2020 US Black Engineer & Information Technology | CONFERENCE - VOL. 44, NO. 1

B E YA 3 4 :

T H E

G L O B A L

C ATA LY S T

F O R

C H A N G E

BEYA’S

34TH BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

Meet the Army’s Top Defender of Information,

LT. GEN. BRUCE T. CRAWFORD

INSIDE:

Lt. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford Chief Information Officer/G-6 United States Army

USBE&IT Conference Issue 2020 www.blackengineer.com

200+ Modern-Day Technology Leaders 100+ BEYA Awardees Career Outlook: Careers and Trends in the BlueCollar STEM industry

Tamika Jones Mechanical Engineer

VETERANS MAKE US BETTER.

Boeing YOUR FUTURE IS BUILT HERE Join a diverse team that is united in pushing the boundaries of imagination and excellence. Come shape the future with us.

boeing.com/careers Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Together.

Apple is proud to support the 34th Annual BEYA STEM Conference and your goal

to create connections across the industry through education, access, and community.

Š 2019 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS

FEATURES

US BLACK ENGINEER & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BRINGING TECHNOLOGY HOME TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY

COVER STORY 26

How Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, the 34th Black Engineer of the Year, learned a determined leader can make a difference.

2

32

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

51

2020 LEGACY AWARD HONOREES

60

2020 MODERN-DAY TECHNOLOGY LEADERS

70

2020 SCIENCE SPECTRUM TRAILBLAZERS

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

PUBLISHER'S PAGE VOLUME 44 NUMBER 1

DEPARTMENTS People and Events.............. 6 The latest news on retirements, promotions, save the dates, and other current events in military and defense.

One on One ....................... 10 Anthony Mitchell reflects on his awardwinning year and has tips for the 34th Black Engineer of the Year.

Education .......................... 14 Ten tips to help you land a job offer through an internship.

Corporate Life ................... 18 How do you lead with integrity and conviction? USBE shows you the best path.

Career Voices ....................22

Three achievers share their career insights on success.

Leading Voices...................74

• Ted Childs - LA Times Op-ed • Capt. David Bridges - Encouraging our Youth into Aviation • Jem Pagán - Inclusion in Inclusion and Diversity

LEADING IN DEFENSE OF THE NATION It’s the 2020 BEYA Conference. This is Black Engineer magazine’s Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) issue, and the publisher, Career Communications Group, Inc., has joined together with, as it has for the past three decades, the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Lockheed Martin Corp., and other sponsors to celebrate achievements in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

With the start of a new decade, Career Communications Group (CCG) is as committed as ever to inspiring and motivating people through trusted groups, institutions, and individuals across the country. During this year’s conference, our theme “The Global Catalyst for Change: Making the Untapped Potential” symbolizes CCG’s dedication to promoting diverse opportunities in the digital era.

As in previous years, students from the nation’s two-year and four-year institutions will meet mentors and recruiters at the STEM Career Fair, as well as help celebrate the award winners. They will be joined by elementary, middle, and high school students in our pre-college program, so another generation of Americans will be motivated to pursue STEM careers. We hope that every young person at BEYA will get CCG’s new Becoming an Engineer publication to take home. This is a must-have career guide for STEM activities year-round.

Since our founding 34 years ago, BEYA has been the incubator for our innovation nation, contributing to new ideas, discovery, and imagination in professional and business services, manufacturing, retail, the government, military, defense, finance, and insurance. We continue to enrich our view of our destiny as contributors to our nation’s future. Bear witness to BEYA’s indisputable legacy. The best is yet to come.

Tyrone D. Taborn Publisher and Chief Content Officer

18

NOW THE MOST READ BLACK TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE REACHING OVER 100,000 READERS IN THE UNITED STATES, UK, AND SOUTH AFRICA

www.blackengineer.com

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

3

SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 11-13, 2021 Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel • Washington, DC

www.beya.org

35

The

th

For more information, call us at 410-244-7101 Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/BEYASTEM Follow us on Twitter: @BlackEngineer

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Tyrone D. Taborn, CEO and Chief Content Officer Jean Hamilton, President and CFO Alex Venetta, Associate Publisher, Manager of Partner Services Eric Price, Vice President, Recruitment and Professional Training EDITORIAL AND CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rayondon Kennedy, Managing Editor Lango Deen, Technology Editor Michael Fletcher, Contributing Editor Gale Horton Gay, Contributing Editor Garland L. Thompson, Contributing Editor Roger Witherspoon, Contributing Editor GRAPHIC DESIGN Beverly Wladkowski, Art Director Bryan Davis, Digital Director Rachael DeVore, Digital Channel Manager Joe Weaver, Global Design Interactive CORPORATE AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, CCG Alumni Committee Chair and President Dr. Eugene DeLoatch, Chairman, BEYA Alumni Group Vice Admiral Walter J. Davis, USN (Ret.) National Chair, BEYA Military Alumni Oliver “Bo” Leslie, Retired Program Manager, Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions, Boeing Monica E. Emerson, Women of Color STEM Conference National Chair Matt Bowman, CCG Military Program Manager, Stars & Stripes Committee; Executive Director/Chief of Staff for VADM Walt Davis, USN (Ret.) Ty Taborn, Esq., Corporate Development SALES AND MARKETING Gwendolyn Bethea, Vice President, Corporate Development Kameron Nelson, Account Executive Jay Albritton, Social Media Specialist JOBMATCH AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Ashley Turner, Recruitment Team Manager Courtney Taborn, Talent Management Specialist Rod Carter, Recruitment Specialist, College Relations Shelia Richburg, College Coordinator CONFERENCE AND EVENTS Ana Bertrand, Conference Coordinator Jennifer Roberts, Customer Success Manager Brandon Newby, Administrative Assistant Toni Robinson, 360 MMG Rutherford & Associates 17304 Preston Rd Suite 1020 Dallas, TX 75252 ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE

Career Communications Group, Inc. 729 E. Pratt Street, Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 244-7101 / Fax: (410) 752-1837

US Black Engineer & Information Technology (ISSN 1088-3444) is a publication devoted to engineering, science, and technology and to promoting opportunities in those fields. US Black Engineer & Information Technology cannot be responsible for unsolicited art or editorial material. This publication is bulk-mailed to colleges and universities nationwide. Subscriptions are $26/year. Please write to US Black Engineer & Information Technology, Subscriptions, 729 E. Pratt St., Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202. Copyright © 2019 by Career Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/BEYASTEM

Follow us on Twitter: @BlackEngineer

NetApp is a Proud Sponsor of the 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Conference Empowering Our Customers to Change the World with Data NetApp is the Data Authority in hybrid cloud. We are uniquely positioned with the most innovative portfolio and unsurpassed expertise to help customers create the data architecture and hybrid cloud data services needed to unleash the full potential of their data.

Belonging at NetApp We celebrate the diversity of perspectives, cultures, traditions, and experiences our employees represent to drive innovation, engagement, collaboration, and business success.

Congratulations to the 2020 BEYA award recipients for their outstanding achievements!

• • • •

Charles Hicks — Manager, Customer Assurance Program Chester Oates — Academy Solutions Engineer Edward Shepard — GEM Manager Jeannette Boyd — Project Manager -Secure CSR/Dispatch

• • • •

Kathy Coencas — Sr. Manager, Program Management Ken Boney — Sr. Manager, Marketing Technology Office Rodney Scurlock — QA Architect Tymeka Whiteside — Project Manager, KB Programs

Join us to unleash the power of data to make an impact to the world. https://www.netapp.com/careers

Follow us at LifeAtNetApp on

PEOPLE & EVENTS

by Lango Deen ldeen@ccgmag.com

BEYA WINNER IS THE NEW CEO OF BOEING GLOBAL SERVICES

T

ed Colbert, a Cyber Visionary Trailblazer Award winner at the BEYA STEM Conference in 2010 and 2012, was appointed CEO of Boeing Global Services in 2019.

Colbertis a member of the Boeing Executive Council. In his prior role as chief information officer (CIO) of information technology and data analytics, he supported the growth of Boeing’s business through IT and analytics. Previously, he led the IT organization, maintaining the network, computing, server, and storage.

Before that, he managed computing application systems that support Boeing business units. Colbert earned a dual degree at Georgia Institute of Technology and Morehouse College, majoring in industrial and systems engineering. Before joining Boeing, Colbert worked for Ford Motor Company’s IT organization, where he championed campus recruiting, career development, and community service.

6

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Left to right: Ted Colbert, Linda Gooden, and James Dalton

2006 Black Engineer of the Year inducted into hall of fame Linda Gooden was inducted into the Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame (MCBHOF) on Oct. 29 at The Universities at Shady Grove.

The accolade celebrates people who have made a positive impact on the Montgomery County business community, according to MCBHOF. Gooden, who retired as executive vice president of Lockheed Martin, was elected chair of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents in 2018.

The 21-member Board of Regents oversees the academic, administrative, and financial operations of the system’s 12 institutions. An MCBHOF statement said the event had raised more than $1 million for scholarship programs at The Universities at Shady Grove, which brings Maryland public universities and academic degree programs directly to Montgomery County.

