National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 in the United States. Join us as we highlight and celebrate our Latinx / Hispanic American colleagues and their contributions to the success of General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Andrea V. has been an engineer at General Dynamics Mission Systems for almost four years. She specializes in analyzing the effects of natural space environments and loves the work she does.
“I take great pride in the work I do as an engineer here, knowing that my contributions help advance technology and ensure the reliability of critical systems in challenging environments,” said Andrea, the proud comic reading and hiking lover.
She has been a part of SOMOS since its inception last fall. She wanted to be a part of the employee resource group leadership team because she enjoys how it emphasizes the importance and understanding of the unique culture and dynamics of each workplace, which allows for more personalized and impactful engagement.
“Hispanics’ experiences often encourage creative problem-solving, and a multicultural approach to design and technology which may lead to more inclusive products,” said Andrea, the University of Arizona alumnus.
Daniela “Dani” I. is a senior software engineer from Tucson, Arizona. She has been with General Dynamics Mission Systems for three years and she graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in computer engineering.
“I joined General Dynamics Mission Systems because I was ready for a challenge,” said Dani, “What brings me pride here is supporting the warfighter with the software I work on and the milestones we have achieved as a team!”
Last summer, Dani took on the unique task of starting another employee resource group, called SOMOS, or Spanish for ‘we are.’
“I'm honored to lead SOMOS, a Hispanic employee resource group that recognizes Hispanic culture while promoting networking, community, and the objectives of the company. I feel like the organization and the employees have really embraced the mission of SOMOS and it makes me so proud that SOMOS is turning one year old during Hispanic Heritage Month. As a long-time Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) member, it was important to me to bring awareness to the organization I am a part of. It's been such a privilege to be a founding member and leader of SOMOS,” said Dani.
Paco J. is a software technical manager out of Scottsdale, Arizona who has been at General Dynamics Mission Systems for 26 years. Paco feels pride in is work with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Rescue 21 program.
“I believe leading the SOMOS employee resource group in Scottsdale provides a way to network with other General Dynamics Mission Systems colleagues that are interested in helping and being an ally for our community,” said Paco.
“Where we come from, the challenges we face enhance our creativity and problem-solving techniques,” said the Scottsdale site lead for the SOMOS ERG. “We all thrive when we respect each other’s diversity and when we have a workplace where we can share our values and ideas.”
Laura Jhoana L. is a senior systems engineer within General Dynamics Mission Systems Engineering Leadership Program (ELP), currently working out of Taunton, Massachusetts. Laura is a first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in Southern California by immigrant parents from Moroléon, Mexico, which is located in the state of Guanajuato.
“Being part of the Engineering Leadership Program (ELP) has helped me enhance my technical and leadership skills,” said Laura. “I enjoy turning ideas into reality, so I find fulfillment in knowing that my efforts contribute to building something meaningful.”
Laura Jhoana has been with the company for about a year and a half. She initially joined the company as an intern in May 2022 working remotely out of Los Angeles, California while she pursued her master's at the University of Southern California. While interning, she also made the list of WayUp's Top 100 interns in the country. After graduating, Laura Jhoana moved across the country to join the General Dynamics Mission Systems ELP program.
“Hispanics have a diverse cultural background that fosters creativity and adaptability, allowing us to approach problems with fresh ideas and solutions,” said Laura. “We are known as hard workers no matter the challenges we end up facing.”
