Newport News Shipbuilding honored a group of standout Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion champions during a virtual ceremony last week. The celebration recognized Paula Young, who was named ED&I Champion of the Year for 2021, and 13 other nominees.

ED&I champions are fully engaged shipbuilders who work to remove obstacles and provide awareness and education for fellow employees. Champions take action throughout their various departments and divisions to drive the company forward and support its core values.

Young, the O68 ED&I champion, was recognized for her willingness to always serve. In addition to her service on the ED&I Team, Young is on the boards of L.E.A.R.N., the Generational Integration Focus Team (GIFT), Women in Shipbuilding Enterprise (WiSE) and the Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG). She also serves on the O68 Safety, Engagement, and Communication Action (SECA) Committee.

“This is quite the honor,” Young said during the ceremony. “We don’t just build great ships. We build lasting and valued relationships.”

Other nominees for champion of the year were: Chauncy Jones, Emily Kodl, Christina Neale, Allison Whipkey, Maria Benton, Marshall Hearst, Malana Hayes, Melyssa Briggs, Kennedy King, Eric Twum-Ampofo, Fran Dunn, Alissa Weathers and Taylor Chamberlain.

Newport News Shipbuilding President Jennifer Boykin congratulated Young and the rest of the nominees for their contributions and for “modeling the way” for those around them.

“The impact you have on people who see, watch or hear you is going to be permanent,” she said. “You’ll never know all of the ways you’re impacting people’s lives.”