BEYA winner recognized as ‘distinguished alum’ during N.C. A&T convocation James C. Dalton, who won a BEYA in 2007 for Career Achievement, was honored as a distinguished alumnus at North Carolina A&T State University during its fall convocation. Dalton’s career began in 1978, soon after he graduated from North Carolina A&T with a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering. He is currently the director of civil works at Headquarters, United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

As director of the Army Civil Works Program, Dalton oversees more than 25,000 employees in the Army Civil Works, a $6 billion annual program of water and related land resources of the United States. Dalton also represents the USACE in the United Nations Advisory Board High-Level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water.

www.blackengineer.com

The collection of life lessons from two generations of submarine sailors covers their career highlights with examples drawn from nearly 60 consecutive years of military service in the United States Navy.

BEYA winners make Washington Post’s best-selling book chart Navigating the Seven Seas: Leadership Lessons of the First African American Father and Son to Serve at the Top in the U.S. Navy made the Washington Post’s “Washington Bestsellers” list. Written by retired Vice Adm. Melvin Williams and retired Master Chief Melvin Williams, the double biography has been in the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Professional Reading Program since 2012. The CNO program provides sailors and Navy personnel with recommended reading, which contributes to professional and personal growth. The collection of life lessons from two generations of submarine sailors covers their career highlights with examples drawn from nearly 60 consecutive years of military service in the United States Navy. S

www.blackengineer.com

EVENTS BEYA STEM GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS CONFERENCE February 13-15, 2020

Washington Marriott Wardman Park, Washington, D.C.

ITSMF SYMPOSIUM AND TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS April 2-4, 2020

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Atlanta, GA

GLF ANNUAL IT LEADERSHIP SUMMIT April 9, 2020

World Wide Technology World Headquarters St. Louis, MO

NAF NEXT 2020 July 12-15, 2020

Orlando World Center

42ND ANNUAL BDPA TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE & CAREER FAIR August 13-15, 2020 Location to be announced later

For more stories like these: l.ead.me/bbAyYy

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

7

AD

THE FIGHTING SPIRIT OF AN ENTIRE NATION

ENGINEER THE FUTURE TOGETHER At Booz Allen, we celebrate our diverse visionaries and influential innovators from systems engineers to cyber threat hunters, AI architects to change managers. We believe the diversity of our doers, drivers, and dreamers brings valuable perspectives to our work and that inclusion ensures those perspectives make for richer, more innovative solutions for our clients.

Learn more at BoozAllen.com.

Tony Mitchell: Booz Allen Executive Vice President and 2019 Black Engineer of the Year

ONE ON ONE

by Gale Horton Gay editors@ccgmag.com

2019 BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR LOOKS FORWARD

Tony Mitchell Executive Vice-President, Booz Allen Hamilton and BEYA’s 33rd Black Engineer of the Year

B

eing a self-described “introvert” hasn’t stopped Tony Mitchell from achieving success as an engineer and consultant. In fact, in addition to rising to the rank of executive vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, his accomplishments have caught the eyes of others. In 2019, he received the Black Engineer of the Year Award.

“It was a great honor serving as the Black Engineer of the Year,” said Tony. “It was a wonderful experience meeting students, leaders of academia, government, and our business community, and beyond that meeting so many great individuals.”

10

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

He added that he was warmly welcomed into the BEYA community.

“Across the board, people were very generous with their time,” Mitchell said.

“I feel like I have become a member of a community of leaders committed to helping the next generation succeed and committed to each other.”

individuals with various expectations.

Since his preferred modus operandi is working behind the scenes and accomplishing tasks with no fanfare, being in the spotlight was a new experience for Mitchell. In addition to the recognition he received at the BEYA conference, he found himself being asked to speak and attend “meet and greets” and interact with new

“It caused me to think about how I want to spend my time more focusing on providing opportunities for STEM and literacy and even leadership growth to segments of our population that are underserved,” he said.

“It has stretched me in a way I didn’t think it would,” he said. “It was overwhelming to be the center of attention.”

The recognition also gave Mitchell a greater sense of responsibility.

Mitchell has worked with Booz Allen Hamilton for 30 years, currently

www.blackengineer.com

“It was a great honor serving as the Black Engineer of the Year,” said Tony. “It was a wonderful experience meeting students, leaders of academia, government, and our business community, and beyond that meeting so many great individuals.” responsible for the company’s homeland security, department of justice, and transportation portfolio. His duties involve business development, strategy, delivery to clients, and operational and financial management functions.

Booz Allen Hamilton provides management and technology consulting and digital solutions to help Fortune 500 corporations and government agencies transform.

