2022 RISING STAR AWARD WINNER
The PNAA Women in Aerospace Rising Star Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated a drive for excellence that has inspired change and innovation . The award winner is not afraid to break molds . She understands the importance of sharing new ideas and fostering a thought process that has a positive influence in the workplace and community . The winner is a creative forward thinker who puts ideas into action .
DEIDRA DANDERSON
Deidra Danderson is a rising star in the aerospace community and has exhibited focus and drive throughout her career . With a B . S . in Aeronautical Engineering Technology from Purdue University , Deidra quickly applied her expertise as a Mechanical Engineer at The Boeing Company . Assigned to design and production of the Boeing 787-9 , Deidra was part of a cross-functional team charged with bringing the conceptional design to a physical manifestation within budget constraints .
With a desire for continuous growth and development , Deidra completed her Masters of Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while simultaneously performing her duties as a Mechanical Engineer . She was subsequently considered as a prime candidate for the employee training and development team at Boeing . In this role , Deidra participated in the
improvement of corporate-wide training programs , as well as held the position of team lead for Diversity & Inclusion . Ever striving to improve , Deidra enrolled at Brandman University where she obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting .
Shortly after receiving her MBA , Deidra began at Crane Aerospace and Electronics as a Manufacturing Project Engineer . She is currently engaged in all new product introduction programs for Sensing and Power Systems , as well as partnering with Program Managers to design products that will power the future of electric aircraft and provide real-time data for aircraft systems and components . Her co-worker , Denise Millard , describes Deidra as “ a self-starter , a self-made success , and a model for positive leadership . She brings positivity , innovative thinking and a desire to drive excellence .”
2022 WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER
The PNAA Woman of the Year Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success over several years . The award winner has a track record of long-term achievements , professional growth , and community involvement and has distinguished herself in her organization , her profession , and her community . This woman is known for her positive influence and competent abilities . The Woman of the Year epitomizes the values for which PNAA stands and represents the best of who we are as women and as leaders .
MARCIE SIMPSON
Marcie Simpson exemplifies what it means to be an influential leader . As President and COO of Nycote Laboratories Corporation and CEO of Lloyd Surface Technologies , her reputation and exceptional business practices have driven the company to record business growth while maintaining the highest manufacturing standards . Over the last two decades , Marcie has built strong partnerships with OEMs , MROs , and suppliers across the globe .
Today under her leadership , Nycote Laboratories is thriving , entering into major partnerships , forging new product innovations , expanding , outgrowing the current facility , and getting ready to open a new location . Amid the pandemic , Marcie led Nycote Laboratories ’ Research and Development team in creating a line of performance coating products that would keep people and surfaces safe and at the same time ensured that all employees kept their jobs and full pay .
As one of only a handful of top women executives in aerospace , aviation , chemical , and industrial manufacturing , Marcie is a multiple-award recipient , sought-after public speaker , and is deeply committed to championing and developing other women leaders through mentorship , inclusion , and scholarships . She was selected as the first woman President of the Aerochemicals , a dynamic alliance of international industrial chemical specialists for the aerospace industry . Marcie gives back to the community by mentoring other women in aerospace , supporting girls in STEM , and serving on the Board of Directors of Mid-Mountain Materials , a manufacturer of engineered thermal insulation barriers and seals that serves a wide variety of global industries .
Pennie Burnham , Vice-President , Sales & Market Research of Nycote Laboratories states , “ Over the past six years working with Marcie I have seen her overcome immense challenges one-byone , becoming stronger with every experience . She is a naturalborn leader and someone people naturally gravitate toward .”
PNAA ADVANCE / 2023
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2023 ISSUE NO . 31 93
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