AFRL branch chief receives 2019 Women of Color in STEM Award

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Segrid Harris has been selected by Career Communications Group, Inc. to receive the Managerial Leadership in Government award at the 24th Annual Women of Color STEM Conference.

Harris is the Materials Integrity Branch Chief of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The branch provides materials/processing consultation services to numerous product centers, air logistics complexes and operational commands.

The branch is comprised of the Adhesives and Composites; Electrical and Electronic Materials Evaluation; and Structural Materials Evaluation teams.

The teams investigate potential materials and processing related problems involved with aerospace vehicle accidents and perform laboratory failure analyses on structural and electronic components and systems. They also solve material and materials processing problems associated with operational and experimental Air Force systems, provide analytical chemical analysis support for quick-reaction efforts, and manage the Air Force Electrostatic Discharge Program.

The Electronic Materials Evaluation team develops tools for non-destructive inspections on various components. These inspections use sensitive, high-frequency acoustic sensors that find cracks that require complex shapes to hold them in consistent contact while in hard-to-reach areas. Use of these advanced tools make a difficult job easier when dealing with the complex shapes of turbine engine blades, propeller blades and other components.

“Segrid is a proven leader with a long history of excellence in Air Force sustainment and acquisitions,” said Col Michael Warner, deputy director of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. “She is a tremendous asset to our directorate.”

Harris’s selection for the Managerial Leadership in Government award is not her only honor. Her branch was recently awarded the Leadership Experience Growing Apprenticeships Committed to Youth award. This is an Air Force outreach program that focuses on under-represented or underserved students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The CCG was founded in 1985 with a mission to promote significant minority achievement in science, technology, engineering and math. As a minority-owned talent management company they provide diversity and leadership solutions to individuals and organizations.

“This year’s class of nominees was the largest and strongest yet. Approximately half of the 2019 awardees are managers, directors, or vice presidents of major organizations,” said Tyrone D. Taborn, CEO and publisher, CCG.

According to the Department of Labor, nearly half of the U.S. workforce is made up of women. Clearly, women around the world are proving they are willing and able to lead corporations of America.

“I was thrilled to learn of my selection for the award,” said Harris. “It is an honor to be chosen from hundreds of nomination packages. I have a phenomenal team that I am proud to lead.”

Harris, along with other honorees, will receive her award at the 24th Annual Women of Color in STEM Conference on October 5, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan.

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Segrid Harris will receive the Managerial Leadership in Government award at the 24th Annual Women of Color STEM Conference, October 5, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. Her team uses a computed tomography system for research investigation work. (U.S. Air Force photo/Donna Lindner)