Mitchell did his undergraduate work in a co-op program at General Motors Institute, now Kettering University in Flint, MI, where he studied electrical engineering. He earned a master’s degree in engineering management from George Washington University.

His first job out of college was as a

www.blackengineer.com

telecommunication field engineer for Verizon. He then moved into management consulting, and it was a good fit.

“At my core, I am a problem solver,” he said.

Mitchell said his year as Black Engineer of the Year has increased his awareness.

“I am so impressed with the pipeline of talent and the quality of students and how critical historically Black colleges and universities are in maintaining that pipeline…and how they are investing and building their programs.”

For young people seeking his advice on charting their paths to success, Mitchell suggests:

•

•

•

Take ownership of your development, not only professionally, but also personally, and in ways to benefit others as well as yourself.

Build, sustain, and use your professional network. You never know when the connections you make and the relationships you build may be needed and could benefit the people around you.

Make it a habit or open yourself to learn from people who don’t look and think as you do. Diversity of opinion and thought expands horizons and helps you learn more definitively what is important to you.

who may “feel like they are lifelong friends—a wonderful brotherhood and sisterhood.”

Mitchell said his pessimistic outlook on the future was changed after his tenure as Black Engineer of the Year. Now he’s more optimistic about the future due to what he’s seen and experienced that’s left him enthusiastic and hopeful.

“Going into this year, I was pessimistic because of the climate we find ourselves in,” he said. “It’s hard to keep the glass half full. (Now) I am very optimistic. I have been impressed not only with the depth of technical skill sets and their commitment to excellence that I have seen from the students, but what caught my attention was their attention to being leaders and the understanding that…they are called to be leaders.”

Career isn’t the only aspect of life in which Mitchell has achieved success. He and his wife are parents of two adult children, and the couple celebrated its 35th wedding anniversary in November.

“Although it’s wonderful to have the accolades and to be celebrated as the Black Engineer of the Year, those things are the ones I am most proud of,” said Mitchell. S

Mitchell offers the next Black Engineer of the Year Award winner the following advice:

•

•

Enjoy the moment at the conference and gala. “It’s a big moment to rise to. It’s a memory I will cherish.”

Embrace the community. The experience allows you to connect with people from various fields

You can View Tony’s Special Moment Here! https://l.ead.me/bbMEIu

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

11

AD

ATT

EDUCATION

by George deGeyter editors@ccgmag.com

LISTEN UP INTERNS: 4 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET A JOB OFFER Internships are usually seen as one stop on the route to entrylevel jobs. According to a new study called the Student Employment Gap (see inset), however, most employers hire fewer than one in three of their interns for permanent postions.

M

ost employers also require that job applicants fresh out of college have at least one internship under their belt before they apply for a job.

Fortunately, there are enough internships to go around. It’s important, however, to know how to turn an internship opportunity into a full-time position. What follows are tips to help you successfully make the transition.

Gather information

An internship may be the lowest position at an organization, but you shouldn’t take that as a sign that you can come in with no knowledge of the company or its industry. You need to remember that internships are tryouts.

If you want to excel at your internship, you need to come in prepared. You should read up on the industry and the

14

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

company before you start so that your mentor doesn’t need to waste time coaching you on the basics.

Go over and above

Some interns will do what is asked of them, but no more. When everyone goes home at the end of the day after having done the bare minimum, it can help if you stay and keep working.

You’ll finish your work faster than your manager expects, and you’ll stand apart from everyone else. Staying on long past 5 p.m. can also help you find interesting projects. There are likely to be very few interns available to take on extra work past quitting time. You’ll have your pick of the best projects then.

Get your work noticed

Interns don’t always get attention. Even when you quickly complete the projects you are given and do more than you are asked, your manager will likely be too busy to notice it. It can help to bring to their attention what you’ve accomplished each day. All you need to do is to prepare a short description of the work that you complete each day and email it to your manager.

When your manager has actual proof of how well you’re doing, they’ll have no problem championing you when it’s time, at the end of the internship, for the company to hire you.

Socialize with co-workers

have so much to do that you don’t often find the time to interact with and get to know your coworkers. Whatever time you do get, it’s important to make good use of it, networking with people in every department and understanding how their work contributes to the success of the company. It’s important to demonstrate that you’re interested in the company and its people. When your internship winds down and it’s time to begin looking for a permanent position, these relationships can be of use.

When you are fresh out of college, internships can be a great way to get a foot in the door. You get to learn skills and demonstrate to the company how much value you offer with your enthusiasm, work ethic, and ability to network. When you help the company appreciate what you can do for them, your internship is likely to translate into real employment. S

Read about the study here: https://l.ead.me/bbLawR

When you’re an intern, you tend to

www.blackengineer.com

FREEDOM, SHAPED BY EXCELLENCE, INNOVATION AND COMMITMENT

Denise Bovastro

Tracey Cryer

Michael Dabney, Jr.

Dr. Dorian Newton

Modern Day Technology Leader

Modern Day Technology Leader

Modern Day Technology Leader

Educational Leadership – Corporate Promotion of Education

HI Brett Perkins

James Simmons III

Devon Stanley

Benford Stellmacher

Science Spectrum Trailblazer

Science Spectrum Trailblazer

Modern Day Technology Leader

Modern Day Technology Leader

Cliftoria Stokes

Towanda Tyler

James Young

Modern Day Technology Leader

Modern Day Technology Leader

Modern Day Technology Leader

Huntington Ingalls Industries proudly congratulates our 2020 BEYA award winners. These 11 outstanding employees from our Ingalls Shipbuilding, Newport News Shipbuilding and Technical Solution divisions are part of more than 42,000 employees worldwide who stand ready to help shape America’s freedom in the 21st century. Visit us at Booth #321 at the 2020 BEYA Conference.

Learn more about how you can join us at: www.buildyourcareer.com Equal Opportunity Employer | Veterans/Disabled Welcome | U.S. Citizenship Required For Most Positions

Mitre INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY FUEL OUR INNOVATION We’re looking for talent who are pushing the boundaries in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud, and systems thinking to join our team. Our inclusive community of innovators, learners, knowledge-sharers, and risk-takers offer a workplace culture where you can thrive, grow, and achieve. We are nationally recognized as an HBCU Top Supporter and by Computerworld and others as a Best Place to Work.

www.mitre.org/careers

At EY, we do everything we can to empower people to make an impact every day. We are proud to work with the innovators and game changers of today to create new legacies for the world.

Through a career at EY, you will become a builder of your legacy — for our clients, our communities and yourself.

Join our talent community: tinyurl.com/eyatbeya2020 Learn more: exceptionalEY.com #Imaginebetter

Š 2019 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved. | 1901-3010586 BEYA | ED None

Where do you start if you want to change the world?

CORPORATE LIFE

by Christopher Zacher editors@ccgmag.com

THREE QUALITIES THAT ALL GREAT LEADERS POSSESS Any great CEO will tell you that leadership is about more than just talent. After all, just being skilled and knowledgeable about your industry doesn’t mean you have what it takes to lead a team to success.

N

o, to be a great leader, individuals must possess a few other traits. They must have a vision and be able to inspire those around them to pursue that vision.

They also need to have a strong set of core values to guide them when the road ahead feels unclear.

So, if you’re hoping to climb the ranks of your industry, you’ll need a fair amount of technical know-how. And you’ll have to be savvy to the inner workings of your organization and industry. But if you want to be a truly effective leader, there are a few more traits you’ll have to possess.

Integrity

Good leaders have a solid moral compass. They know what’s right, what’s wrong, and where the lines are that they’re unwilling to cross. They use their values to motivate and inspire the people around them. It’s this sense of integrity that allows great leaders to garner respect from their co-workers.

18

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

“When people see that you’re genuine and that you have values, you’re going to get more out of them,” says Brenda Johnson-Turner, director of real estate for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, “They might not even be your best friend, but they’ll respect the fact that you care.”

And as she points out, it’s important to have people in your corner if you want to accomplish your goals as a leader. “I have a plaque on the wall of my office that says, ‘People First,’” she says. “The mission is important, but you need people to deliver that mission. Without them, you’ll never get anything done.”

Conviction

It takes a lot of work to achieve a leadership position. By the time you find yourself in a managerial position, you’ve probably spent years, if not decades, working toward it. So, you should be proud of your skills and confidence in your abilities, even if there are people around who doubt you.

Dr. Kelley A. Peatross, retired superintendent and current regional community affairs manager for Consumers Energy, says that as a woman of color, she’s often felt that the odds were stacked against her.

“As a woman, I have to be three or four times better than my counterparts,” she says, “and women of color have to be even better than that. We have to work harder than everyone else.”

Yet, Dr. Peatross acknowledges that her three decades of working against the odds have equipped her to lead other women in the same situation.

“I’ve spent most of my career working with people who don’t look like me,” she says, “so I’m good at navigating the game, and I can navigate it well. I try to inspire and teach others to go forward and play that same game.”

If you’re hoping to climb the ranks of your industry, you’ll need a fair amount of technical knowhow. And you’ll have to be savvy to the inner workings of your organization and industry. But if you want to be a truly effective leader, there are a few more traits you’ll have to possess.

