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WIT.Connect - Fireside chat with Ms. Heidi Shyu Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
7920 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102
USA

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Thursday, April 18, 2024, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM EDT
Category: WIT.Connect Programs
Please join us us on April 18, 2024 for our WIT Connect event, featuring an inspiring address by Ms. Heidi Shyu, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and Chief Technology Officer for the DoD.

The Under Secretary will share insights on fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusion within the technology sector, aligning with WIT's mission to elevate women from the classroom to the boardroom.

Ms. Shyu will highlight the critical role women play in driving technological advancements and shaping the future of defense and engineering. The speech will delve into the importance of education, mentorship, networking, and professional development in empowering women to excel in technology-related fields.

The audience can expect a thoughtful exploration of strategies to overcome barriers and create a more inclusive environment, fostering an ecosystem where women can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to the forefront of technological innovation. The Under Secretary will also discuss the Department of Defense's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote diversity, gender equality, and the advancement of women in technology.

Registration Fees (includes two drink tickets and heavy hors d'oeuvres)
$50 WIT Members
$85 Non-members

 

Meet our Speaker

Heidi Shyu

Ms. Heidi Shyu
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering / Chief Technology Officer
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Ms. Heidi Shyu is the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). In this role, she serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the Department of Defense (DoD), mandated with ensuring the technological superiority of the U.S. military, and is responsible for the research, development, and prototyping activities across the DoD enterprise. She also oversees the activities of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the DoD Laboratory and Engineering Center enterprise, and the Under Secretariat staff focused on developing advanced technology and capability for the U.S. military.

Previously, she served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA (ALT)), from September 2012 to January 2016. Prior to this, she was Acting ASA (ALT) beginning in June 2011 and appointed the Principal Deputy in November 2010. As the ASA (ALT), she served as the Army Acquisition Executive, the Senior Procurement Executive, the Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Army, and the Army’s Senior Research and Development official. She had principal responsibility for all Department of the Army matters related to logistics. Ms. Shyu also led the execution of the Army’s acquisition function and the acquisition management system. Her responsibilities included providing oversight for the life cycle management and sustainment of Army weapons systems and equipment from research and development through test and evaluation, acquisition, logistics, fielding, and disposition.

Prior to her government service, Ms. Shyu was the Vice President of Technology Strategy for Raytheon Company’s Space and Airborne Systems.

Ms. Shyu holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Brunswick in Canada, a Master of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on System Sciences along with the Engineer’s Degree from UCLA. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of New Brunswick. She is also a graduate of the UCLA Executive Management Course Program.