This week, Women of Washington radio show hosts Aileen Black and Gigi Schumm talk to Sondra Barbour, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin ‘s Information Systems and Global Solutions business unit, about what her company is doing to increase diversity in the information systems industry.

“We, over almost 20 years ago, realized that the workforce of the future needed to be an inclusive workforce,” Barbour said of Lockheed’s effort to recruit women. “We started to seed our organization and proactively make sure that everyone had an opportunity to have a seat at the table. And now, you’re seeing that come to fruition.”

When asked to give advice to other companies on how to achieve the level of success Lockheed Martin has with its diversity initiatives, Barbour said, “You really need to understand your company culture and if your employees feel included. If they don’t, it will not be a welcoming environment and you may be able to attract, but you will not be able to retain, [women].” She added, “You need to make sure that once they’re in the workforce, they feel valued.”

Barbour also discussed her passion for technology and leading others that propelled her from a dual-major in accounting and computer science at Temple University to her current position leading Lockheed’s IS/GS unit.

She also explained the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and how young women need both to succeed in the corporate world.

When it comes to her advice for young women, she encourages them to ask questions in their workplaces, think in terms of goals to be accomplished, and to “enjoy every minute” of their journeys.

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