Her Story
About Brianna
Brianna "Brie" Olender is the Manager of the Financial Leadership Development Program at Lockheed Martin, where she guides the growth of emerging financial professionals within the aviation and aerospace industry. Her career began with early roots in bookkeeping and auditing, including several years as an Associate Auditor at PwC, before she transitioned into corporate finance at Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. Over more than a decade there, she advanced through a series of increasingly senior roles spanning cost accounting, financial planning and analysis, earned value management, and program finance leadership, eventually stepping into her current role guiding the next generation of financial leaders on aerospace programs.
Olender earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Accounting from Western New England University, with her graduate studies supported by her employer at the time, PwC. She has continued to invest in her own professional development through Lockheed Martin's Advanced Leadership Development Program and by maintaining her certification as a first responder supporter. Beyond her technical financial expertise, she is known for pairing that knowledge with a people-first leadership style, one built on advocacy, active listening, and a genuine investment in identifying and nurturing potential in others.
Outside of her work in aerospace finance, Olender is deeply committed to community service, dedicating her time to animal rescue efforts, including work as a transport technician with CT Emergency Animal Response Service, as well as to Island Autism initiatives. She frequently speaks about the importance of contributing confidently in male-dominated spaces, encouraging others, especially young women entering the industry, to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. In recognition of her professional achievements and advocacy, Olender was selected to be featured in the 2026 edition of Influential Women.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Brianna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong work ethic I developed growing up on Martha's Vineyard, along with my willingness to take risks and get comfortable being uncomfortable. Continuous learning has also played a major role in my growth, and I couldn't have gotten here without the support of my family.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my father, who always told me to "go" and "leave" — to push past my comfort zone and take the leap whenever a new opportunity presented itself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be a voice, and don't be scared. I grew up in a traditionally male environment, and I've learned I don't have anything to prove — I just need to contribute. I don't wait until I'm 100% ready to jump in, and I no longer hold back or feel the need to be overly polite. I used to apologize for things I didn't need to; I don't do that anymore. I deserve to be here, and so do you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field include being overlooked, navigating rooms that are still male-dominated, and needing to give and receive candid feedback, all while keeping pace with rapid technological change, particularly AI. At the same time, I see real opportunity in leadership development and mentorship, and in aligning the work my teams do with meaningful outcomes, like the life-saving aerospace programs we support.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are a strong work ethic, continuous learning, advocacy, and resilience. I also place high importance on listening, respect, and maintaining clear personal boundaries, both professionally and personally.
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