Charisma

The best leaders are people who others enjoy being around. When we enjoy working with someone, we’re far more likely to trust their instincts and follow their lead.

That’s why charisma is such a valuable quality for leaders to possess— charismatic people can inspire action in the people around them. They’re able to instill a sense of purpose and motivation in the folks they work with.

“People need to see that you’re real, that they can touch you,” Dr. Peatross says. “If you build that type of relationship with the individuals around you, there isn’t anything they won’t do for you.”

www.blackengineer.com

Left to right: Aracely Godinez, Regional Marketing Director, Global Leasing, The Boeing Company; Kelley Peatross, Regional Community Affairs Manager, Consumers Energy; Brenda Johnson-Turner, Director of Real Estate, USACE; Shanna Sarsin, CEO, Sarsins LLC

When we think of charismatic leaders, we often picture confident, funny people with strong public speaking skills. But author and public speaker Shanna Sarsin points out that charisma also involves a fair amount of humility.

“When you’re humble in leadership, people are drawn to you,” she explains.

“They want to work around you.”

So, as a leader, you should never take your position for granted. A sense of gratitude will help you remain gracious and kind to the people around you. www.blackengineer.com

“Every night, I write down the things I’m grateful for,” Sarsin says, offering a piece of advice to new and aspiring leaders. “That puts me into a good space, which resonates with my team. If nothing else, they know that I genuinely care about them, and that’s the best charisma I can bring to the table.” S

To listen to more engaging sessions like this, be sure to visit our media page: https://l.ead.me/bbMEGH

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

19

BECOME AN AMERICAN HERO

EY

Pre-Register with NCC today!

Visit http://tinyurl.com/ybc7djnm or Text “NCCBEYA” to 202-804-3462

Whether you’re an engineer, project manager, or human resource specialist, you’ll have the unique opportunity to serve your country as a vital part of the team that’s building the next generation of technology for our Sailors and Marines. Explore our opportunities at NCC.USAJOBS.GOV.

U.S. Citizenship Required

Los Angeles World Airports Department of Building and Safety Bureau of Engineering, Public Works Department of Information Technology Agency Department of City Planning Port of Los Angeles LA Sanitation and Environment, Public Works Street Lighting, Public Works StreetsLA, Public Works Department of Transportation Department of Water and Power

AD

INCREASING INCREASING DIVERSITY DIVERSITY IN IN PUBLIC PUBLIC SECTOR SECTOR ENGINEERING ENGINEERING City of Los Angeles

lacity.org

CAREER VOICES

by Jessica Rafaeil editors@ccgmag.com

HOW THREE STEM LEADERS FORGED A PATH FOR OTHERS THROUGH FEARLESSNESS It takes courage and determination to forge a path for others, especially for minorities in STEMrelated careers. We caught up with three of the BEYA Professional Achievement winners to learn more about what has made their individual paths unique and challenging.

A

ll of the award winners have had a special journey to their current career positions, where they have had to face obstacles and move forward with resilience. While recent statistics have shown that Black students tend to give up on their pursuit of STEM-related degrees at a higher rate than white peers, Cedric Fletcher, Arik Brown, and Krystal McClain are all leading examples that there is ample opportunity for success for African Americans in STEM. Krystle Z. McClain started on the environmental engineering career path as a result of a Women in Engineering summer program during her undergraduate experience at the University of Maryland at College Park. Although pursuing a Bachelor

22

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

of Science in chemical engineering, McClain’s experience in the summer program piqued her interest in environmental stewardship and led her to begin exploring job opportunities in that field. With the click of a keyboard, she found herself on a career path with the Armed Forces.

“I went towards a career in the Department of Defense environmental compliance just by randomly posting my resume on Monster.com in 2007,” said McClain. “A small veteran-owned business had recently won a contract with Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. and the owners were seeking new employees.

Supporting the Armed Forces has been my career trajectory since being fortunate enough to become a U.S. civil servant in 2008 with the Department of the Army, and later on working for the Department of the Air Force, Air National Guard, and now the Department of the Navy.”

McClain acknowledges that her career has not been shaped all on her own.

When it comes to some of the role models and mentors in her life, she credits a number of leaders she has encountered along the way. Some of the names she mentioned include: Gerald Forest, her supervisor on the Walter Reed contract; Timothy Bridges, a retired Air Force colonel and member of the Senior Executive Service with the Air Force who was pivotal in encouraging McClain to receive her professional engineer (P.E.) license; Stephanie Hamlett, one of the first African-American women that she met in Department of Defense leadership, who taught McClain the importance of paying attention to detail and being unapologetic to one’s intelligence; and Commander Jason Wood, Civil Engineering Corps, U.S. Navy, who served as her Public Works officer at

U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, who taught her how to command respect by allowing work ethic and productivity to speak for her.

