Supply Chain star at Northrop Grumman named in 30 under 30

Supply chain professional Leah Williams at Northrop Grumman has been tapped for her expertise in the supply chain management field at just 24 years old.

Leah's appetite for knowledge, experience, and growth has led her to Northrop Grumman's Professional Development Program (PDP) and since joining the companies' mission systems sector just a year and a half ago, Leah has completed two PDP rotations that exposed her to the company's partnerships with small businesses and diverse procurement operations.

Leah's achievements have earned her a spot in the Thomas and Institute for Supply Chain Management's "30 Under 30, which celebrates young professionals for their contributions to their organization and the supply chain industry through leadership, innovation and collaboration efforts.

Honoured and humbled

"To be given this recognition early in my careers indicates that I'm on the right path," says Leah. "I'm honoured and humbled." Leah views her role not solely as buying parts for the best price, but as a critical partner in the company's quality and performance objectives.

For instance, Leah has already completed a contract worth more than a million dollars between two small business suppliers. She also assisted with a successful Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) audit and has immersed herself in the company's employee resource groups.

Opportunities are endless at Northrop Grumman

Voltaire Walker, a manager in the MS sector's Global Supplier Diversity Programs, sees Leah as a future leader, in light of her ability to learn quickly, willingness to take on stretch assignments and knack for interpersonal communication.

"I wanted to find a company that values me," says Leah. "The opportunities here at Northrop Grumman are endless."

Leah was valedictorian of the 2015 undergraduate class at Delaware State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in management. She also obtained a master's degree in business administration, management, and operations shortly after in 2016.

But, her learning didn't stop there. In her 16 months with Northrop Grumman, she's added a supply chain professional certification to her repertoire and is working toward her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification with the company's support.