Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) is a catalyst that forges Industry, Government, and Academic partnerships that support programs to advance minorities interest in engineering.
OURVISION
AMIE is the premier organization that develops industry, government and university partnerships to achieve diversity in the engineering workforce.
OURVALUES
As a coalition of Industry, Government Agencies and the ABET accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Engineering Schools, AMIE is committed to:
• Promote and encourage minority students to pursue engineering degrees
• Facilitate the recruitment of HBCU engineering coops, interns and graduates to member organizations
• Provide a forum for member organizations to exchange ideas on “Best Practices” and “Lessons Learned” related to developing a diverse engineering workforce
• Facilitate the forging of Engineering Research and Technology Transfer partnerships between the AMIE HBCU’s and the AMIE non-academic members
DEFINING TOMORROW WITH TODAY’S LEADERS
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GREETINGS FROM THE AMIE BOD CHAIR
On behalf of the AMIE Board of Directors, industry, government and academic partners, I want to personally welcome you to this year’s Annual Conference and extend my thanks and appreciation to our host university, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
Over thirty years ago, key leaders from Corporate and Governmental Communities, who had a vested interest in ABET accredited HBCU Engineering Schools, sat down with several HBCU’s Leaders and developed key strategies that would enhance their engineering programs. These stakeholders challenged the status quo and looked beyond the traditional methods of recruitment, hiring programs and activities. They focused their efforts on long term measures that provide innovative academic programs of excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to attract and graduate a greater number of minorities and women in engineering. AMIE was formed to fulfill this mission. To that end, AMIE’s goal is to expand corporate, government, and academic partnerships to implement and support programs geared toward supporting underrepresented minority students in engineering careers.
Our 2024 conference theme is “Engineering Tomorrow: Harnessing Future Trends for Innovation”. The focus is around embracing change through innovation, disruption and transformation. AMIE is committed to developing strategies that will increase workforce diversity for the mutual benefit of our AMIE institutions, the students, member corporations and government agencies. By working together, we can advance AMIE to the next level of partnership and strategic engagement to address the critical, emerging needs of industry. This conference is an opportunity to bring together all stakeholders that will further enhance our vision and mission and prioritize our key strategic objectives.
As I’ve said in past years, my call to action for this conference is simple –ACTIVELY ENGAGE AND PROVIDE YOUR INPUT. By getting to know the incredible talent and capabilities of the 17 HBCUs in the AMIE family, understanding our strategic programs, and learning how to leverage AMIE, I am confident you will see the immense opportunity in front of us all to address workforce diversity and make a sustained difference for our country.
For those of you here for the first time, welcome and I look forward to meeting you and discussing the possibilities. For our returning attendees, thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Gary M. Schneider AMIE Chairman
GARY SCHNEIDER AMIE BOD CHAIR
WELCOME FROM THE AMIE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
VERONICA L. NELSON AMIE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Welcome to our 2024 AMIE Annual Conference and Gala hosted by NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC. Our Annual Conference will again feature prominent speakers and inspiring panel discussions focused on “Engineering Tomorrow: Harnessing Future Trends for Innovation”.
Over 30 years ago, AMIE was created to represent a coalition of industry, government agencies and ABET accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Schools of Engineering who saw a diversified workforce as a competitive advantage and an essential business need.
Today, our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) represent less than 3 percent of the 300+ accredited engineering schools in the country and they graduate almost a third of minority engineers each year. A diverse workforce is within reach if strong alliances between corporations, HBCUs and government agencies are in place. AMIE is the organization that makes this happen. AMIE continues to act as a catalyst that forges Industry-Government/ Academia partnerships that support programs to advance minorities’ interest in engineering.
This year’s conference will be an innovative and interactive experience that will bring together the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), students, engineering professionals and leaders from top corporations and government agencies to discuss strategies to develop sustainable partnerships with the HBCU School of Engineering and increase diversity in the engineering workforce. We will feature prominent speakers and inspiring panel discussions focused on Innovation, Technology, Research and Best Practices to attract, educate, graduate and place minority students in engineering and computer science careers.
I would like to thank our conference sponsors, NC A&T State University and the members of the 2024 Annual Conference Planning Committee. This year’s conference would not be possible without their continued support, vision, hard work, passion and dedication. I would also like to thank all of our conference speakers and attendees. Our conference would not be successful without your commitment and support. Thank you and have a great 2024 AMIE Conference!
Sincerely,
Veronica L. Nelson Chief Executive Officer
Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE)
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
GREETINGS FROM THE GREENSBORO MAYOR
TO: The Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) member institutions and sponsors.
On behalf of the City of Greensboro, it is my pleasure to welcome the Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) member institutions and sponsors for the 2024 Annual Conference being held.
This year, the annual conference features prominent speakers, inspiring panels, and a key focus on “Engineering Tomorrow: Harnessing Future Trends for Innovation.”
Greensboro, as the Gateway to the Triad, has long served as a thriving economic center for corporations and, as a home to five colleges and universities, harnessed future trends for innovation.
Our city draws companies into the region and serves as a source to meet workforce development and demand. Our city and its universities also strive to serve as research partners and hubs for innovation. We are delighted to have you in our beautiful city for the two-day meeting hosted at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center and on the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University by the College of Engineering. As the Mayor of the City of Greensboro, I hope you have the opportunity to experience and enjoy our beautiful city which includes the International Civil Rights Museum, the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, the Greensboro Science Center, or explore one of our scenic parks or recreational areas. Please enjoy your time with us in the city at North Carolina A&T State University. I wish you a successful and productive conference.
Sincerely,
Nancy Vaughan Mayor
NANCY VAUGHAN GREENSBORO MAYOR
WELCOME FROM THE PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
On behalf of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, our office of Academic Affairs, and our Chancellor James R. Martin 11, Ph.D., it is my pleasure and honor to extend a welcome to the 2024 Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE) Conference. We are delighted to be the host institution this year as we help celebrate this 31st annual conference focused on the theme
“Engineering Tomorrow: Harnessing Future Trends for Innovation.”
With 10 colleges, two schools, 59 bachelor’s, 35 master’s, 14 doctoral programs, and a commitment to our land-grant mission, North Carolina A& T has sought to continuously advance the human condition through innovative academic programs, outreach and research. We hope during your time in Greensboro, you have an opportunity to explore our campus and feel the spirit of our amazing “Aggie Pride.”
The AMIE conference organizers have planned for a full schedule of engagement from September 15 -17, 2024. This conference will foster a venue for dialogue among professionals who are thinking creatively about Al and how our roles are crucially important to ensure we are engaging in Al solutions that enhance the engineering profession. We hope this event will inspire and motivate you in harnessing the future trends and finding positive collaborations that will yield fruitful returns between your companies and HBCUs. Once again, welcome to Greensboro and welcome to Aggieland!
Wishing you all the best,
Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., CPE Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
TONYA SMITH-JACKSON PROVOST
WELCOME FROM THE DEAN OF NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Dear AMIE 2024 Conference Participants,
On behalf of the College of Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Greensboro, North Carolina and Aggieland! We are honored to host this 31st annual conference with AMIE focused on the theme “Engineering Tomorrow: Harnessing Future Trends for Innovation.” We have worked diligently with the planning committee to ensure you will be engaged on Monday, Sept. 16, with discussions about AI, trends and changes in engineering and computer science, research opportunities, and ways AMIE partners can engage with the 17 ABET-accredited HBCU engineering programs who are part of this event.
North Carolina A&T’s College of Engineering is the nation’s leader in producing Black engineering and computer science graduates. To showcase our departments, faculty and students, we are excited to have you visit our beautiful campus. On Tuesday, Sept.17, we will feature our engineering programs, faculty researchers, our facilities, and demonstrations by our students. While on campus, we will share how our engineering and computer science programs contribute to the areas of autonomous systems, cybersecurity and resilience, energy and sustainability, healthcare applications, and complex systems and networks. We hope that you leave with the excitement and appreciation of the role HBCUS play in leading the diversification of engineers and computer scientist entering the workforce and impacting innovation.
Best wishes for an engaging AMIE conference experience!
Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Engineering Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
STEPHANIE LUSTER-TEASLEY PASS DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
September 15-17, 2024
ANNUALCONFERENCE 2024
Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons Hotel Greensboro, NC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th
(SHERATON GREENSBORO)
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM REGISTRATION
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM WELCOME RECEPTION
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th
(SHERATON GREENSBORO)
8:00 AM – 4:00 AM REGISTRATION
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM BREAKFAST
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM OPENING SESSION
Welcome Gary M. Schneider, Chair, AMIE Board of Directors and Owner & Chief Technology Consultant, Good Works Technology Inc.
Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Dean, College of Engineering Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering North Carolina A&T State University
Keynote Brigadier General Terrence A. Adams, Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (DPCA) to the Secretary of Defense and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy, U.S. Air Force
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM EMBRACING CHANGE THROUGH INNOVATION, DISRUPTION & TRANSFORMATION
MODERATOR: Gary M. Schneider, Chair, AMIE Board of Directors and Owner & Chief Technology. Consultant, Good Works Technology Inc
PANELISTS:
Madeline Augustin, Technology Strategy Senior Manager, The Boeing Company
William Johnson Jr., Senior Vice President, FED CIV IT Business Area, Leidos
Dr. Lealon Martin, Dean, College of Sciences and Engineering, Southern University
Scott House, Senior Vice President, Quality Operations, Abbott
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM DEAN’S ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
MODERATOR: Dr. Oscar Barton, Jr., Dean, Clarence M Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering, Morgan State University
Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Dean, College of Engineering, Tuskegee University
PANELISTS:
Dr. John Anderson, Dean, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University
Dr. Michael Keeve, Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Norfolk State University
Dr. Pamela Obiomon, Dean, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View Agricultural
& Mechanical University
Dr. Devdas Shetty, Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of the District of Columbia
Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean, College of Engineering, Technology & Computer Science, Tennessee State University
Dr. Wei Li, Acting Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Texas Southern University
Dr. Arunasalam Rahunanthan, Interim Dean, John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture, Central State University
Dr. Derrek Dunn, Dean, School of Business and Technology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Dr. Suvranu De, Dean, Florida A&M University-Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM NETWORKING LUNCHEON SPONSORED BY APPLE
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM FIRESIDE CHAT: TECH FOR EQUITY - EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN THE DIGITAL AGE
MODERATOR: Peter Brooks, Vice President, Talent Acquisition and Mobility, General Dynamics Information Technology
PANELISTS:
Rhom Erskine, Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Torry A. Johnson, Deputy Associate Administrator for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Engagement Program, Office of STEM Engagement, NASA
Dr. Dawit Haile, Dean, College of Engineering and Technology, Virginia State University
Sean Palacio, Divisional Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion, Abbott
2:00 PM –3:00 PM STRATEGIC SYNERGY: HARNESSING TECHNOLOGY AND PARTNERSHIPS FOR EMPOWERMENT - ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
MODERATOR: Dr. Amanda Goodson, Executive Director, Advanced Products and Solutions, RTX
PANELISTS:
Dr. Tracie Ellis, Inclusion and Diversity, HBCU Partnerships, Apple
Ms. Shahra Lambert, Senior Advisor for Engagement and Equity, NASA
Dr. La Rhonda B. Nicholas, Deputy Director, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA)
Dr. Joyce Shirazi, Dean, School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation, Hampton University
Dr. Wilbur Walter, Dean, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University
Avalyn Pace, Strategic Program Manager, Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering
SPEAKERS:
Kenneth McKee, Director, Human Resources, Boston Scientific
Odetta Scott, Associate Director, Operations and Quality, RTX
PRESENTERS:
1st Place – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
2nd Place – Hampton University
3rd Place – Florida A&M University
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM AMIE BUSINESS MEETING
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
PRESENTERS:
Gary M. Schneider, Chair, AMIE Board of Directors and Owner & Chief Technology Consultant, Good Works Technology Inc.
