“I feel humbled,” said Gates. “I really appreciate this award and I thank Dahlgren for recognizing the work that I’ve done in the past and the work that I continue to do. I give my all in whatever I do and this makes me want to give even more.”

Currently serving as the Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department Deputy Chief Engineer, Gates manages and tracks the cost, quality and timeliness of the projects within her department. She uses her years of experience having served as project lead on various efforts across the warfare center to ensure that necessary processes and procedures are in place.

Gates continues to be a leader by example serving as the president of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated of (AAAZ) Fredericksburg Chapter. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in systems engineering with a certificate in mission analysis from Old Dominion University.

The award citation reads that Gates was selected “for her long-standing history of technical support to the warfighter, including her recent service as the Aegis Baseline 9.0 Radar Test and Evaluation Integrated Product Team Lead ensuring the designed and delivered Aegis SPY-1 radar performed as intended and met Sailors’ needs safely and reliably.”

“Everyone has someone they care about in our military,” Gates shared. “My No. 1 goal is making our Navy safe. I am achieving that in my role by ensuring we have high-quality processes and procedures proliferating into the different departments. It is a crucial part of what we are doing here.”

Gates is one of six women at NSWCDD nominated for a Women of Color Magazine technology award. The award winners will be honored at the 2021 Women of Color STEM Digital Conference Oct. 7-9.