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https://www.nccwsl.org/2015/04/07/amanda-simpson/

Amanda Simpson Leads the Armys Energy

Initiatives, Flies Planes, and Makes History
From driving innovation in aerospace
technology to fighting for the rights of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
community, our 2015 Woman of Distinction
Amanda Simpson knows what it means to be a
leader. She has inspired progress, broken
through barriers, and made history throughout
her career.

Developing Cutting-Edge Military

Technology

Throughout her 30-year career, Simpson has

used her life experiences to mentor other women
in STEM. Photo credit: U.S. Department of
Commerce blog

Simpson currently serves as the executive director of the U.S. Army Office of Energy
Initiatives, and has worked in the field of aviation and defense technology for more than 30
years. Simpson credits her lifelong curiosity with fueling her passion for science and
technology. I wanted to know how things worked and why, she told us. It was that
question of Why? that kept me interested in the sciences all through school and into
college.
While studying physics at Harvey Mudd College, Simpson trained in aviation an interest
propelled by her instructor Iris Critchell, another leader in womens aviation history.
Critchell was one of the first pilots in the unit that became known as the U.S. Women
Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
After college, Simpson began her career with Hughes Aircraft (later purchased by
Raytheon), one of the nations leading aerospace technology companies. Working her way
up from test pilot to managing executive, she successfully led innovative projects in
aviation and defense technology. The years I spent as a test pilot where [we] were testing
sensors and different weapons were the most fun I had. My work and passions were
aligned, she said. Knowing that I have helped keep not only our war fighters but our
nation safe, is by far one the largest rewards that I will ever have.

Amanda Simpson has flown nearly 3,000 miles in her career as a pilot and aerospace
engineering expert. Photo Credit: Tucson Citizen

Using Her Success for Good

Simpson works hard to encourage other women who pursue careers in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She knows the challenges that women
in these fields face and uses her life experiences to mentor young women in the industry.
Women [in the STEM industries] need to stand up and not be bullied, she said.
The ideas that we come up with as women are just as valuable as those of our male
counterparts because we think differently. Our perspective takes a bigger look at problems
and their potential solutions. We should not be silenced or told to be submissive, just
because we are women. Simpson mentors women within her organization and generally
shares advice with other women in STEM.
As her career progressed, Simpson also began to use her professional experiences to
serve society, specifically by advocating for LGBT rights and equality. After 20 years of
commitment to LGBT advocacy, she received a historical appointment. In 2009, Simpson
was appointed by President Barack Obama to the position of senior technical adviser to
the U.S. Department of Commerce, making her the first openly transgender female
presidential appointee in U.S. history.
I want society to know that people can do their jobs very, very well regardless of sexual
orientation, regardless of their gender, regardless of their gender identity or any other
part of who they are, for that matter, she said. Its only through living our lives
authentically that the world will understand how important every single human being is.

In 2010, Simpson became the first openly transgender female Presidential Appointee in U.S. history.
Photo credit: U.S. Army Fort Huachuca

Simpson strives to make her life an example of this truth. There were several different
events that compelled me to take action, whether it was the murder of Matthew Shepard or
the career of Harvey Milk. I know several role models in the LGBT community Lynn
Conway, Sally Ride, Billie Jean King, to name a few and it was those people who still
inspire me. I can only thank them by paying it forward.
Simpson has devoted much of her time to helping shape national conversations around
human rights and LGBT issues. Her message to the next LGBT generation? I want you to
respect the past and imagine your future. Dont settle for anything short of full equality, but
know that there are those who have fought so very hard to get us where we are today.
Simpson has advice for young women who want to be confident and successful leaders,
too: Just be yourself. Dont try to fit into someone elses mold. The most value that you
bring to leadership is exactly what makes you you, and this makes you a good leader.
Dont miss your chance to meet Simpson at NCCWSL this year. Register today!
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This post was written by AAUW Educational Events Intern Imani Lewis.