Software Engineer Shares Her Path to Leadership and Resilience at Grace Series Talk
The Department of Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas was proud to welcome Kathy Nik, software engineering manager at L3Harris, as the featured speaker for the Spring 2025 Grace Series talk. In her uplifting talk, “One Foot in Front of Another,” Nik shared her personal story with students, faculty and guests, delivering a powerful message of perseverance, resilience and leadership with heart and determination.
A Journey of Determination
From the outset, Nik’s authenticity drew the audience in. Nik opened with a personal reflection on her family’s immigration to the United States from Iran during the Islamic Revolution. She spoke of early cultural and language barriers and the sacrifices her parents made to give their children access to opportunity and education. These formative years, she said, instilled in her the resilience and drive that would shape her future.
Nik recounted how her high school years in Richardson, Texas, laid the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning. Although she graduated early, her parents encouraged her to wait before entering college, emphasizing the importance of emotional maturity with academic achievement. Initially intending to pursue medicine, after Nik assisted her sister with a dental exam, she knew the medical field was not her true calling. Following a practical conversation with her father, Nik chose computer engineering, a decision that launched a successful 24-year career in the defense industry.
Building a Career in Engineering
What began as a role in software engineering quickly evolved into a trajectory of continuous growth and leadership. Nik’s career took off at Lockheed Martin Corp., where she contributed to the groundbreaking F-35 fighter jet program from her first day. From there, she brought her expertise to Raytheon Corp. and now leads engineering teams at L3Harris Technologies Inc. (L3Harris). With each step—from engineer to technical lead to manager—Nik has consistently embraced more significant challenges and expanded her impact in the defense and aerospace industry. In her talk, she emphasized the importance of building subject matter expertise, seeking mentorship and participating in leadership development programs.
Endurance in Life and Work
Yet perhaps the most powerful theme in Nik’s talk was how marathon running shaped her mindset. What started as a way to become healthier evolved into a life philosophy. Training for and completing multiple marathons—including those in Honolulu, Chicago, Austin and Miami—taught her the significance of endurance, pacing and mental strength.
“You hit mile 20, and your body wants to give up,” she said. “But you keep going. One foot in front of the other. Quitting is not an option.”
This mantra became especially poignant when, on the same day she transitioned to a new leadership role at L3Harris, her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Faced with the unimaginable, Nik remained committed to both her family and her work. Her new team, though they barely knew her, offered compassion, flexibility and unwavering support. Despite sleepless nights at the hospital, Nik never missed a day of work—a testament to her drive, faith in people and refusal to give up.
Her daughter is now in remission. Looking back on those harrowing years, Nik said the strength to carry on came from the same place that had carried her through every challenge before: putting one foot in front of the other.
Mentorship and Moving Forward
Today, Nik actively mentors junior engineers, many of whom are UT Dallas alumni, and she is involved in hiring and talent development. She encourages students to explore opportunities beyond their immediate comfort zones, collaborate across disciplines and voice their thoughts in ways that contribute meaningfully to their teams.
“In the beginning, I was shy. I’d speak up in meetings, and it felt like no one heard me,” Nik said. “But you learn. You grow. You find your voice—and then you help others find theirs.”
“Find something you’re passionate about, become the subject matter expert, and be the person your team can rely on,” Nik advised.
An Inspiring Contribution to the Grace Series
Nik’s talk was a standout in the UT Dallas Computer Science Department’s Grace Series—a speaker series designed to highlight the experiences of accomplished professionals in computing and to inspire the next generation of computer scientists. One student remarked, “This was more than just a career talk; it was a life lesson in strength, persistence, and hope.”
Nik’s story offered students with a real-world example of how perseverance, adaptability and technical excellence can foster both professional success and personal fulfillment. Her message aligned seamlessly with the mission of the Grace Series: to encourage and empower UT Dallas students—especially women in computing—to lead with confidence and purpose.