Congratulations to Sarah Davis, industrial engineer, on being named the 2025 Ingalls Champion of the Year! Nominated by her peers, Sarah is known for always saying “yes” when help is needed. She consistently gives her time to support shipyard events and community initiatives.
We caught up with Sarah as she shares the impact of volunteering – encouraging others to do the same.
How does it feel to be the Ingalls Champion of the Year award recipient?
“I am thankful to receive the Champion of the Year award. Serving alongside such dedicated volunteers has been a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our events and team in the future.”
What inspired you to get involved in volunteering at the shipyard and in the community?
“I became involved through Libby Desselles (manufacturing engineer), whose dedication was evident in everything she did. She consistently kept me informed of upcoming volunteering opportunities and strongly encouraged me to step up to participate and offer my support. Her guidance played a meaningful role in my involvement and for that I am grateful.”
What does community mean to you?
“To me, community is more than a group of people working in the same place. It is a network of support, connection and shared purpose, which I have found at Ingalls. Our shipyard community is about coming together to celebrate successes, to lend a needed hand in hard times and to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Ultimately, our community provides a sense of belonging, responsibility and shared commitment that brings us together and inspires us to make a positive impact.”
Which volunteer project or event this year has been the most meaningful to you, and why?
“The christening of Ted Stevens (DDG 128) was especially meaningful, as it allowed me to support and honor the veterans who were so proud to be there receiving the proper recognition they deserve. It was also the first time I experienced the ship in a setting where I saw the crew who would man it and ultimately call it home, which made the work we perform here more impactful.”
How do you encourage others to get involved and give back?
“I encourage others by maintaining an uplifting attitude and by highlighting how rewarding and enjoyable the past events have been, largely because of the people volunteering alongside me. I recommend signing up for Culture Connectors and Ingalls Champions to stay informed on upcoming opportunities. From there, finding an experienced volunteer to partner up with can be a great way to get involved. If unable to find someone, please feel free to reach out to me.”
Get connected! Sign up for Culture Connectors and Ingalls Champions today: