PNAA's WIA Rising Star Award recognizes a woman who has demonstrated a drive for excellence that has inspired change and innovation. The nominee is not afraid to break molds. She understands the importance of sharing new ideas and fostering a thought process that has a positive influence in the workplace and community. The nominee is a creative forward thinker who puts ideas into action.

Deidra is a rising star in the aerospace community and has exhibited focus and drive throughout her career.  With a B.S. from Purdue University in Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Deidra quickly applied her expertise as a Mechanical Engineer at The Boeing Company.  Assigned to design and production of the Boeing 787-9, Deidra was part of a cross-functional team charged with bringing the conceptional design to a physical manifestation within budget constraints. With a desire for continuous growth and development, Deidra completed her Masters of Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while simultaneously performing her duties as a Mechanical Engineer.  She was subsequently considered as a prime candidate for the employee training and development team at Boeing. In this role, Deidra participated in the improvement of corporate wide training programs, as well as held the position of team lead for Diversity & Inclusion. Ever striving to improve, Deidra enrolled at Brandman University where she obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting.  Shortly after receiving her MBA, Deidra began at Crane Aerospace and Electronics as a Manufacturing Project Engineer. She is currently engaged in all new product introduction programs for Sensing and Power Systems, as well as partnering with Program Managers to design products that will power the future of electric aircraft and provide real time data for aircraft systems and components. Her co-worker, Denise Millard, describes Deidra as “a self-starter, a self-made success, and a model for positive leadership. She brings positivity, innovative thinking and a desire to drive excellence.”