Cheryl Brown Pollard - Engineering Project Manager

Meet Cheryl Brown Pollard, an Engineering Project Manager with Lockheed Martin Rotary and Missions Systems in Marietta, GA. 

Cheryl serves as the Lead Systems Engineer for C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training Systems team. She manages project costs, schedules, technical and subcontractor personnel for several military aircraft weapon systems training devices across the world.  

Previously, Cheryl worked for the Raytheon Company and was awarded the 2012 Presidential Up and Coming Award for her achievements in anti-tamper, exploitation, and systems security engineering.

This year, Cheryl is featured in the upcoming 19th Edition of Who’s Who in Atlanta Fall 2020 for excelling in the aerospace sector, the greater Atlanta community, and other philanthropic endeavors. Cheryl is passionate about giving back to her community. She volunteers with several organizations, which include EPPS Helps, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, Girls Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and her church, Mount Paran Church Atlanta.  Cheryl is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the International Council of Systems Engineers (INCOSE), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Cheryl hails from Woodville, Mississippi. She holds a Master of Science degree in systems engineering from The Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from Thee Jackson State University.  In her spare time, she enjoys painting and traveling with her husband Emmett and son, Emmett “Chip” III.

Why is Diversity in STEM important?

Diversity in STEM brings diversity of thought. Our cultural backgrounds and experiences influence our decision making and thought processes. Our creativeness varies across multiple spectrums, which contributes to ground breaking research and innovation. I strongly encourage leaders to hire diverse individuals as an effective way to build stronger organizations.

What advice would you give to youth interested in your career field?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Research your interests and seek a mentor or someone you trust to ask candid questions and who will provide you with sound advice. Read, watch, and join technology and special interest groups to build your knowledge. This will develop your “engineering brain”. Most of all, believe in yourself and don’t ever give up.