In a world where threats are constantly evolving, it is paramount that everyone has a place at the national security table. Peraton is committed to revolutionizing this historically male-dominated industry by ushering in innovation through diverse leadership.
Leaders like Amy Hopkins, vice president and general manager for national security at Peraton, are making their mark at the forefront of aerospace and defense. During the second annual World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia, Amy was welcomed as a keynote speaker and served on multiple panels as both moderator and participant.
“We should harness the power that comes from our earned life experiences that have shaped our way of thought,” she said during the event. “This is what I call the power of perspective.”
As part of her keynote, Amy recounted stories her grandfather told while working in Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s to build the largest dairy farm in the Middle East. She had waited her whole life to experience these stories firsthand.
“The men and women of Saudi Arabia were so gracious and generous. They are embracing the diverse perspectives not only in their country, but around the world to help advance security and technology innovation.” Through this show, and other recent events, Saudi Arabia shattered decades worth of tradition to recognize the pivotal role women play across the globe.
The defense space arena, which incorporated the space theater and defense space domain, caught the attention of many attendees at the World Defense Show. The show offered an engaging and interactive exploration of space defense development.
Amy played a vital part during her panels and discussions during the following sessions:
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The Interface Between Space and Defense in Saudi Arabia
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The Potential for Defense and Space Interoperability
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Advancing the Space Sector Through Diversity
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The Role of Women in the Saudi Space Sector
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The Future Challenges for Space Forces
“As a leader, the trick is to acknowledge you are a product of your past but be willing to accept, listen, and find the value of someone else’s past,” she said.
Amy shared the stage with two female astronauts from the Saudi Arabia Space Agency, Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni, as well as Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States.
“It is the diverse perspective of thought that fuels the fire of innovation and growth,” Amy said.
Peraton is committed to supporting and empowering women in STEM and was proud Amy represented the company at this global forum. When all STEM professionals—women and men—can widely and openly share their insights and expertise, innovation and industries prosper.
During one of her panels, Amy was quick to remind the audience that STEAM as well as STEM degrees are needed to advance the space sector. “We need lawyers, artists, teachers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and business majors as well. We can’t have the next generation of boys and girls think that if they aren’t engineers or mathematicians, they can’t contribute. All you really need is the passion, desire, and drive to contribute to the advancement of space.”
Happy Women’s History Month.