When asked about the proudest moments in her career, she reflects on the past four and a half years of being afforded the opportunity to work in Japan and be promoted to environmental program director for U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka and being able to share the recognition of her accomplishments with her team.

However, her biggest accomplishment is mentoring other African-American women and men pursuing engineering and other STEM careers.

“Some of the tips I would give students and young professionals is to be open to any and all opportunities, and do not be afraid to ask questions,” McClain said. “I made the mistake of not asking questions in my first job, which resulted in being fired as my supervisor did not feel confident in my ability. I did not ask questions because I was fearful of not bothering others, not knowing that senior-level employees are there for mentorship!”

She also wants the next generation of STEM leaders to know that they can seek a mentor who doesn’t have to look like them or be in the same career field. There is an opportunity to learn and grow from those with different experiences. Most importantly, remember your “why.” When times get tough, always be sure to recall why you are pursuing this career, and keep that reason at the forefront.

Cedric Fletcher is the engineering director cybersecurity and special missions area chief engineer at Raytheon Company. However, his background wasn’t in cyber but mechanical engineering. His willingness to take on new opportunities and

www.blackengineer.com

Krystle Z. McClain, Cedric Fletcher, and Dr. Arik Brown

fearlessly step into new areas outside of his scope of expertise are what have led him to his current positions with Raytheon.

“I was granted different opportunities along the way,” Fletcher said. “I never limited myself to what my traditional skill sets were. My background in mechanical engineering are what helped me better understand where technology and cyber is going, how it has developed, and how it has evolved.”

Being able to spread his wings and being selected for his current role at Raytheon is one of Fletcher’s proudest moments in his career. As for those who have helped get him to where he is, he credits his parents for always pushing him and believing in him.

He also named Duane Gooden, John Harris, Benjamin Harrell, Emanuel Brady, Dr. Amanda Goodson, Warren Wilderson, and Dave Hardesty— individuals within Raytheon who have reached different levels of leadership and have taught him lessons that he has carried with him both in his personal and professional life.

Fletcher wants to let young www.blackengineer.com

professionals and students know the importance of being prepared and staying current with technology, while always being willing to learn.

He also believes in the importance of networking outside of your current circle and putting yourself out there to be seen and noticed within your industry.

Dr. Arik Brown is a systems architect for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. He joined Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems in 2000, and since then has been involved in radiator designs, array pattern synthesis, system-level analysis of antenna architectures, and system architecture designs. This career trajectory could not have been possible without the fearless attitude he learned from his mentor, Francis William Hopwood, who he refers to as “Uncle Bill.”

“He taught me not to be afraid,” said Dr. Brown about his longtime mentor.

“I remember working on a project with him that required mechanical analysis.

I told him I didn’t have a background in mechanical engineering, and he looked at me and said, ‘So what?’ He taught me

not to fear things that are outside of my comfort zone.”

In addition to being recognized as a BEYA Professional Achievement recipient, Dr. Brown has been a Northrop Grumman Presidential Leadership Award recipient twice, has multiple technical publications, and has received several Trade Secret awards.

Despite the accolades, he believes that his biggest accomplishments have been giving back by mentoring and impacting youth and other people of color.

What is the best advice he gives young STEM leaders and students? Never be afraid to ask for help or to step outside of your area and learn a new assignment. Another big lesson he has learned along the way is to be willing to self-promote and advocate for yourself.

He wants others to remember to never look down or speak down on others, no matter what level you reach in your career. Lead by example and always encourage those around you. S

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

23

IBM

IBM would like to congratulate Bill Green, IBM Master Inventor, on receiving the Mark Dean Legacy Award.

IBM is a proud Sponsor of BEYA 2020 Please visit us at the career fair, booth #506.

Solve Something Important Leidos is a global science and technology solutions leader with a diverse workforce dedicated to solving the world’s toughest challenges in national security, health,and engineering.

