BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On average, African American students make up only 6 percent of all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) bachelor's degrees earned in the U.S. each year, according to the National Science Foundation. Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is committed to improving that metric.

This year, at the 30^th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference, held in Philadelphia on Feb. 18-20, industry leaders encouraged students and recognized the achievements of various STEM professionals. In total, Lockheed Martin employees, including Sandia National Laboratories employees, received 31 prestigious awards at this year's events.

Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Marillyn Hewson spoke at the awards event, congratulating all of the award recipients for their critical roles in supporting diversity and STEM outreach.

"The BEYA conference is an excellent opportunity to honor some of the best and brightest talent from across our corporation," said Hewson. "By celebrating their achievements, we will inspire the next generation of innovators, and help ensure a bright future for us all. That's why we're a proud partner with BEYA and we look forward to supporting this important conference for years to come."

Hewson's full remarks are available here.

BEYA recognizes STEM professionals and leaders who are committed to increasing the percentage of people from historically underrepresented communities in the technology workforce.

Edwardo Gillison, Technical Operations engineering site lead from San Diego, California, earned a Professional Achievement – Industry Award for leadership in systems engineering, software development, hardware design and development and integration.

Robert Goode, sustainment lead for the Korea F-35 Program from Wylliesburg, Virginia, earned a Technical Sales and Marketing Award. Goode organized and executed a series of seminars, symposiums and site visits on the F-35 Autonomic Logistics Global Sustainment approach, influencing customer values and expectations of the program.

Ken Holley, Sandia National Laboratories principal Human Resources recruiting specialist from Albuquerque, New Mexico, earned a Community Service – Government Award for designing and implementing a recruiting strategy that targets the best and brightest talent and maintains a focus on diversity.

Other employees were honored with the Modern Day Technology Leaders Award and special recognition awards:

• Special Recognition Awards: Tamara Crawford, Conrad James, Tonesha Smith
• Modern Day Technology Leaders: Marvin Bell, Rodney Brown, Kim Butler, Nicholas Duncan, Richard J. Evans, Steven Forsack, Jason Goff, Gregory Ivey, Carl I.Jackson, Artis Johnson, Paul N. Jones Jr., Thomas Kay, Michelle McClearn, Briana Merkerson, Delafrance Mirtyle, Timothy E. Morgan, Whitley Poyser, Nicolaus Rhenwrick, Michael Slaughter, Ermias Tafesse, Nana Tei, Andrea Williams, Taurean Williams, Turhan Williams, Jessica E. Young

In addition to hosting the annual BEYA conference, Lockheed Martin recognizes its talent during other key events throughout the year, including the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference and the Asian American Engineer of the Year event.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that - with the addition of Sikorsky - employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. 

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin