PBN BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2020 INDUSTRY LEADER, TECHNICAL SERVICES: Maria Diaz-Masterson | Naval Undersea Warfare Center
IN SPANISH, THE WORD éxito means “success,” something Maria Diaz-Masterson could tell you a little something about.
While growing up in Puerto Rico, Diaz-Masterson enjoyed a support system that included her family, teachers and friends. She lived in the same house in Bayamon throughout her grade-school years before moving three hours away to attend the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Her high school math teacher was essential in igniting her desire to continue studying mathematics and engineering, Diaz-Masterson said.
“Teachers are essential in assisting high school students with the development of goals,” Diaz-Masterson said. “At the time, the only option available to me was to leave home at the age of 17 and rent an apartment with two other roommates. My family has been always supportive of me following my aspirations and dreams.”
During college, Diaz-Masterson received a pivotal internship opportunity with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport. It’s there where, she said, she was fortunate to again find a solid support system of mentors who not only challenged her but also encouraged her to consider future roles with increasing responsibility at NUWC.
After finishing her degree, Diaz-Masterson spent the next 10 years mastering the basics of the technical field of integration, testing and evaluation for a variety of U.S. Naval combat systems. Then, a mentor and close friend advised her to take a look at leadership and supervisory roles.
After becoming a first-line supervisor in 2012, Diaz-Masterson was selected into her current role as the head of the submarine and surveillance systems division in 2018. She is now responsible for leading, managing and developing a diverse team of engineers, scientists, technicians and contractors who provide systems engineering and life cycle support for the submarine community.
NUWC Division Newport is the U.S. Navy’s full-spectrum research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, and fleet support center for submarine warfare systems, as well as other systems associated with the undersea battlespace. The bulk of NUWC Division Newport’s activities is in applied research and system development.
While providing leadership to 120 employees and about 20 contractors, Diaz-Masterson’s main role is ensuring the resources and staffing to multiple project teams under her supervision.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted the everyday work Diaz-Masterson does. She said she and her co-workers constantly communicate with the team, providing clear guidance, goals and expectations.
“My role is to provide infrastructure for a healthy environment: physically and mentally,” Diaz-Masterson said. “I am not a health expert, but I can provide guidance on who to call and how to get help if the situation arises.”
‘I know I have a responsibility to grow leaders and make room for them to have career opportunities.’
Maria Diaz-Masterson, Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport head of submarine and surveillance systems division
With a majority of employees working remotely, onboarding new employees has also presented its share of challenges. She has five first-line supervisors under her supervision – three of which were selected within the last year, Diaz-Masterson said.
“It is my role to ensure they have all the tools and knowledge so they can lead their respective teams. Our main priority is to recruit, hire and grow the next generation of leaders for our organization,” she said.
Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Coughlin praised Diaz-Masterson for her effort and dedication, including her desire to give back to the mentorship program that she benefitted so greatly from.
“As a strong proponent of workforce development, she actively seeks opportunities for engineers to shadow test directors while underway on submarines,” Coughlin said. “The technical know-how and enthusiasm she brings to her job greatly benefit the department and Division Newport. She has achieved success as a team leader, a line manager, engineer and mentor.”
Diaz-Masterson said she remains excited and motivated by her work, particularly in using her experiences to help others achieve their goals.
“I love my job and see myself in this position for a long time,” she said. “There are so many ideas and so much I still want to get done. However, I know I have a responsibility to grow leaders and make room for them to have career opportunities.”