Veronica L. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ANNUAL CONFERENCE INDUSTRY SHOWCASE
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM DEANS RECEPTION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th (NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY)
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM BUS TRANSPORTATION TO NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM BREAKFAST
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Greetings and Welcome
Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Dean, College of Engineering Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering North Carolina A&T State University
Office of the Provost, North Carolina A&T State University
Overview and Presentations
Overview of NCA&T and the College of Engineering
Aggie Academy
AI–enhanced Cyber Defense
Autonomous Vehicles
Clean Energy Alzheimer’s and Mini Brain Research
Quantum
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM LUNCHEON PANEL - FROM CAMPUS TO CORPORATE: HBCU INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES
MODERATOR: Dr. Stephanie Luster-Teasley Pass, Dean, College of Engineering Professor, Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University
PANELISTS:
Florida A&M University
Hampton University
NC A&T State University University of Maryland Eastern Shore
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM BUS TRANSPORTATION TO MARTIN FOR PHOTO, TOURS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Bus Transportation to the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th ANNUAL CONFERENCE GALA (SHERATON GREENSBORO)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Dinner and Awards Ceremony
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th (SHERATON GREENSBORO)
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM BREAKFAST
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AMIE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING (BOARD OF DIRECTORS ONLY)
DISTINQUISHEDGUESTS
BRIGADIER GENERAL TERRENCE ADAMS
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CYBER ADVISOR (DPCA) TO THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND SENIOR MILITARY ADVISOR FOR CYBER POLICY, U.S. AIR FORCE
Brigadier General Terrence Adams is the Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (DPCA) to the Secretary of Defense and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy. As the DPCA, he serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on military cyber forces and activities. He is also responsible for assessing and overseeing the implementation of the department’s cyber strategy and execution of the department’s cyber posture review on behalf of the secretary. On behalf of the Principal Cyber Advisor, Brig. Gen. Adams leads a crossfunctional team that synchronizes and coordinates the Department’s military and civilian cyber forces and activities.
Brigadier General Adams was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, and enlisted in the Army as a private (E-1) after high school. After serving in the Army for six years, he entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Alabama State University - Detachment 019 after graduating from Auburn University in Montgomery, Alabama.
He commanded six times at the squadron, group, and wing levels, three of these commands while deployed. Most recently, he served as Commander of the 628th Air Base Wing and Commander of Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Brig. Gen. Adams deployed to Seeb Air Base, Oman, Kirkuk AB, Iraq, Ali AB, Iraq, and Al Udeid AB, Qatar, to support operations Southern Watch, Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. He has held various positions at squadron, group, wing, central command, air staff, and joint levels.
Before his current position, the general was the Director of Cyberspace Operations and Warfighter Communications at the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Cyber Effects Operations at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
DR. TONYA SMITH-JACKSON
PROVOST AND EXECUTIVE VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY
Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., is the provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Smith-Jackson, has worked for North Carolina A&T since 2013, most recently as senior vice provost for Academic Affairs. She originally joined A&T as a professor and chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and founder/director of the Human Factors Analytics Laboratory.
In the 11 years since, she has held a variety of positions with increasing levels of responsibility, including founder and co-director of the Cyber-Human Analytics Research for the Internet-of-Things Laboratory, director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Identity Sciences and Graduate Program director for Industrial and Systems Engineering. In 2018-19, she took leave for a year to serve as program director of the Computer and Information Science and Engineering Directorate, Information and Intelligent Systems Division in the Cyber-Human Systems Program of the NSF. The foundation funds approximately 25% of all federally supported basic research conducted by U.S. colleges and universities.
Smith-Jackson earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before completing her master’s degree in psychology and industrial engineering and a Ph.D. in psychology/ ergonomics at North Carolina State University.
She served in a variety of teaching, research and consulting capacities for such organizations as IBM and Ericsson, as well multiple colleges and governmental agencies before joining Virginia Tech in 1999. She served Virginia Tech in multiple roles, including founder and director of the Assessment and Cognitive Ergonomics Laboratory, co-director of the Safety Engineering Laboratory and the Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory and director of the Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics Center.
She was also a scholar-in-residence for a year at the Human Factors Division of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Engineering Sciences Directorate in Bethesda, Maryland, and completed her time at Virginia Tech as a professor of industrial and systems engineering.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
DISTINQUISHEDGUESTS
DR. STEPHANIE LUSTER-TEASLEY PASS
DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephanie Luster-Teasley, Ph.D., serves as the dean of the College of Engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Before her current role, she served as the interim dean of the College of Engineering, vice provost for undergraduate education from 2020 – 2022, and professor and chair of the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering from 2016 – 2020. She graduated from North Carolina A&T with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. She continued her graduate studies at Michigan State University (MSU), where she received her M.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. She joined the faculty at N.C. A&T in 2004, after working in private industry as an environmental engineer. Her research specializations include environmental remediation, water sustainability, and engineering education. Over the last 20 years, she has been driven by a deep commitment and care for her students. She is lauded for bringing the excitement of real-world, hands-on experience into all her engineering courses and mentoring activities. Dr. Luster-Teasley’s research specializes in water treatment, and she has three patents related to environmental remediation technology. She is a certified mental health first aid trainer passionate about professional development and training for students, faculty, and staff. Her disciplinary, science education research, and professional development grants have yielded over $8 million in funding.
GARY M. SCHNEIDER
OWNER & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT, GOOD WORKS TECHNOLOGY INC.
Gary Schneider has been in the technology industry since 1988 when he joined IBM as a software developer at the IBM Toronto Lab. He held positions with progressively increased responsibility within Development, Business Partner Enablement, Marketing, and Business Development.
In 1999, he ventured into the entrepreneurial space, leading a startup technology company specializing in digital media distribution for in-store advertising. In April 2001, he returned to IBM as Worldwide Director of Channel Development, responsible for worldwide strategic alliances and technical enablement for IBM’s Information Management (IM) division. In March 2003, he was named Director of Linux Competitive Technology for IBM’s Information Management business, responsible for business strategy and execution on emerging Linux platforms. In January 2006, he was appointed Worldwide Director of Field Technical Presales and Sales Enablement, responsible for the Field Technical Sales community and overall sales training for all IBM sellers on the IM portfolio. In February 2010, Mr. Schneider was named CTO & Vice President of Technical Leadership for IBM’s Growth Markets Unit, based in Shanghai, China, responsible for driving technical sales, innovation, and technical & professional skills development across all growth market regions, including Australia, China, Central & Eastern Europe, South Korea, India, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and Southeast Asia. In 2015, he returned to the US as Global Vice President of Technical Sales for IBM Sales, leading a global community of 1000 technical professionals serving IBM’s top enterprise clients.
Most recently, Mr. Schneider was Vice President and Global Managing Executive for the Wipro strategic alliance, responsible for the strategic relationship and worldwide revenue of IBM technology to, through, and with Wipro. Mr. Schneider retired from IBM in July 2024 and is currently the owner and Chief Technology Consultant for Good Works Technology Inc., a private consultancy focused on helping small businesses and non-profit organizations leverage technology to accelerate their objectives. Mr. Schneider has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and an M.B.A. from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.
MADELINE AUGUSTIN
TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY SENIOR MANAGER, THE BOEING COMPANY
Madeline Augustin is an accomplished, award-winning, experienced technical professional and leader with 20+ years of success and impact in various areas, including risk management, business development, industry compliance, and client engagement. She is the Boeing Defense Space & Securities (BDS) Technology Strategy Senior Manager in Phantom Works, Air Dominance. In this role, Madeline leads a team of subject matter experts in key emerging technology and capabilities for the divisions within BDS that serve numerous defense markets, products, and services. She has a proven record of success in delivering objectives through strategic prioritization. She has received several accolades, including BEYA Science Spectrum Trailblazer, WOC in STEM—Technology
All-Star, Stony Brook University Alumni Association’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, and the National Society of Black Engineers Celestial Torch for Outstanding Woman in Technology Award. Madeline continues to spread messages to empower women in STEM fields and leads several speaking engagements focused on STEM, leadership, and career development. On a personal note, she enjoys watching her 4-year-old daughter explore the world around her and becoming a strong, free-spirited, bright young lady with firm values and a passion for STEM.
WILLIAM JOHNSON JR.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FED CIV IT BUSINESS AREA, LEIDOS
William Johnson Jr is an accomplished business leader with broad value and impact in industry and government. Throughout his 35-year career, he has directed thousands of employees in business units with total revenues of over $1.45 billion. He has led business units through startup, turnaround, and growth modes.
As senior vice president of the FED CIV IT Business Area within the Leidos Digital Modernization Sector, Johnson provides IT solutions to all Federal Civilian Agencies. He honed skills to provide IT services as a 20year United States Air Force veteran working with executive leadership at the White House Communications Agency. Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his service-disabled, veteran-owned small business providing IT services to the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Johnson is a North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He is also a graduate of Webster University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration. In 2024, he received national recognition from the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference for Career Achievement-Industry.
Mr. Johnson is married to his wife Tracey and has two children, William III and Brittany.
PETER BROOKS
VICE PRESIDENT, TALENT ACQUISITION AND MOBILITY, GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Peter Brooks is GDIT’s Vice President of Talent Acquisition and mobility. He is responsible for talent acquisition and internal mobility functions, including recruiting operations and programs, staff—and executive-level hiring, university recruiting, recruiting strategy, bid and capture support, competitive intelligence, and talent counsel to the executive leadership team.
Before joining GDIT, Peter was the Corporate Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition for Northrop Grumman. In other roles, Peter led recruiting efforts for TASC and Microsoft’s Enterprise Services/Consulting organization. He also led the IT recruiting organization at Booz Allen Hamilton, driving hiring efforts for its largest client-facing organization.
Peter began his career as a judicial aide at the US Supreme Court, working for several years on Capitol Hill and in academia. He did Doctoral studies at the University of Virginia, holds an MSc from the London School of Economics, and has a BA in Political Science & Hispanic Studies from Connecticut College. Peter is married and has three wonderful children and a beautiful puppy. When he’s not focused on talent acquisition, Peter loves spending time with friends and family and enjoys travel, scuba diving, golf, and hiking.
RHOM ERSKINE
VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
Rhom Erskine is the Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of HR Compliance at Lockheed Martin. Rhom is a consultative senior leader with over 25 years of experience in large, mid-size, and small business environments, where he has demonstrated success in strategic Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) planning and growth, data analytics, Business Resource Groups, change management, employee engagement strategies, diversity recruiting, and product/program management.
In addition to AMIE, Rhom supports several community and professional organizations, including past and present Board of Directors positions with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, the Clark Atlanta University School of Business, and the Center for the Visually Impaired.
Rhom holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse College, an MBA with a Marketing concentration from Clark Atlanta University, and has received executive training in Diversity & Inclusion from Georgetown University and the American Institute for Managing Diversity. He has been selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40: Georgia’s Best and Brightest by Georgia Trend Magazine and a member of the Top 100 Under 50 Emerging and Executive Leaders by Diversity MBA Magazine. He and his wife, Danielle, reside in Atlanta, GA, and are the proud parents of three sons.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
DISTINQUISHEDGUESTS
TORRY A. JOHNSON
DEPUTY ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM, OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT, NASA
Torry A. Johnson is the Deputy Associate Administrator for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Engagement Program in the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). In this position, he provides strategic direction and executive oversight of NASA’s STEM Engagement Program and its programmatic portfolio of efforts devoted to creating unique learning opportunities for students and supporting educators and educational institutions. NASA’s STEM engagement investments aim to build a diverse future STEM workforce – the next generation of explorers. Torry serves on the executive leadership team responsible for 150+ people across NASA and manages a $144 million portfolio of investments. Torry previously served as the Manager for the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) within NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement. He engaged underrepresented, underserved communities in STEM opportunities via funded research opportunities, conferences, competitions, and workshops nationwide.
Torry’s leadership in MUREP focused on developing strategic partnerships that led to research growth, institutional capacity building, competitiveness, and overall student success at Minority-Serving Institutions. Torry received his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and his master’s from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Outside of the office, Torry is a board member for a non-profit focused on developing low-income housing for seniors and supports multiple community-based organizations with academic consulting and leadership development. He and his wife live in the Washington, DC, area and are the proud parents of three adult children.
DR. AMANDA GOODSON
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVANCED PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS, RTX
Amanda Goodson is Executive Director of the Advanced Products and Solutions Business Unit (BU) for the Quality and Mission Assurance organization at Raytheon, an RTX business. Goodson leads as a technical partner and collaborates across the BU’s products to ensure Quality and Mission Assurance are embedded in the culture to achieve mission success. She drives a product-line-focused structure that enables maximum commonality and reuse.
Before joining the company, she was NASA’s senior executive service (SES) for Safety and Mission Assurance at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where she led an elite team of agency experts responsible for assuring the safety of space shuttle propulsion elements. Goodson has years of experience leading and managing people and complex systems. She is a certified R6s expert, coach, speaker, Everything DiSC® facilitator, and author. She was named the federal government’s supervisor of the year and selected as one of Tucson’s Women on the Move. She also received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Southwest Alliance Leadership Award. Goodson holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, a Master of Science in management, and a Doctor of Ministry in leadership. She represented Raytheon Technologies as past Chair Emerita of the Board of Directors for Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering.
DR. TRACIE ELLIS
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY, HBCU PARTNERSHIPS, APPLE
Dr. Tracie Ellis leads HBCU partnerships on Apple’s Inclusion and Diversity team. She works alongside Apple’s Hardware Technologies team to support the implementation of Apple’s New Silicon Initiative (NSI), designed to increase pathways into careers in Hardware for students of HBCU and AMIE institutions. She also oversees its NSI Faculty Fellows.
Additionally, Tracie manages the Apple HBCU Scholars Program and the Engineering and Innovation Scholars Program, which provide scholarships, mentorship, and internship opportunities for HBCU students. Before joining Apple, Tracie worked with HBCU Math, Science, and Education faculty to support programs preparing high school STEM teachers.
DR. JOELETTA PATRICK
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA) CHAMPION, NASA
LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER
Dr. Joeletta Patrick is a native of Greensboro, N.C., where she attended North Carolina A&T State University and received a B.S. in electrical engineering. Upon graduation, she moved to Houston, Texas, and began her career in the NASA community at Johnson Space Center (JSC) as a flight controller for the International Space Station. For over a decade, Dr. Patrick has worked in a technical capacity as a contractor and a civil servant. She later began a career change to serve in the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Dr. Patrick has worked in the OSTEM office for over 15 years in various roles: the California Office of STEM Engagement Director at NASA Ames Research Center and Armstrong Flight Research Center and the National Space Grant Project Manager and Minority University Research and Education Project Manager at NASA Headquarters. She has served in various capacities within and outside the agency, including supporting the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Dr. Patrick serves on a two-year detail assignment to NASA Langley Research Center as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Champion. She is a sought-after speaker for various audiences, presenting in national seminars and symposiums. She’s delivered informational and motivational speeches to bridge the gap between access and opportunity for underrepresented and underserved communities. Dr. Patrick holds a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She enjoys volunteering in the community, serving in social and professional organizations, and baking. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
DR. LA RHONDA B. NICHOLAS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, INTELLIGENCE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS ACTIVITY (IARPA)
Dr. La Rhonda Nicholas joined IARPA in July 2023 as the Deputy Director to partner with the Director in implementing high-risk, high-payoff, technically viable research programs that address the IC’s most challenging intelligence gaps. Coming from industry as a polymeric materials research engineer, Dr. Nicholas joined the CIA in 2001 as a Materials Engineer, amassing multiple positions to advance R&D efforts in biometrics, biomaterials, data integration, and cyber throughout her career. Her previous assignments included a variety of notable positions across the IC, including a dual-hatted position as the DNI and DCIA Senior Representative to the Department of Defense, where she ensured effective communication and collaboration on sensitive operational and intelligence matters. Dr. Nicholas also served as the DNIappointed Program Manager for the JASONS corporate program and a Legislative Assistant on the personal staff of a Congressman in the US House of Representatives. As a CIA Senior Technical Service member, she has a proven record of leading change, implementing strategic direction, and collaborative team building. Dr. Nicholas received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Materials Engineering from the University of Maryland College Park and her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Hampton University.
AVALYN PACE
STRATEGIC PROGRAM MANAGER, ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
Avalyn is the Strategic Program Manager for AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering). She is responsible for identifying and implementing transformational initiatives aligned with the mission of AMIE and supporting the organization’s strategy. Avalyn joined AMIE in 2016 as part of the IBM Partnership with AMIE. She was responsible for identifying and engaging resources across IBM to support the AMIE-IBM partnership and facilitate AMIE’s mission. She was part of the AMIE Program Committee that initiated the AMIE Design Challenge, a strategic collaboration between the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and AMIE Partners to engage students in industry challenges and processes and introduce emerging technologies through collaboration with corporate business, government agencies, and technical leaders. She served as the AMIE Design Challenge Program Manager for the past six years.
Avalyn gained over 37 years of experience at IBM in Information Technology, including organizational management, software and services development, business partner integration, technical skills development and certifications, client engagement, and operations. She spent most of her career in IBM Global Markets, leading client engagement and transformational technical initiatives across IBM software, hardware, sales, and service.
Avalyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College and an MBA from the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Cox School of Business, Executive Program. She is committed to AMIE’s mission and leverages her STEM experiences to prepare the next generation. Avalyn is married to Daron Pace. They have two daughters, Afton and Aniya.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
DISTINQUISHEDGUESTS
KENNETH MCKEE
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES, BOSTON SCIENTIFIC
Ken is the Human Resources Director for Boston Scientific’s manufacturing operations in Maple Grove, Minnesota. He is responsible for HR site operations and supports corporate, divisional, and manufacturing teams to improve and sustain the quality of human life.
In this role, Ken is responsible for compliance and the human resources strategy and delivery for a more than 3,200-employee manufacturing site. The leadership strategy includes direct labor staffing, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, and organizational development. Ken and his team have partnered to focus on growth and building a diverse, high-performing team.
Ken is an experienced Human Resources professional with a proven track record in multiple industries, including medical devices, automotive, aerospace, energy, pipe, and petrochemical. He has global work experience with companies such as Ford Motor Company, Honeywell, and General Electric.
Ken is a strong advocate for serving underrepresented communities. He is most proud of his accomplishments supporting the AMIE Board and BEYA conferences to attract and recruit HBCU students for meaningful internships in the medical device industry. He was also a founding Sales Bridge ERG member and a Boost Mentor. Ken co-leads a tiger team to provide scholarships to HBCU students. In 2021, $100K was awarded to forty students. In 2022, he led the effort to establish an endowment with NACME for a named scholarship to provide annual scholarships to deserving students.
Ken is a native Detroiter. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Employee Relations and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources. Ken currently lives in the Twin Cities. He is married to LaFonda McKee and is the father of one daughter from India. He attends Howard University. He has twin sons, Israel and Isaiah, who are in middle school.
ODETTA SCOTT
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS AND QUALITY, RTX
Odetta Scott, a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, is an Engineering Discipline Chief Lead and Associate Director for Collins Aerospace (CA), a Raytheon Technologies (RTX) division. Odetta leads a team of Engineering Discipline Chiefs, enhancing technical processes and achieving consistent engineering performance to improve the bottom line.
Odetta is passionate and tremendously dedicated to activism for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She has served as the Committee Chair for Leading Inspired Females in Technology (LIFT) Recognition and Retention and Advocacy Council. Its mission is to create an environment where women can achieve extraordinary outcomes by bringing their authentic selves to work daily. As the Engineering African American Advocacy Council Development Programs Chair, she led the team to develop the STEM pipeline for executive talent. Odetta also serves as an RTX Board of Directors member for Advancing Minorities’ Interests in Engineering (AMIE). Her commitment drove her to co-found a woman-owned consortium whose vision is accelerating women in STEM, WeTECH Rocks. She continues to push the DEI journey through her engagement with other small businesses and community activities. In addition, Odetta was recognized with the 2021 Diversity Leadership Award by the Women of Color STEM Conference and the Dave Barclay Affirmative Action Award by the Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM Conference in 2023. Odetta also received the Collins Supply Chain Diversity Equity and Inclusion Ambassador Award in April 2023. In 2024, she was named STEM Woman of the Year by Women in STEM Leadership (WISL).
Odetta obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University. She received her MBA from Jackson State University and a Master of Science in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.
J. SCOTT HOUSE
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, QUALITY OPERATIONS, ABBOTT
Scott House is Abbott’s Senior Vice President, Quality Operations. He was appointed to this position in November 2019.
Scott joined Abbott in 1990 as a member of the Abbott Engineering Professional Development Program and rose through a variety of management roles in both quality and operations. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities, Scott served as Divisional Vice President, Operations for Abbott’s Diabetes Care business.
In his current role, Scott leads a global organization dedicated to ensuring that Abbott’s quality, regulatory and engineering values are consistently applied across the corporation, helping ensure the highest quality products for our customers, strict compliance with global regulatory requirements, and a safe environment Abbott colleagues around the world.
“Everything we do at Abbott is geared toward helping people live their best possible lives,” says Scott. “At a fundamental level, my organization exists to help Abbott people deliver on that promise.”
Scott earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville, and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Dallas.
Sean is the Divisional Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion. The office of Diversity & Inclusion is focused on ensuring Abbott’s population represents the diversity of the markets we serve, developing employee and managerial capability associated with inclusiveness, sharing Abbott’s story internally and externally and maintaining compliance to regulations related to diversity. He has worked at Abbott for two decades, starting his career with the company in its Vascular business where he served in roles across R&D, human resources, operations and marketing. He moved to the Structural Heart business in program management before becoming leader of Abbott’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Throughout his career, Sean has sought opportunities to partner with diversity organizations to increase access to diverse talent and launch and support employee resource groups. Sean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from UCLA.
SHAHRA LAMBERT
SENIOR ADVISOR FOR ENGAGEMENT AND EQUITY, NASA
Ms. Shahra Lambert is the senior advisor for engagement and equity at NASA. She advises the Administrator on key engagement and equity policies and strategies to increase Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and accessibility across the agency and within the aerospace industry. She also acts as the conduit for building equity related partnerships for coalition building and community engagement.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
2024 AMIE CONFERENCE SPONSORS
SILVER
PLATINUM
GOLD
BRONZE
SPECIALTHANKS
Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering
WOULD LIKE TO THANK
OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS whose financial and in-kind contributions helped to make the conference possible.
OUR GUEST SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS who have shared their valuable insights and experience on issues of critical importance to the progress of Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE).
THE NC A&T STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE - This year’s conference and celebration would not be possible without their hard work, passion and dedication.
AND TO ALL OUR ATTENDEES who share a common belief in our mission and participated in countless ways to make our Annual Conference a success.
2024 DESIGN CHALLENGE
1ST PLACE – University of Maryland Eastern Shore
2ND PLACE – Hampton University
3RD PLACE – Florida A&M University
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 AMIE DESIGN CHALLENGE WINNERS
2024 AMIE DESIGN CHALLENGE SPONSORS
HISTORICALLYBLACK COLLEGES&UNIVERSITIES
ALABAMA AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY NORMAL, ALABAMA
DR. ZHENGTAO (Z.T.) DENG
DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Alabama A&M University reflects the uniqueness of the traditional land-grant institution, which combines professional, vocational, and liberal arts pursuits. The university provides baccalaureate and graduate studies compatible with the times to all qualified, capable individuals interested in further developing their technical, professional, and scholastic skills and competencies. It operates in the threefold function of teaching, research, and public service, including extension. The College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences at AAMU has three departments: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering and Construction Management, Physics, Chemistry, and Math. The BS degree in Computer Science program is accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC), and the BS degrees in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems and Materiel Engineering (MEng), and Physics (MS and Ph.D.) offer graduate degrees.
CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY WILBERFORCE, OHIO
DR. ARUNASALAM RAHUNANTHAN
INTERIM DEAN, JOHN W. GARLAND COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND AGRICULTURE
Central State University (CSU) is the only public Historically Black University in the state of Ohio. Established in 1890 as a Land Grant institution, it prepares students with diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service.
The John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (JWG CESTA) at CSU has two ABET-accredited
engineering programs: Manufacturing Engineering (MFE) and Environmental Engineering (ENE). The MFE program, a flagship program of CSU, was founded in 1985. For over 33 years since 1991, the program has continuously been accredited by ABET (EAC). The MFE curriculum blends the tripartite Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering disciplines into a synergistic whole. The ENE program inherited several courses from the parent Water Resources Management program. In addition, new courses were added to cover all three areas: water, air, and land. The first cohort of the ENE program started in the 2008-2009 academic year, and the first batch graduated in 2011. The program had undergone its first ABET (EAC) evaluation in the 2016-2017 cycle and was
accredited starting with the 2017 graduating class. Since then, the ENE program has maintained its ABET accreditation.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HAMPTON, VIRGINIA
DR. JOYCE T. SHIRAZI
DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND AVIATION
Hampton University was founded in 1868 and comprises seven schools: Business, Engineering, Architecture and Aviation, Journalism and Communications, Liberal Arts and Education, Nursing, Pharmacy and Science, and two colleges: Graduate College and University College. Hampton University offers 60 bachelor’s degree programs, 38 master’s programs, and doctoral or professional degrees in nursing, physics, physical therapy, and pharmacy. The School of Engineering, Architecture, and Aviation was established in 1995, although an engineering department has existed since 1986. The school offers programs leading to the baccalaureate degree in aviation, chemical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and a master’s degree in architecture. These programs are designed to provide students with a professional education appropriate for entering their professions, with a general educational background that facilitates awareness of the professional’s social responsibilities to the community.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
HISTORICALLYBLACK COLLEGES&UNIVERSITIES
HOWARD UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, DC
DR. JOHN M. M. ANDERSON
DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
The College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) is one of Howard University’s 14 schools and colleges. The CEA comprises five departments: Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. Our Master of Architecture degree program and all of our Bachelor of Science engineering degree programs are fully accredited. Doctoral degrees are offered in biomedical and chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Moreover, Master of Science degrees are granted in chemical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. A certificate in Cybersecurity is also offered.
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
DR. WILBUR WALTERS
DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Since 1877, Jackson State University has provided young men and women with opportunities that will empower them to succeed in an increasingly complex world. As the Urban University of Mississippi, Jackson State emphasizes public service programs designed to enhance the quality of life and seek solutions to urban problems in the physical, social, intellectual, and economic environments. The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET) at Jackson State University is committed to implementing its mission and
focusing its intellectual, experience, and other resources on improving the quality of life for its students, the surrounding community, the state nation, and the global community. CSET comprises 16 Bachelor of Science, 9 Masters’, and 4 Ph. D.-level degrees, many of which have several specialized tracks from which to choose.
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
DR. OSCAR BARTON, JR.
DEAN, CLARENCE M MITCHELL JR. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Morgan State University (MSU), designated a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University, newly elevated to R2 classification. Enrolling students across all racial and ethnic backgrounds, the Mitchell School of Engineering (MSOE) at MSU serves the world as an intellectual and creative resource by supporting, empowering, and producing well-prepared graduates to grow the future and lead the world as global citizens. Enriching our
curricula with experiential learning and research opportunities, we have competitive graduates ready to practice engineering upon graduation. The MSOE has 3 EACABET-accredited programs in Civil, Electrical, and Industrial Engineering, an ANSAC ABET-accredited program in Transportation Systems, and a new Mechatronics Engineering program that started in Fall 2021. The MSOE also offers the following graduate programs: Master of Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Transportation, Doctor of Engineering, Ph.D. in Transportation and urban infrastructure studies, Ph.D. in Secure Embedded Systems, and Postbaccalaureate Certificates in urban transportation and Cyber Security. Located on the north side of the Morgan State University campus, the MSOE is based in an expansive threebuilding complex. This complex houses several research centers and laboratories that investigate research of consequence using a multidisciplinary framework.
NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL & TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA
DR. STEPHANIE LUSTER-TEASLEY PASS
DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an 1890 land-grant doctoral high research university dedicated to learning, discovery, and community engagement. The university enrolls over 13,000 students and emphasizes preeminence in STEM and a commitment to excellence. North Carolina A&T fosters a climate of economic competitiveness that prepares students for global society. Its College of Engineering (see weee. ncat.edu/coe) has EAC ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in Architectural, Bio, Biological, Civil, Chemical, Computer,
Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) ABETaccredited program in Computer Science; plus 8 Masters of Science Degree programs and 5 Doctoral programs. The College continues to be a top producer for the nation of African American engineers at every level. It is proud of the achievements of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni in education, research, and innovation.
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY NORFOLK, VIRGINIA
DR. MICHAEL KEEVE
DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Norfolk State University is a public, urban, comprehensive institution founded in 1935. With a solid track record of producing outstanding graduates, the University currently serves approximately 6,300 students, of whom more than 2,200 are enrolled in the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET). The college offers a master’s program in engineering, computer science, materials science, and cybersecurity and a doctoral program in materials science and engineering. The departments of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, nursing and allied health, engineering technology, computer science, and engineering are in CSET. The Department of Engineering offers B.S. degree programs in electrical, electronics, and optical engineering. The optical engineering program is among the few offered nationally and only at a
Historically Black College and University. The programs provide challenging and rigorous curricula, excellent faculty, and a state-ofthe-art infrastructure, which includes the Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research, the Class 100/1000 Cleanroom for micro and nanofabrication, the Cybersecurity Complex, the Center for Materials Research, and Smart Optics Laboratories.
PRAIRIE VIEW AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL UNIVERSITY PRAIRIE VIEW, TEXAS
DR. PAMELA OBIOMON
DEAN,
ROY G. PERRY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Founded in 1876, Prairie View A&M University is a state-assisted institution, a land-grant institution by Federal statute, and a “statewide special purpose” institution by legislative designation. It serves a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic population, prominent among those who are unserved and underserved. With slightly over 6,500 students, the Texas Constitution designated the university as one of three “institutions of the first class” (1984).
The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering continues to sustain an infrastructure that will attract and maintain a world-class faculty and produce graduates with the highest professional ethics and standards through its engineering programs. It comprises six departments: chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, engineering technology, and mechanical engineering. We offer nine bachelor’s degrees, four master’s, and one doctorate. Our Master of Science in Engineering degree program allows concentrated chemical, civil, environmental, or mechanical engineering studies. The Roy G. Perry College of Engineering ideally balances classroom theory and research applications. While students concentrate on basic science, mathematics, and engineering courses, they are also exposed to a broad range of humanities and social sciences classes, keeping them in touch with the world around them. Students’ research experiences also have real-world applications, such as the many funded projects focused on threats to homeland security.
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
DR. LEALON MARTIN
DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
Southern University and A&M College System is the only Historically Black College/University System in the world, with five academic campuses and over 14,000 students. Founded in 1880, the Southern University System is dedicated to being a laboratory for exploration and experimentation. The College of Sciences and Engineering offers nine bachelor’s degree programs: biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, electronics engineering technology, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and mathematics; five master’s degree programs: engineering, computer
science, biology, mathematics, and physics; and one doctoral degree program: science and math education. Former students have made significant contributions in the national and international economic, political, social, and cultural arenas. The institution can also claim nine (9) U.S. Military Generals. The engineering programs are housed in our 117,000-foot P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering facility with state-of-the-art educational and research laboratories, the latest computing facilities, and multimedia-ready classrooms.
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
DR. LIN LI
INTERIM DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university. It is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 83 comprehensive degree programs from the baccalaureate through doctorate degrees. TSU is a comprehensive researchintensive institution with an R-2 Carnegie designation. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alums to be global leaders in every facet of society.
The College of Engineering has EAC ABET-accredited undergraduate programs
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
HISTORICALLYBLACK COLLEGES&UNIVERSITIES
in Architectural, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, a CAC ABETaccredited program in Computer Science, and an ATMAE-accredited program in Applied & Industrial Technologies. The college hosts an M.S. in Computer Science, an M.S. in Data Science, an M.S. in Computer & Information Systems Engineering, a Master of Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Engineering & Computational Sciences. The college has a TIGER institute to focus on interdisciplinary graduate engineering research in advanced materials and manufacturing, renewable energy and technology, AI and cyber security, and sustainable infrastructure systems.
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY HOUSTON, TEXAS
DR. WEI WAYNE LI
ACTING DEAN, COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (COSET)
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a student-centered, comprehensive doctoral HBCU R2 university with high research activity committed to ensuring equality, offering innovative programs that address global challenges, and transforming
diverse students into lifelong learners, engaged citizens, and creative leaders. TSU offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across 12 academic colleges and schools. It is staffed by approximately 1,000 faculty members and support personnel. More than 9,500 students from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds are currently enrolled at the university. TSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and holds programspecific accreditations, such as ABET and AABI, in various disciplines. It is one of the nation’s preeminent comprehensive urban universities, recognized for the excellence of its programs, the quality of its instruction, and its innovative research. TSU is committed to being a contributing partner to its community, state, nation, and the world.
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY TUSKEGEE, ALABAMA
DR. HESHMAT AGLAN
DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
One of the most famous universities in the United States, Tuskegee University, was founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington. Although most of its 3,000 students come from the Southeast, its enrollment represents 43 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. possessions, and 21 countries. Tuskegee University is a comprehensive institution with substantial outreach service programs and impressive research facilities. The highly respected College of Engineering offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in aerospace science, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering; Master of Science degree programs in chemical, electrical, material sciences, and mechanical engineering; and a Ph.D. in Materials science and engineering. The college leads the country in graduating
African American Aerospace Engineers and Materials Science and Engineering Ph. Ds. It also houses the Tuskegee University Center for Advanced Materials, Nucor Education and Research Center, and Chevron Additive Manufacturing Center.
UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WASHINGTON, DC
DR. DEVDAS SHETTY
DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) was founded in 1977 by merging three institutions: the District of Columbia Teachers College, the Federal City College, and the Washington Technical Institute. UDC comprises a Community College, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Business and Public Administration, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, and the David A. Clarke School of Law. We are one of only four universities in the nation’s capital that provide ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees in several engineering, computer science, and information technology areas and graduate degrees in selected areas. The world is a different place than in 1977, and so is the school, which has grown in terms of students, faculty, and laboratories. Our students continue to win numerous awards and scholarships and tackle challenging, real-world problems to develop innovative solutions. We have recruited highly qualified faculty who have expertise in specialized areas. The school is moving to a higher level, not only in the number and quality of graduates but also in our research’s value, quantity, and impact.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE PRINCESS ANNE, MD
DR. DERREK DUNN
DEAN, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) offers undergraduate programs in aviation science, biomedical engineering, computer science, construction management technology, engineering technology, and engineering with subplans in aerospace, computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. UMES’s School of Business and Technology also offers master’s degrees in applied computer science, cybersecurity engineering technology, data science and analytics engineering, electrical and mechatronics engineering, and a doctoral program in applied computing and engineering.
The School of Business and Technology laboratories have state-of-the-art instrumentations, developmental hardware, and software tools for teaching and research. The department’s curricula and undergraduate research activities combine the strength of engineering fundamentals with hands-on and laboratory experiences to reinforce the principles and concepts used in the classroom and
apply the knowledge learned to solve real-world problems in an environment that emphasizes leadership and teamwork. At UMES, we are committed to providing world-class education and research in engineering and computer sciences. Our focused activities, excellent faculty, staff, and facilities ensure that students in our academic programs receive the highest quality of education. With small classes, easy access to professors, dedicated computer and technology resources, and newly
established and equipped laboratories, we strive to make every student feel confident and reassured in their academic journey.
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA
DR. DAWIT HAILE
DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Virginia State University (VSU) was founded in 1882 in Petersburg, Virginia. It is one of Virginia’s two land-grant institutions and was the first state-supported four-year institution
of higher learning for Black Americans in the U.S. Today, VSU has a student population of over 5000 and offers fifty undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two doctoral degree programs, and seven certificate programs. Students study and conduct research in one of the seven colleges: the College of Agriculture; the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering and Technology; The College of Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Natural and Health Sciences; and the College of Graduate Studies.
The College of Engineering and Technology at Virginia State University is dedicated to empowering students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experiences that prepare them for the demands of a technology-driven society. Through rigorous programs emphasizing real-world applications, students have the skills and vision to address complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to their
communities. With a focus on producing future leaders in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, data analytics, mathematics, and economics, the college fosters innovation and sustainability through hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, driving progress and societal advancement through the applied practice of engineering and scientific principles.
The Virginia State University College of Engineering and Technology offers both Bachelor of Science and Graduate Degrees academic programs. Students can receive a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Logistics Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mathematics, and Economics and Finance. Study may also receive a Graduate Degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, and Mathematics in a Master of Science. Students can also receive a Master of Arts in Business/Managerial Economics. The College of Engineering at Virginia State University also has several research initiatives and capabilities such as Data Analytics, Multimedia Data Mining, Machine Learning, IoT, Deep Learning, AI, Ethical AI, LLM, Quantum Computing, Edge Computing, Cyber Security, Network Security, Memory Forensics, Model-based Fault Injection, Identity Science/Biometrics Additive Manufacturing/Machining, Cyber-enabled Manufacturing, Nano-manufacturing Process and Technology Robotics, Soft Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Extended Reality, Logistics and Supply Chain, Enterprise systems, ERP Intion Analytics and Business intelligence.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
Your way forward is our way forward. Your sense of belonging creates our inclusive culture.
We believe that transforming lives through innovative medical solutions requires a diverse team that reflects the world around us, an inclusive culture where differing perspectives are valued and equitable career opportunities for everyone in our company. At Boston Scientific:
• DE&I is a business imperative we hold ourselves accountable to by setting measurable, publicly reported aspirational goals.
• The breadth of our enterprise means you can explore opportunities, gain experience, and expand skills across our businesses, regions, and functions.
• All of us, in some way, use our unique talents to help people around the world live longer, healthier lives.. Join our team: bostonscientific.com/careers
AMIE BOARDOFDIRECTORS
GARY MICHAEL SCHNEIDER
OWNER & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT, GOOD WORKS TECHNOLOGY INC.
Gary Schneider has been in the technology industry since 1988 when he joined IBM as a software developer at the IBM Toronto Lab. He has held positions with progressively increased responsibility within Development, Business Partner Enablement, Marketing, and Business Development.
In 1999, he ventured into the entrepreneurial space, leading a startup technology company specializing in digital media distribution for in-store advertising.
In April 2001, he returned to IBM as Worldwide Director of Channel Development, responsible for worldwide strategic alliances and technical enablement for IBM’s Information Management (IM) division.
In March 2003, he was named Director of Linux Competitive Technology for IBM’s Information Management business, responsible for business strategy and execution on emerging Linux platforms.
In January 2006, he was appointed Worldwide Director of Field Technical Presales and Sales Enablement. He was responsible for the Field Technical Sales community and overall sales training for all IBM sellers on the IM portfolio.
In February 2010, Mr. Schneider was named CTO & Vice President of Technical Leadership for IBM’s Growth Markets Unit, based in Shanghai, China, responsible for driving technical sales, innovation, and technical & professional skills development across all growth market regions, including
Australia, China, Central & Eastern Europe, South Korea, India, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and Southeast Asia.
In 2015, he returned to the US as Global Vice President of Technical Sales for IBM Sales, leading a global community of 1000 technical professionals serving IBM’s top enterprise clients.
Most recently, Mr. Schneider was Vice President and Global Managing Executive for the Wipro strategic alliance, responsible for the strategic relationship and worldwide revenue of IBM technology to, through, and with Wipro.
