Leidos renames scholarship in honor of Lillian Fishburne
Illustration: Chris Gash
Leidos has renamed one of its annual STEM scholarships after the Navy’s retired Rear Admiral Lillian Fishburne.
The Rear Admiral Lillian Fishburne STEM Scholarship, awarded through the Navy’s Anchor Scholarship Foundation since 2016, is designed to help make college affordable for families of sailors in the Navy’s Surface Force.
As one of the Navy’s “flag officers,” Rear Admiral Fishburne rose to the top of her profession. She’s the first Black woman to achieve the rank of Rear Admiral, a rank achieved by only one sailor in a thousand.
Nevin Carr, a retired Rear Admiral and Leidos Vice President, says she climbed a steeper hill than most to earn the rank.
“Rear Admiral Fishburne was not only a leader in the Navy’s IT community,” he said, “but she also overcame great cultural challenges to break significant color and gender barriers in the Navy.”
Fishburne, who managed a Navy telecommunications station in the Eastern Pacific among other roles during her illustrious career, was promoted to Rear Admiral on February 1, 1998.
“I am grateful and overwhelmed by Leidos naming a STEM scholarship in my honor,” she said. “However, I consider it a tribute to the hardworking, dedicated personnel I have worked with during my twenty-eight plus years of naval service. I commend IT industry leader, Leidos, for not only investing in the education of this country’s future STEM workforce but also providing an opportunity for gifted individuals to achieve higher education goals. As has been frequently stated, there is no greater return on investment than the gift of education.”
"Rear Admiral Fishburne is an extraordinary figure who is sure to inspire women in their ambitions, regardless of societal barriers," said Nicole Lyons, the scholarship's recipient two years running. "She is certainly worthy of the recognition this scholarship gives to her legacy."
Please contact the Leidos media relations team for more information.
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