DeETTE GRAY

DeEtte Gray began her career as a middle school math and science teacher in the late 1990s. Her passion for STEM education eventually led to her role at CACI, where she’s involved in modernizing government agencies’ operations.

“One of my great experiences was integrating computers into the science curriculum, making the classroom more interactive and getting children excited about science,” she recalls.

Gray went on to work for defense contractors Lockheed Martin Corp. and BAE Systems Inc. before joining CACI. Over her 20-year career, she has advocated for students to pursue STEM jobs.

“There are simply not enough young men and women entering the technical career fields that we’re going to need for the future,” Gray says. “Particularly in my industry, there’s a talent shortage already for developers, engineers and cyber professionals.”

Toward that goal, Gray served as chairperson for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International — and won its 2022 Women’s Appreciation Award. She’s particularly proud of the association’s STEM-focused scholarships and teacher grants.

Says Gray: “We have to expose more kids at an early age to these types of skills so that we can build the workforce of tomorrow.”