifer LaVine (she/her/hers) holds the position of Maritime Systems program manager at Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. She is responsible for securing and expanding MH-60R platform business through strategic partnerships with U.S. Navy. She offers guidance to new foreign customers, tailoring configurations and requirements to meet their unique mission needs. Her leadership in this role led to several accolades, including the prestigious Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems Evening of Excellence Award. Previously, as Program Manager for Global Commercial & Military Systems (GCMS) Aftermarket Program, she had a responsibility for the segment’s upgrades and sustainment business. She spearheaded the collaboration between Lockheed Martin domestic and international sites, streamlining procurement processes and solidifying a strategic partnership.
Jenn’s leadership transcends the professional realm. A lifelong advocate for the advancement of women in engineering, her passion for SWE began during her university years at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). There, she served as the SWE-RPI section treasurer. After moving to Connecticut, she continued her dedication, serving as the SWE section representative for many years. While prioritizing her young family, Jenn took a break from formal leadership roles. However, her commitment never wavered. As her daughters entered school, she rejoined the organization, and ultimately led the Hartford Section through the pandemic.
Jenn’s advocacy extends beyond her local section. Recognizing the crucial role of policy in fostering STEM education, she actively engaged with policymakers. Witnessing the impact of delayed legislation firsthand, she joined forces with other SWE leaders, supporting congressional visits and advocating for critical funding initiatives. Her dedication was recognized by SWE in 2019 as she was named one of ten Emerging Leaders for her exceptional technical leadership and commitment to SWE.
Jenn’s passion for SWE translates to her role at Lockheed Martin. As a founding member of the Lockheed Martin SWE Committee, she has served in various leadership positions, including Chair-Elect, Chair, and Advisor. During her tenure as Chair, she spearheaded efforts to increase company funding support, significantly expanding employer-sponsored memberships.
Jenn is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable culture within SWE during her tenure in the Senate. As an immigrant to the United States, person of color, and a first-generation college student, Jenn’s personal experiences shaped her objectives aimed at broadening the scope of SWE’s commitment of intersectional diversity, ensuring it encompasses people from all cultural backgrounds. Jenn is passionate about empowering women in engineering and technology across geographic borders and at every stage of life, pursuing a truly global and inclusive SWE. Her diverse professional experience across various international locations also gives her unique insights into where SWE can strategically expand its global reach and impact.
Jenn earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering, a B.S. in management, and an MBA from RPI. When not leading in the aviation industry or advocating for women in STEM, Jenn enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters. They explore national parks together, and Jenn finds joy in singing with a competitive barbershop chorus, knitting, listening to audiobooks, and nurturing her (perhaps optimistic) green thumb.