Mr. Schneider retired from IBM in July 2024 and is currently the owner and Chief Technology Consultant for Good Works Technology Inc., a private consultancy focused on helping small businesses and non-profit organizations leverage technology to accelerate their objectives.
Mr. Schneider has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and an M.B.A. from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada.
REGINALD E. HUMPHREY
DIRECTOR, DEI PARTNERSHIPS, OFFICE OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION, GENERAL MOTORS
Reggie Humphrey leads GM’s DEI Center of Excellence in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He leads a team focused on four strategic pillars: Talent Equity, Inclusive Employee Experience, Community
& Social Impact, and AAP/EEOC Compliance. Before this role, Reggie led the growth and development of GM’s supply chain inclusion efforts for many years, driving innovative programs and high-value partnerships. Reggie began his career journey in 1995 as a Production Supervisor at the Moraine Assembly Center in Moraine, OH. In 1998, he relocated to the Detroit metro area. He has since worked in several operational and strategic planning roles within multiple organizations, including Order Fulfillment, Logistics, Purchasing, Supply Chain, and HR. In addition to his core responsibilities, Reggie serves as a voluntary board member for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE), and the Tuck Diverse Business Executive Education Programs at Dartmouth College. Reggie holds a B.S. in Finance from Alabama A&M University and a M.S.A. from Central Michigan University.
VERONICA L. NELSON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING (AMIE)
Veronica L. Nelson is the Chief Executive Officer of Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE). AMIE is a coalition of corporations, government agencies and the seventeen (17) ABET accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Schools of Engineering. She leads AMIE in developing strategies to expand corporate, government, and academic partnerships to implement and support programs to attract, educate, graduate, and place minority students in engineering careers and increase
diversity in the engineering workforce. Veronica has over 35 years of STEM experience in Engineering and Human Resources. Veronica has over 18 years of experience in process engineering, developing Automated Assembly Processes, and over nine years of experience in Engineering Management and Human Resources, where she managed Career Pathways Programs, Diversity Recruiting, Professional Development Rotation Programs, Interns Programs, and University Relations & Recruiting at Northrop Grumman Corporation. Veronica was a Senior Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, responsible for developing, managing, and implementing firm-wide Strategies for University and Diversity Recruiting.
Veronica is the recipient of the 2024 Black Engineer of the Year – Dr. Eugene DeLoatch Legacy Award for her leadership and transformational work with the HBCU Schools of Engineering as the Chief Executive Officer of AMIE. Veronica has received many awards throughout her career for her passion and commitment to increase Diversity in the STEM Pipeline. She was awarded the 3rd North American International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Diversity Award and the 2018 Collaborative Network for Engineering and Computing Diversity (CoNECD) Conference Award for Women of Color History Makers in Diversity for her commitment to increasing Diversity in the Workforce. She received the 2009 Black Engineer of the Year Award for Educational Leadership – Promotion of Higher Education (K – 12) and the 2007 Women of Color in Technology Award for Educational Leadership – Corporate Promotion of Education (K – 12) for her passion, commitment and dedication to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in K - 12.
Veronica earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in Robotics from Howard University. She received the National GEM Consortium Fellowship and was the first female to obtain her master’s in mechanical engineering from Howard University.
Veronica is the proud mother of two sons who have followed her passion and pursued degrees in Mechanical Engineering at Prairie View A&M University and Computer Science at North Carolina A&T State University.
EVERETT TUCKER
DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, HEMATOLOGY, ABBOTT
Everett is the divisional vice president and general manager of hematology at Abbott’s Core Diagnostics Division. He was appointed to this role in May 2021. Everett is leading teams to develop and deliver innovative technologies to improve patient care. Since joining Abbott in 2015, Everett has held two
other global leadership positions in Core Diagnostics: DVP Operations Strategy and Engineering and DVP Instrument Operations.
Prior to joining Abbott, Everett held various roles at General Electric (GE), Honeywell, Kimball Electronics, and CAE Healthcare.
Everett is the Executive Committee Chair for Abbott’s Black Business Network, which sponsors professional development programs that infuse a bias towards inclusion, aligned with Abbott’s 2030 sustainability plan. In addition, he is a Board member of the AMIE organization (Advancing Minorities Interest in Engineering) on behalf of Abbott.
Everett earned a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Pennsylvania State University – the Behrend College.
JARED ZERBE
DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER/ENGINEERING DIRECTOR, APPLE
Jared Zerbe received a B.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, Stanford, CA 1987. From 1987-1992, he worked at VLSI Technology and MIPS Computer Systems, designing digital circuits and high-performance floating-point units. In 1992, he moved to Rambus, where, for over 20 years, he specialized in the design of analog-mixed-signal high-speed I/O, PLL/DLL clock-recovery, and data-synchronization circuits. He has taught courses at both Berkeley and Stanford in high-speed I/O design, authored or co-authored over 40 IEEE conference and journal papers, and
is an inventor of over 220 US patents. He served on the DesignCon and VLSI Circuits Symposium program committee from 2010-2013 and was an associate editor for the Journal of Solid-State Circuits from 2013-2014. In 2013, Jared joined Apple, where since 2015, he has been a member of Exploratory Design in the Hardware Technologies team and is currently a Distinguished Engineer/Engineering Director. Jared was named an IEEE Fellow in 2019 to contribute to developing high-performance serial interfaces.
DR. NATHAN BROOKS
SENIOR TECHNICAL FELLOW, THE BOEING COMPANY
Dr. Nathan Raen Brooks is a Boeing Senior Technical Fellow in Electromagnetics & Antenna Systems, providing technical leadership as an executive-level engineer. He previously led Boeing’s Assured Operation with a 5G+ team, delivering strategic and technical support to task forces across the Boeing enterprise and aerospace industries concerning aviation interference from current and future telecommunications. Beginning his industry career in 2007, he provides technical expertise and consultation in developing architectures and algorithms for Boeing’s Signal Intelligence & Electronic Warfare antenna systems. Additionally, he is the University Innovation Lead within Boeing’s Enterprise Technology Office, where he targets explicitly developing relationships and funding research with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Dr. Brooks has over 20 years of experience in electromagnetics and numerical optimization, including graduate and postdoctoral research at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS), and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). He has received multiple awards at the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) conference, the 2019 NSBE Golden Torch Lifetime Achievement in Industry Award, and the 2020 Boeing Defense Engineer of the Year. Nathan and his wife began raising their family as freshmen at Florida A&M University
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(FAMU), and both graduated with degrees in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Brooks was FAMU’s first doctoral graduate in Electrical Engineering. He is an active member of the Boeing Black Employee Association, Howard University Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Industry Advisory Board, other FAMU boards, Boeing’s Focal teams for multiple HBCUs, AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering) Board of Directors, and other committees concentrating on increasing diversity in STEM fields. He spends most of his time volunteering within his church and with various organizations, focused on bettering his communities through service, example, and mentorship.
KENNETH MCKEE
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES, BOSTON SCIENTIFIC
Ken is currently the Human Resources Director for Boston Scientific’s manufacturing operations in Maple Grove, Minnesota. He is responsible for HR site operations, supporting corporate, divisional, and manufacturing teams to improve and sustain the quality of human lives.
In this role, Ken is responsible for compliance and the human resources strategy and delivery for a more than 3,200-employee manufacturing site. The leadership strategy includes direct labor staffing, diversity and inclusion, employee engagement, and organizational development. Ken and his team have partnered to focus on growth and building a diverse, high-performing team.
Ken is an experienced Human Resources professional with a proven track record in multiple industries, including medical devices, automotive, aerospace, energy, pipe, and petrochemical. He has global work experience with companies such as Ford Motor Company, Honeywell, and General Electric.
Ken is a strong advocate for serving underrepresented communities. He is most proud of his accomplishments supporting the
AMIE Board and BEYA conferences to attract and recruit HBCU students for meaningful internships in the medical device industry. He was also a founding Sales Bridge ERG member and a Boost Mentor. Ken co-leads a tiger team to provide scholarships to HBCU students. In 2021, $100K was awarded to forty students. In 2022, he led the effort to establish an endowment with NACME for a named scholarship to provide annual scholarships to deserving students.
Ken is a native Detroiter. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Employee Relations and a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources. Ken currently lives in the Twin Cities. He is married to LaFonda McKee and a father of one daughter, India, who is attending Howard University, and twin sons, Israel and Isaiah, who are currently in middle school.
ALEX VENETTA
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER AND MANAGER OF PARTNER SERVICES, CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Alex Venetta is the Associate Publisher and Partner Services Manager at Career Communications Group, Inc. (CCG). In this capacity, Venetta reports directly to both CCG’s chief financial officer and the CEO.
Venetta is responsible for developing and retaining relationships with CCG partners. These include top employers of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) talent, such as Lockheed Martin Corp., The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corp., General Dynamics Corp., Raytheon Technologies, Aerotek, Inc., IBM, and Navy Civilian Careers. Venetta is also actively involved with CCG’s Stars & Stripes Military Committee and CCG Awards Alumni.
CCG is a minority-owned media services company that provides the knowledge, guidance, and expertise to make it easier for employers to implement and
support STEM diversity strategies and programs. CCG helps companies effectively compete for professional talent in STEM fields and provides multiple channels to assist in retaining STEM employees.
Venetta is also one of the original founders of the School of the Way, a not-for-profit mentoring and martial arts school based in Baltimore, MD. He is a martial arts instructor, a mentor, and a life coach to historically underrepresented students in STEM and the Arts.
Venetta graduated from Johns Hopkins University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, double majoring in International Relations and East Asian Studies.
DR. MARK D. VAUGHN
DIRECTOR, STEM PARTNERSHIPS AND EARLY TALENT PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT, CORNING INCORPORATED
Dr. Mark D. Vaughn is the manager of Technical Talent Pipelining for Corning’s Technology Community and is the Lead for the Technology Community Office of STEM. In this role, Vaughn develops, implements, and manages PK-20 science and engineering programs and initiatives to meet the Technology Community’s nearterm and long-term technical talent needs.
Dr. Vaughn began his 32-year career with Corning 1988 as a Research Technician. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Alfred University, a master’s degree in Optics from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. Before his current role, Vaughn was a Research Associate in Modeling and Simulation, where he was a noted expert in Optical Network Traffic Demand Modeling and Access Network Cost Modeling.
