OREANDA-NEWS. May 20, 2016. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) vice president Jeannie Hilger has been named a 2016 National Latina of the Year by the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), one of the nation's largest Latino human service organizations.

Hilger received the honor in recognition of her professional achievements and community service at the 37th Annual National Latina Women's Conference, held May 13 in Montebello, California.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=40317

Hilger is vice president of Northrop Grumman's communications business within the airborne C4ISR systems division. Hilger's business develops and deploys advanced military communications and support systems including fifth-generation aircraft avionics, airborne gateways and networks, distributed mission live-virtual-constructive training and military satellite communications systems.

"During her 30-year career with Northrop Grumman, Jeannie has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative resourcefulness in solving our customers' problems. In particular, she is dedicated to developing systems and technologies that protect our warfighters," said Mike Hinkey, vice president and general manager, airborne C4ISR systems division, who introduced Hilger. "Jeannie has also dedicated her life to mentoring young people in their careers. Her desire to encourage Latinos in STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – reaches deep into the roots of the community."

Hilger serves as executive sponsor for Adelante, a Northrop Grumman employee resource group that has helped enlighten more than 2,000 students, from elementary school to college about the benefits of receiving a STEM degree. She established the Adelante Engineering Academy at Northrop Grumman's San Diego site to build a stronger STEM pipeline for Latinas and give students the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities designed to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM.

Hilger earned a bachelor's degree in business management with a leadership specialization from Capella University. She also served for nine years as a Northrop Grumman Technical Fellow, a select group of individuals who represent the highest caliber of Northrop Grumman's scientific, technical and systems engineering talent.

The National Latina Women's Conference offers young professionals, college students and high school students a day focused on professional development and networking and is inspired by the values of MAOF – education, excellence, innovation, advocacy, culture and partnerships.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.