Celebrating People: Dayna Butler

Dayna Butler, MBA , who has been with General Dynamics Mission Systems almost two years in Manufacturing & Logistics, was nominated by Christopher Boyd, deputy program manager operations (DPMO) and Manufacturing Leadership Program (MLP) manager.

According to Christopher, “Dayna was meticulously selected as a candidate for the GD Mission Systems MLP based on her strong leadership and teamwork abilities."

He adds, “Since joining our organization, Dayna has shown a passion for learning and a drive to increase her value with us. She was a full-time student, pursuing her Master of Business Administration at Lamar University while still maintaining her high standard of performance on the job."

And, Christopher says, “Dayna possesses exceptional leadership and program management skills. She has a natural ability to inspire and motivate her team by fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment."

Learning she'd received the BEYA (Black Engineer of the Year) STEM Conference (Award), Dayna says, “Hearing the news that I won the BEYA Modern-Day Technology Award caused a rush of excitement, pride and gratitude to flow through me. As the news settled, I called my parents to share the good news, and they were so proud of my accomplishments. This recognition has boosted my confidence and inspires me to continue striving for excellence in my leadership journey."

Dayna says awards like BEYA “challenge stereotypes and biases that may exist in the industry. By showcasing the accomplishments of Black engineers, these organizations help to break down preconceived notions and biases that may hinder diversity and inclusion. BEYA provides a platform for networking and mentorship opportunities. This networking can lead to valuable mentorships, career guidance and opportunities for professional growth."

Her advice for upcoming engineers is to “embrace change. You need to be innovative in the engineering world. Everything is changing, you can’t prepare for it all the time, but you need to have an optimistic standpoint and acclimate to whatever is happening.”