In addition to his primary role, Vaughn is a sought-after training program designer and facilitator and is a highly regarded diversity champion and community leader.
Dr. Vaughn, an ordained minister and a 2007 Black Engineer of the Year Award winner, is a native of Elmira, New York. He and his wife, Jeanette (an educator and entrepreneur), reside in Painted Post, New York, and are the proud parents of 5 children (and have one son-in-love, one daughter-in-love, and two grandchildren).
RHOM ERSKINE
VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
Rhom Erskine is the Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of HR Compliance at Lockheed Martin.
Rhom is a consultative senior leader with over 25 years of experience in large, midsize, and small business environments, where he has demonstrated success in strategic Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) planning and growth, data analytics, Business Resource Groups, change management, employee engagement strategies, diversity recruiting, and product/program management.
In addition to AMIE, Rhom supports several community and professional organizations, including past and present Board of Directors positions with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, the Clark Atlanta University School of Business, and the Center for the Visually Impaired.
Rhom holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse College, an MBA with a Marketing concentration from Clark Atlanta University, and has received executive training in Diversity & Inclusion from
Georgetown University and the American Institute for Managing Diversity. He has been selected as one of the Top 40 Under 40: Georgia’s Best and Brightest by Georgia Trend Magazine and a member of the Top 100 Under 50 Emerging and Executive Leaders by Diversity MBA Magazine. He and his wife, Danielle, reside in Atlanta, GA, and are the proud parents of three sons.
VALENCIA MACLIN
GENERAL MANAGER, STRATEGIC CLOUD SOLUTIONS, MICROSOFT
Valencia Maclin leads Microsoft Strategic Cloud Solutions with thought leadership for global cloud solutions for governments. Ms. Maclin is a recognized leader in Cybersecurity, having led the most extensive cybersecurity program for the US government, and is a former board director for the DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), National Cybersecurity Alliance, and SAFECode.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and material science from Duke University; a Master of Science degree in the management of technology from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business; and multiple professional certifications, including PMP, CISSP, ISSMP, GSLC, ITIL, and Agile SCRUM Master.
STEPHANIE E. TURNER
VICE PRESIDENT, INCLUSION, DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL INNOVATION, THE MITRE CORPORATION
Stephanie E. Turner is vice president of inclusion, diversity, and social innovation at MITRE. She works collaboratively to develop and drive an integrated inclusion and diversity strategy representing the other two functions she oversees—new employee experience and social innovation. Turner has served over 25 years championing inclusion and diversity and most recently served as vice president of diversity and inclusion, strategic engagement at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Her previous leadership roles include managing diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition, and employee engagement at Lockheed Martin, Kaiser Permanente, ESPN, and Motorola. Turner also
worked as a marketing and diversity consultant in the oil industry.
She represents MITRE on the AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering) board of directors, sits on the advisory board for Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, and is a member of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Spelman College and a master’s in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Terrell has been Corporate Supplier Diversity Programs Manager at Northrop Grumman since late 2020. Earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical/computer engineering from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in Technical Management from Johns Hopkins University, Terrell spent over 12 years as a Systems Engineer supporting Navy programs in a variety of technical roles at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). During this time at JHU/APL, he also developed into line and project management leadership roles. 2018, Terrell joined Northrop Grumman as the East Region Pathways Program Manager for Software and Digital Technology Strategy and Performance. He has since moved into the Global Supply Chain Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) organization to manage Supplier Diversity programs. Currently, Terrell is responsible for corporate oversight and administration of the company’s MentorProtégé, Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR), Historically Black Colleges/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI), and Indian Incentive and Ability One programs.
RICHARD TARGET
VICE PRESIDENT, TALENT OFFICE, OPTUM
Rick works in the Optum Talent Office, leading Optum’s early career programs. The early career team is accountable for developing and executing programs across Optum. Optum invests heavily in developing
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the next-generation workforce to allow the organization to achieve its full potential. Rick’s team drives these programs and is obsessed with creating an incredible employment experience. Developing and engaging our early career program participants. Not only does it allow us to attract the best talent in the market, but it also allows them to achieve their greatest potential while connecting them towards Optum’s mission of “helping people live healthier lives and helping make the health system work better for everyone. Rick’s background is in technology, and before this role, Rick was instrumental in developing and scaling Optum ‘s Technology Development Program as a leader in the tech organization.
Rick graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Management Science and Information Systems and St. Thomas University with an MBA focused on health care. Before Optum, Rick worked as a consultant at Accenture on large system integration and ERP implementation projects. Rick resides outside Philadelphia, PA, with his wife and three kids.
EDGAR PEREZ
HBCU/HSI STRATEGIST, GLOBAL D&I TEAM, ORACLE
Edgar Perez (he/him/his) is a Sr. C&I
Consultant and the HBCU/HSI Strategist for the global C&I team at Oracle. His goal is to help lower barriers to entry in tech and provide resources to underrepresented students. Edgar works with executives and various Oracle stakeholders to ensure authentic and impactful engagement at HBCUs and HSIs.
Edgar also manages the Future Leaders Program at Oracle, which strives to help grow students’ technical, interpersonal, communication, strategic, and corporate skills, which will help them prepare for future internships and careers in tech. He also manages strategic partnerships, providing Oracle employees and ERGs access to resources and best practices.
Before joining Oracle, Edgar spent 15 years working in academia. His academic experiences include admissions, business faculty, career coaching, employer relations, experiential learning, recruiting, student advising, and university marketing. His academic and student affairs experiences have allowed him to work at various institutions, including small private nonprofit schools, large state systems, and R1 universities.
Edgar received his MBA in organizational leadership from Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. He currently resides in Tennessee with his wife and daughters.
ODETTA SCOTT
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS AND QUALITY, RTX
Odetta Scott, a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, serves as an Engineering Discipline Chief Lead Associate Director for Collins Aerospace (CA), a Raytheon Technologies (RTX) division. Odetta leads a team of Engineering Discipline Chiefs, enhancing technical processes and achieving consistent engineering performance to improve the bottom line. Odetta is passionate and tremendously dedicated to activism for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She has served as the Committee Chair for Leading Inspired Females in Technology (LIFT) Recognition and Retention and Advocacy Council. Its mission is to create an environment where women can achieve extraordinary outcomes by bringing their authentic selves to work daily. As the Engineering African American Advocacy Council Development Programs Chair, she led the team to develop the STEM pipeline for executive talent. Odetta also serves as an RTX Board of Directors member for Advancing Minorities’ Interests in Engineering (AMIE). Her commitment drove her to co-found a woman-owned consortium whose vision is accelerating women in STEM,
WeTECH Rocks. She continues to push the DEI journey through her engagement with other small businesses and community activities. In addition, Odetta was recognized with the 2021 Diversity Leadership Award by the Women of Color STEM Conference and the Dave Barclay Affirmative Action Award by the Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM Conference in 2023. Odetta also received the Collins Supply Chain Diversity Equity and Inclusion Ambassador Award in April 2023. In 2024, she was named STEM Woman of the Year by Women in STEM Leadership (WISL).
Odetta obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Texas A&M University. She received her MBA from Jackson State University and a Master of Science in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.
THEODORE A. BROWN
P.E., DIVISION CHIEF, PROGRAMS INTEGRATION DIVISION, U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
Mr. Brown was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in January 2009.
Since September 2022, he has served as the Chief Programs Integration Division. Mr. Brown has the principal responsibility for policy development, articulation and execution to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) divisions and districts for the development, defense and execution of the annual and supplemental Civil Works program across all accounts (Investigations, Construction, Operations and Maintenance) and business lines (Navigation, Flood Risk Management, Ecosystem Restoration and Hydropower).
Executing these responsibilities for the Civil Works Program of over $90 billion requires the integration and reconciliation of the policy perspectives of Planning, Engineering, Construction/Operations, Real Estate, and Contracting and working closely with senior Administration officials, congressional leaders, and project partners. Before this assignment, he served as
the Director, Regional Business, South Atlantic Division, USACE. He provided executive strategic leadership and technical expertise for the Division which executes engineering, design, construction, and project management for civil works, military construction, International, and Interagency Service and environmental programs for all or part of eight southeastern states, the Caribbean and South America, with a workload that exceeded $5 billion and managed by a workforce of 3500.
Mr. Brown also served as the Chief of Planning and Policy Division in the Headquarters, HQUSACE Washington, D.C. from January 2009 until November 2017. He also served as the Leader of the Mississippi Valley Division and Southwestern Division Regional Integration Team in Headquarters. In this position, he served as the leader of the USACE-wide Planning Community of Practice and was responsible for the formulation and coordination of Army Civil Works policy with the Department of Army, Federal agencies, and Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Mr. Brown was also responsible for leading efforts in the development and implementation of Water Resources Development Acts and served as the Principal Civil Works point of contact with congressional authorizing committees on policy and planning matters. He also served in this position in an acting capacity from November 2007 – May 2008.
DR. DERREK DUNN
DEAN, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
Dr. Derrek B. Dunn is the Dean of the School of Business and Technology and a Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Technology at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, MD (www.umes.edu/sbt). Before returning to the UMES, Dr. Dunn held administrative positions at Alabama A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Savannah State University.
As Dean, he is responsible for the academic and administrative leadership of the School and promotes excellence in teaching, service, advising, and research; encourages high professional
and educational standards; ensures the appropriate application of university policies, including those related to faculty and students; proactively resolve conflicts and issues that may arise within the School; guide five (5) department chairpersons on matters related to curriculum development and evaluation. Additionally, he leads the school in planning strategically for its future growth and expansion through effective budget management and resource allocation, obtaining financial resources from external sources, providing leadership for student learning outcomes assessment, and monitoring specialized programmatic accreditation.
Dr. Dunn holds the following academic degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; a Master of Science in Aviation Management and Logistics from Kent State University; a Master of Construction Management
from Western Carolina University; a Master of Science in Technology Management from East Carolina University; a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Science in Mathematics and a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).
Dr. Dunn has extensive experience with program-specific accreditation as a faculty member, chairperson, dean, or associate vice president. He has been involved with specialized program accreditation agencies such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the American Council on Construction Education (ACCE), the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) the forerunner to Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). These experiences not only extend to program preparation for accreditation visits but also can serve as a member of the visiting teams for ABET, ACCE, and ATMAE accreditation visits. In addition to his experience with specialized program accreditation, he has been involved in regional accreditation preparation and campus visits as a
faculty, chairperson, and dean.
