Emily Beatty, a 2018 Virginia Tech mechanical engineering graduate, has been named a Rising Star finalist by Women in Technology for her contributions to both mentoring and innovation.

Beatty became an employee of General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) just after graduation. GDMS is a technology integration and original equipment manufacturer building products and technology for platforms like combat vehicles, submarines, aircraft, satellites, and advanced systems that can sense danger, quickly act on threats and share lifesaving information. 

She was nominated for Women in Technology’s Rising Star award by by Lisa Finneran ‘85, Vice President of Engineering at GDMS. Beatty was chosen as a finalist in early 2021.

The Rising Star is one of several awards presented by Women in Technology, a nonprofit organization seeking to empower girls and women to excel in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math from the classroom to the boardroom. The award honors a woman with 10 years or less experience in a technology-related field who has demonstrated exemplary leadership traits.

“I am really passionate about helping young women in technology, something I realized while I was still at Virginia Tech,” Beatty commented. “Since starting at GDMS, I’ve been able to explore and grow this passion further. I’ve also learned that the best success comes by helping others around you succeed too.” 

Beatty is currently pursuing her master’s in computer science at Georgia Tech.