Nat Tos-Brightup strives for diversity as a professional in the aerospace industry. She yearns for her hometown to be a place where people are respected as themselves, providing all with an opportunity to succeed. During the day, she spends most of her time running Research and Development Programs while also focusing on company culture and ERG leadership and employee advocacy.
Historically focused on advancing diversity, she now focuses on the company’s values of Be Human, Be Collaborative, Be Trustworthy and Be Legendary. She works with leaders and employees to foster an environment of trust, where employees can openly discuss differences and create welcoming spaces.
To connect the employees with the diverse experiences of the leadership team, Nat imagined, developed and hosted an interview series entitled, “Beyond the Boardroom,” which allowed leaders to have an opportunity to share more about themselves outside of the boardroom. This series provided an opportunity for the leadership team to share personal stories and connect with the employees.
As a member and mother to a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Nat developed an ERG to provide an opportunity for employees and allies within the company to unite with each other. The ERG worked with business units in other locations to create a connection throughout the United States. Locally, they supported community resources to give back.
Outside of work, Nat works to inspire community diversity as Director of Information Technology with Wichita Pride, Inc., Kansas Representative for USA Pride, and as the head chef with the annual Supportive Spaghetti Feed for Camp Sunflower, a local camp for LGBTQIA+ youth. She lives with her wife, Lisa; dog, Bodhi; and cat, Piko; and enjoys spending much time with her daughter, Luna, and granddaughters. She has a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management and Certificate in Nonviolent Studies from Kansas State University and was a member of the 2024/2025 cohort for the Strategic ERG Leadership Certificate Program through USC Marshall.
Nat believes that when we live in a world where everyone can be celebrated as themselves, there will be less suffering and greater hope.
