As a women-owned engineering company, SAS can often bring a new perspective to aerospace industry challenges. In October, SAS CEO Heather Bulk was invited to give her views on the future of the industry by both Politico and MSU Denver.
The impact of coronavirus on aerospace
Heather was recently featured in Politico Pro, alongside other aerospace industry companies such as United Launch Alliance, SAIC, and Huntington Ingalls Industries, commenting on how the global pandemic has changed the defense industry’s culture. Heather highlighted how the pandemic is changing both SAS’ internal culture and its approach to its supply chain.
SAS is taking steps to bring more capabilities in-house, a trend that Heather expects to see across the industry as CEOs work to mitigate disruptions at small businesses that produce critical parts. SAS’ recent investments in its facilities, with a new, classified-capable assembly area, and Wire EDM dedicated cell investment, are part of this effort. These developments serve both to enhance SAS’ ability to undertake classified work and help strengthen the aerospace supply chain.
Heather also explained the changes that she is making to company buildings to accommodate COVID-19-related concerns and regulations, focusing on making these changes quickly so that updates are in place for the team for the beginning of 2021.
The full article is available to read on Politico Pro.
Reimagining possibilities for women in STEM
The Metropolitan State University of Denver invited Heather to make the keynote address at its Women in STEM Virtual Conference on October 23rd. In her talk, “Reimagining Possibilities for Women in STEM”, Heather discussed the challenges women face in entering and staying in STEM, and outlined strategies they can use to overcome those barriers and "take [their] place at the table" in STEM.
To a virtual audience of female scientists and engineers, Heather talked about how her own background taught her the importance of embracing the different sides of her identity and using them as a powerful force in business. She encouraged the audience to think about how their heritage and lived experience is an asset to be used, rather than something to ignore.