BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Marillyn Hewson highlighted the role of diversity and inclusion in driving energy innovation during a Department of Energy event today in Arlington, Virginia.

The forum marking the first anniversary of the Department of Energy's Minorities in Energy Initiative brought together key leaders from government, academia and industry to address the needs of underrepresented communities in the energy sector, while encouraging more Americans to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

For more than 30 years, Lockheed Martin has been working with the Department of Energy on addressing the country's energy challenges, while pursuing new technologies to deliver smart energy solutions for the world.

"We've been at the leading-edge of clean energy technology, advancing the science behind Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, tidal energy, next generation lithium ion batteries, Green IT systems and smart grid solutions," said Hewson. "These developments were only possible because different people with unique perspectives looked at these challenges in new ways. Innovation is powered by diversity and fostered by inclusion."

For a copy of Hewson's remarks as delivered, please visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/speeches/1118-hewson-minorities-in-energy.html.

The Minorities in Energy Initiative, guided by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Economic Impact and Diversity, seeks to create a substantive, sustainable model that connects diverse stakeholders together to address challenges and opportunities for minority engagement in energy economic participation, STEM education and climate change.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

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