When you think of pioneers who break down barriers in both their careers and their communities, Leah Gittens is one person who stands out. From designing cutting-edge tech in the aerospace and defense industries to fighting for social causes close to her heart, Leah has defined what it means to be not only an incredible engineer but also a compassionate human being.
If you haven’t heard her story yet, you’re in for a treat. This post delves into her dual roles as an innovator and advocate for two fields that rarely intersect so seamlessly. You’ll also see why Leah is not just an inspiration, but a force for change for generations to come.
Leah’s Engineering Journey Building the Future of Aerospace and Defense
Leah Gettins’ engineering career has been nothing short of stellar (pun intended). At General Dynamics Electric Boat, Leah worked on major projects for the aerospace and defense sectors. If you’re not familiar with the name, General Dynamics is a major defense contractor known for building submarines for the U.S. Navy. Working in such a high-stakes environment, Leah has honed her skills in precision engineering and innovative problem-solving.
But there’s something that sets Leah apart, even in a field filled with brilliant minds and her shift to independent consulting. After her fruitful tenure with General Dynamics, Leah chose to branch out independently. Some might call it risky, but for Leah, it was the perfect opportunity to focus on creativity and innovation without limits. She now collaborates with organizations on complex engineering challenges while mentoring up-and-coming talent in the industry.
Why does this matter?
Leah’s move into independent consultancy says a lot about her priorities. It highlights her desire not only to gain professional expertise but also to share her expertise with others. Whether it’s leading a team of engineers or advocating for changes in the way businesses innovate, Leah ensures that her legacy reaches far beyond her own career.
Beyond Engineering Leah’s Advocacy and Community Work
We’ve established that Leah is a rockstar engineer, but what’s even more impressive is how much she cares about people. Her advocacy work has made her a household name, especially in circles focused on guardianship, disability rights, and community development.
How does she balance it all? That’s what makes her so inspiring. Here’s a closer look at some of the causes she passionately supports:
- Engineers Without Borders USA
If you’ve never heard of Engineers Without Borders, it’s basically a group of engineers who tackle critical infrastructure challenges in underserved communities around the world. Leah’s involvement with the organization shows that her engineering skills aren’t limited to corporate acquisitions; she’s all about community development.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Leah is also a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that connects children in need with adult mentors. For her, mentoring the next generation isn’t just about career advice. It’s about empowering kids to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.
- Disability Rights Advocacy
A champion of inclusion, Leah pushes for better access and representation for people with disabilities in engineering. She believes that diverse teams create better solutions — not just for companies, but for society as a whole.
These aren’t just side projects for Leah; they’re a priority. Her contributions to these organizations have earned her accolades like the Advocacy Leadership Award and the Community Impact Honor. But for Leah, it’s not about the awards. It’s about making a real difference.
Why Leah’s Work Matters for Women in STEM
There’s no denying that women are underrepresented in STEM. Leah is well aware of this and uses her platform to promote change, especially for young women who want to enter engineering. Through targeted initiatives, she’s working to create more opportunities for girls to discover and develop a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Here’s an example of how she’s doing it. Leah started hosting workshops aimed at exposing high school and college-aged women to STEM careers. These events often include hands-on activities (think coding challenges or building small prototypes) and Q&A sessions where attendees can ask open-ended questions about STEM fields.
Her long-term vision? Building a pipeline where women aren’t just part of the STEM workforce but are emerging leaders in the industry. It’s ambitious, to be sure, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s her.
FAQs About Leah Gettens and Her Work
Q1. What makes Leah Gettens stand out in the engineering world?
Leah’s ability to combine technical expertise with compassion is what truly sets her apart. Her work in aerospace and defense is impressive, but it is her leadership and advocacy efforts that make her a standout figure in engineering.
Q2. Can I get involved in the organizations Leah supports?
Absolutely! Both Engineers Without Borders and Big Brothers Big Sisters have programs you can participate in. Whether you’re an engineer or just someone with a passion for helping others, there’s a role for you.
Q3. Why are Leah’s efforts particularly crucial for women in STEM?
Women in STEM fields often face unique challenges, from bias to lack of mentorship. Leah’s initiatives not only open doors for women but also give them the tools to excel once they’re in. Her outreach goes beyond inspiration; it creates real opportunities.
Q4. How can I mentor others like Leah does?
Mentoring doesn’t have to be formal. Start by sharing your knowledge with someone in your network who could benefit from it. If you want to take it further, look into organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters or create your own mentoring initiative.
How You Can Carry Leah’s Legacy Forward
Leah Gettins shows us that success isn’t just about achieving your goals. It’s about helping others reach them too. Whether you’re an engineer, a lawyer, or someone who just wants to make an impact, Leah’s work is a shining example of how to do it all.
Feeling inspired? Start small. Volunteer with an organization, mentor someone in your community, or support a platform like Engineers Without Borders. And if you’re a woman in STEM, know that you belong here, as Leah says.
Leah’s story proves one thing loud and clear. Whether you’re building submarines or shaping lives, success is about using your talents to make the world a little better.