Dr. Dunn teaches Construction Management, Cybersecurity, Global Positioning Systems, Safety Systems, and Wireless Communication Systems.
DR. DEVDAS SHETTY
UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Dr. Devdas Shetty serves as Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia and as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Shetty is a world-renowned scholar, educator, and outstanding academic administration leader whose career has spanned over 35 years in several countries. He previously served as Dean of Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Michigan, Dean of Research, and Vernon D Roosa Manufacturing Professor at the University of Hartford, Connecticut. As the Director of the Engineering Applications Center, he was responsible for research partnerships with more than 50 companies. He also held faculty positions at the Albert Nerkin School of Engineering at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York.
Dr. Shetty has a stellar scholarship record, including authorship of four engineering textbooks. His textbooks on Mechatronics and Product Design are widely used as textbooks in many universities around the world. He has authored over 250 scientific articles & journal papers and proceedings. He holds six patents. His research work has contributed to understanding mechatronics and intellectual achievements in product design and surface measurement in the
aerospace industry. Major projects led by Dr. Shetty include a partnership with Albert Einstein College for his innovative ambulatory system for supporting patients during rehabilitation, the successful design of gun-launched hybrid projectiles with the US Army’s Research division, and fundamental contributions in laser manufacturing. The cutting-edge curriculum of integrating engineering with humanities and social sciences that Dr. Shetty developed using support from the National Science Foundation has emerged as a national model.
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Since joining as the Dean at the University of the District of Columbia, Dr. Shetty has doubled the student enrollment, started a new bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, two master’s degrees, and the first Doctoral Degree in Engineering and Computer Science. He successfully led ABET re-accreditation for four engineering and computer science programs, spearheaded scholarships, and research activities, which have amounted to more than 30 million dollars.
His leadership in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has resulted in several university awards at national and international competitions. He has also established partnerships with several companies in the USA and universities abroad.
Major honors received by Prof. Shetty include the James Frances Bent Award for Creativity, the Edward S. Roth National Award for Manufacturing from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineering National Faculty Award, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Honor Award, the 2019 Distinguished leadership award from UDC and Fellowship and lifetime achievement award in Industrial Engineering from the International Society of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management(IEOM). He is an elected member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.
DR. DAWIT HAILE
PROFESSOR, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS, DEAN, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
AND TECHNOLOGY AND INTERIM PROVOST FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Dr. Dawit Haile is a Computer Science and Mathematics professor at Virginia State University (VSU). He serves as the Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology and interim Provost for Academic Affairs. Over the past three decades,
he has made significant contributions in both industry and academia, including previous appointments at Xavier University and Southern Illinois University.
During his tenure as chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Dr. Haile introduced undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science and bolstered its research capabilities in diverse areas such as machine learning, data mining, and cyber security. Dr. Haile’s dedication to excellence has earned him many accolades, including a prestigious Bank of America Outstanding Faculty award. His research interests encompass many topics, including combinatorics, graph theory, neural networks, and data mining. He has published journal research articles, contributed book chapters, and chaired various conferences. He has secured over $25 million in grant awards to support his research and project endeavors. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and chairs the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems board. He is appointed to the Commonwealth’s Manufacturing Development Commission to serve a third consecutive four-year term. Dr. Haile is affiliated with the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Mathematical Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.
Dr. Haile earned a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in computer science from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a master’s in mathematics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He resides in Chester, Virginia, with his wife and two children.
JOYCE T. SHIRAZI, D.SC.
DEAN, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND AVIATION, HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Dr. Joyce T. Shirazi, Dean of the School of Engineering, Architecture and Aviation at Hampton University, has a long and distinguished career in higher education and industry. She leads a skilled team of faculty and staff to ensure Hampton is a leader in STEM-related fields. She has a diverse mix of business and academic experience. She has managed projects in each sector and has a wide range of career experience, including senior vice president, chief of staff, chair, program director, professor, specialist, and engineer. This includes twenty years with Fortune 500 corporations and two decades in higher education leadership. She served in both faculty and staff positions in the
University System of Maryland, including senior vice president and chief of staff in the Office of the President, Chair of Information and Technology Systems, Program Director and Professor for Engineering Management, MBA, Management of Information Systems, and Technology Management in the Graduate School at University of Maryland Global Campus. She has design experience in multinational corporations, including offshore oil platform structures, airplanes, and environmental systems in countries worldwide. She is a licensed, professional civil engineer (PE) with a BS in Civil Engineering from Howard University, an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee, a D.SC. in Environmental and Engineering Management from George Washington University, and executive leadership training from the Institute for Educational Management, Harvard University.
J.T. (TED) CHILDS, JR.
PRINCIPAL, TED CHILDS LLC
In August 2006, J.T. (Ted) Childs, Jr. retired from IBM after a distinguished 39-year career as a corporate Human Resources team member. Upon retiring, he founded Ted Childs®, LLC.
In 2006, Working Mother Media announced The Ted Childs Life / Work Excellence Award, to be given annually to the individual who, through distinctive performance, has contributed to the field of Life / Work in the business community.
In 2009, Ted delivered the keynote address for the Danish Institute for Human Rights Awards Ceremony in Denmark and one of the two keynotes at the Third European Community Equality Summit in Stockholm, Sweden.
In May 2014, Ted was inducted into the HistoryMakers, the nation’s largest collection of African American video and oral history.
In May 2017, Ted was recognized at the 25th Anniversary Tanenbaum Annual
Awards Gala with the Inspiration Award, recognizing his support of Tanenbaum and their work in addressing religious diversity in the workplace. Ted became a member of The National Academy of Human Resources in 2001 and received Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degrees from Pace University (2001), West Virginia State University (2003), and Our Lady of the Elms College (2005). Ted holds life memberships in the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, and the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society.
DR. EUGENE M. DELOATCH
FULL PROFESSOR AND DEAN EMERITUS, CLARENCE M. MITCHELL, JR. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Before beginning his service as Professor and Inaugural Dean of the Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering at Morgan State University (1984–2016), Dr. Eugene M. DeLoatch completed twenty-four years of affiliation with Howard University in Washington, D.C. During his last nine years at Howard. He led a department that granted baccalaureate degrees to more African American engineers than any school in the country. He has a baccalaureate in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering (E.E.) from Tougaloo College and Lafayette College, respectively. He also holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the New York Polytechnic University. In recognition of his many years of effective service to engineering education, Dr.
DeLoatch has been awarded Honorary Doctorates by Lafayette College (1984), Binghamton University (2004), and Tougaloo College (2017).
Dr. DeLoatch became the first African American to serve as President of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), the world’s most prestigious engineering education organization, during the ASEE’s 2002-2003 activity year. He is a Life Member and Fellow of the Society, founded in 1893.
Of his most cherished recognitions, Dr. DeLoatch lists the 2017 Black Engineer of the Year Award, the 2016 Tau Beta Pi Distinguished Alumnus Award, the 2015 AMIE Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2014 ABET Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity. 2017 Dr. DeLoatch became a 2017 National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee. In 2019, he was selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the NSBE/BMAC Legacy Achievement Award at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum - (National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Baltimore Metropolitan Area Chapter (BMAC).
DR. TYRONE D. TABORN
PUBLISHER, CHAIRMAN, AND CEO, CAREER COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Career Communications Group (CCG) is a minority-owned media services company that connects top technology talent to
employers with the potential to fulfill their career goals. Over more than a quarter of a century, CCG has built solid and lasting partnerships with America’s top companies, government agencies, and educational institutions through its magazines, the internet, and conferences that promote the achievements of minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Taborn is the founder of the Foundation for Educational Development, which aims to raise awareness of technology literacy in minority communities across America. The foundation’s programs—Black Family Technology Awareness Week, La Familia Technology Awareness Week, and the Native American Family Technology Journey— aim to bring families into the digital age through computer literacy workshops.
His current and past board affiliations include Women Legislators of Maryland Foundation Inc., Baltimore Partners for Enhanced Learning, Maryland Black Caucus Foundation Inc., Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE), and the Granville Academy. He is also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and the State’s Legislative Black Caucus honored Taborn with a 2008 Living History Award in Engineering, Science, and Innovation. Taborn was recognized for outstanding contributions to his field and the State of Maryland. He was one of three individuals to receive the award.
Taborn holds honorary degrees from Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a Bachelor of Science from Johns Hopkins University.
LYDIA LOGAN
IBM GLOBAL VICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, IBM CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Lydia Logan leads IBM’s community and university skilling initiatives that create more inclusive and effective schools and workforces. Her programs help fulfill IBM’s pledge to skill 30 million people worldwide by 2030, particularly those from historically underresourced, underserved, and underrepresented communities. Ms. Logan develops and manages strategic global partnerships with IBM’s clients, non-profit organizations, government, and content and curriculum developers that relate to education and career readiness. She applies her decades of leadership and programmatic expertise in philanthropy, education, public policy, and economic development for this role.
These experiences inform Ms. Logan’s strategic development and execution of acclaimed global career readiness programs such as IBM SkillsBuild.
Before IBM, Ms. Logan successfully spearheaded education initiatives while serving in senior leadership roles at Verizon, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, and the Kimsey Foundation. Ms. Logan holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.
ADVANCING MINORITIES’ INTEREST IN ENGINEERING
About 12% of the U.S. population is African American yet just over 5% of engineering professionals are African American.
STAFF
Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering
VERONICA L. NELSON Chief Executive Officer
AVALYN
PACE
Strategic Program Manager
“ADVANCING DIVERSITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
2024 AMIE PARTNERS & ASSOCIATES
Where meets INSPIRATION INNOVATION
At Idaho National Laboratory, our discoveries help ensure safe, sustainable power. From researching electric vehicle technology to advancing nuclear energy, we've been at the forefront of scienti c breakthroughs for over 75 years.
Join us and be inspired to push the boundaries of what's possible. Our collaborative environment fosters creativity and drives progress toward a brighter, more secure future.
INL is a proud supporter of Advancing Minorities' Interest in Engineering. www.inl.gov/careers
NOTES
CONTACTS:
Veronica L. Nelson
Chief Executive Officer, Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE)
5200 Perring Parkway Baltimore, Maryland 21251
Email: Executive_Director@ amiepartnerships.org
Alternate Email: veronica.nelson@morgan.edu
Avalyn Pace
Strategic Program Manager, Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE)
