Early Life and Education
Eren Ozmen was born in Turkey and immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s to pursue higher education. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, followed by an MBA from the same institution in 1985. During her studies, she supported herself by working at a local bakery.
Rise to Success
Ozmen joined Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) in 1988. In 1994, Eren and her husband, Fatih Ozmen, acquired SNC. Under their leadership, SNC expanded significantly, growing from a small firm with 20 employees into a global aerospace and defense leader. The Ozmens' strategic leadership, including targeted acquisitions and strong financial management, fueled SNC's growth.
Key Business Strategies
A key strategy for Eren Ozmen has been innovation and strategic acquisitions. SNC has made numerous acquisitions to expand its capabilities and market presence. In 2021, Eren launched Sierra Space, a commercial space company spun off from SNC, to develop space transportation and infrastructure. In April 2024, SNC secured a $13.1 billion contract with the U.S. Air Force.
Philanthropy
Eren Ozmen is actively involved in philanthropy. In 2014, she and her husband founded the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno. They also support STEM initiatives and cancer research through the Ozmen Foundation.