The Future Leaders Workshop Cohort 7 participants celebrated their accomplishments with instructors and their leadership. Pictured from front left: Michael Williams (X33), Ramon Zapata (X33), Jaune Griffith (X33), Ni’kia Robertson (X33), Brittany King (X33), Caaliyah Artis (X33), Zhane Gayles (X33), Roger Minton Jr. (X11). From back left: Luke Young Jr. (X31), Lakisha Kirk (X33), Sade Richardson (X33), Raven Williams (X33), Destiny Everett (X33), Victoria Dent (X33), Michael Hartman (X33). Not pictured: Gregory Rawlings Jr. (X41).

Future Leaders Workshop Honors Cohort 7

Published June 24, 2026

On June 18, Newport News Shipbuilding celebrated 16 participants of the Future Leaders Workshop (FLW) Cohort 7 during a graduation ceremony with program instructors and participants’ own leadership.

During the ceremony, graduating participants reflected on what they learned from the program.

“This class changed my perspective on leadership,” said Caaliyah Artis (X33), a member of Cohort 7. “Coming in, not knowing much, most of us think that the only leader is a foreman – but there’s a lot more leadership at NNS than just the foreman. This class gave me a foundation of what is expected of me as a leader.”

X33 Trade Director Walter Williams (O61) delivered the keynote address to the cohort.

“Leadership starts with raising your hand and saying ‘I have the capacity to learn and do more,’” he said. “I want to simply thank you all for your personal investment. No leader feels as if they ever arrive at the end goal. They continue to grow, continue to push. You will go through tough patches, but it is rewarding. Leadership does not depend on a title.”

FLW launched in 2022 under the direction of Kimberly Jordan-Dillard (O69) to provide quality resources to shipbuilders who wish to be a leader within the shipyard. The program is a five-month commitment, and participants meet bi-weekly for an hour. Participants learn from various subject matter experts who discuss topics such as written communication, public speaking, resume writing, Deck Plate Standards, quality, mock interviews, the earned value management system and more.

Since the program’s inception, 19 participants have been promoted.

FLW is open to all shipbuilders.

Shipbuilders must submit an application and:

  • Be in good standing (attendance and discipline).
  • Have a minimum of two years in the company.

Apprentices who wish to participate must have one year or less remaining in their apprenticeship.

Trade directors will receive notification when the next application cycle opens.

For more information, contact Tony Wilkerson (X33) or Kimberly Jordan-Dillard (O69).