Join us at leidos.com/careers

LEIDOS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT ITS 2020 BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARD HONOREES BEYA STEM Professionals Dr. Christopher Jones Legacy Award

BEYA Modern-Day Technology Leaders

Leidos

Jesse Peoples Chief Security Architect

Leonard Tyler Customer Advocacy & Service Activations Manager

Joan Antony Deputy Systems Engineering Manager

Karyta Barnes Information Systems Security Engineer

Darnell Brooks Desktop Support Manager

Don Courts Regional Operations Manager

Terence Coston Site Reliability Manager

Selvin Dottin Senior Project Manager

John Eubanks Transport Network Engineer Lead

Arnese Foster Senior Systems Engineer

Willie Lee Headquarters Customer Support Lead

Tony Mott Configuration Management Lead

BEYA Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award

Silas Porterfield Cyber Intel Analyst

Earl Reeves Regional Operations Manager

Kirk Powell Supervising Substation Engineer

A premier partner of BEYA An equal opportunity employer: disability/veteran © Leidos, Inc.

leidos.com

2020 BEYA BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

ARMY’S CIO SHARES HIS LT. GEN. BRUCE T. CRAWFORD CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER/G- 6 UNITED STATES ARMY

26

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 by editors@ccgmag.com

VISION HOW ONE DETERMINED LEADER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

With a $17 billion budget, Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford, chief information officer (CIO) of the United States Army, manages the world’s largest information technology enterprise from the Pentagon, the headquarters building of the U.S. Department of Defense.

R

aised by a single parent in Columbia, SC, Crawford was the oldest of four children by seven years. His mother worked shifts as a nurse’s aide, while his grandparents (his granddad was a carpenter) served as a backbone for the family in the deep South. They bought him encyclopedias that inspired him to dream of possibilities such as a career in architecture.

“In my senior year, I had been playing high school sports, and I was called in by the guidance counselor, as they do,” he told USBE magazine.

After that session, Crawford was convinced that with the sticker price of college, high school education was the most economical path to success.

However, a mechanical drawing instructor, who had taught the young man since eighth grade, had bigger dreams for this student.

Clarence Hill, a military veteran and Jackson State University graduate, had gone to school on the GI Bill, a law that created programs to assist military veterans. Apart from teaching in local schools, Hill, who later earned his Ph.D., taught engineering classes at South Carolina State University, founded in 1896 as the state’s sole public college for Black youth.

www.blackengineer.com

IT policies, and directs the delivery of C4IT capabilities to support warfighters and business users.

Under Dr. Hill’s guidance, Crawford learned about financial aid and prepared for the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) required for enrollment in the engineering program at South Carolina State University. Hill also talked about the benefits of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), the collegeand university-based officer training programs for training commissioned officers of the United States Armed Forces. That was a big selling point.

As the G-6, he advises the chief of staff of the Army on communications, signal operations, information security, force structure, and equipping.

‘In the Army’

Fast forward 33 years and the three-star Army general has served in leadership positions in the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. In previous assignments, he was commanding general of the Communications-Electronics Command; director of command, control, communications, and computers/cyber, U.S. European Command; commanding general, 5th Signal Command (Theater); and G-6, U.S. Army Europe in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Currently, as the Army’s CIO, Crawford reports to the secretary of the Army and sets the direction of the Army network and supervises all command, control, communications, and computers (C4) and IT functions. He also oversees the Army’s IT programs, manages enterprise IT architecture, establishes and enforces

“It’s an honor and privilege to do this job,” the general said. “My responsibility is strategy, policy, governance, and oversight of an almost $17 billion IT budget for the Army,” he explained. “It’s everything from what the soldier has in their hand to the enterprise. It’s all the things that have to do with information technology, whether it’s on a soldier, or it’s in an aircraft or a helicopter, or it’s on a tank. So, it’s a very interesting job, especially in the Information Age.” Crawford’s day starts at about 5:15 a.m. with physical fitness exercises. By 8 a.m., the general’s in the office. “It’s just like any executive position except that you’re here in the Pentagon with 23,000 of your closest friends,” he explained. “It’s about collaboration, guiding those who are responsible for implementing that vision throughout the Army.”

Recognizing that his job is probably one of the most challenging one can have, Crawford says it’s all about how data is being leveraged to make data-informed

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

27

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

decisions. “Every company is doing that,” he said. “Whether you’re Starbucks, or FedEx, or an IT company, it’s about integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).”

As a basic example of the central role AI plays in our lives, the general says he depends on an app on his smartphone to tell him how far he’s run and how far he must go.

“Integrating next-generation technology and empowering people to implement those capabilities across the Army is where I spend the vast majority of my time,” Crawford said. “The ability to communicate and articulate your vision is important.”

28

As the senior Signals officer in the Army (Signals is the IT community in the Army), being part of bureaucracy at the headquarters of the Army is probably no different than being the CIO of a large company, the general said. As a leader, Crawford is focused on setting an example for his staff of 46,000 soldiers in IT and another 15,000 civilians in support roles. Throughout the different conversations, across the depth and scope of his job, the general says one of the things he’s learned is, “It’s important to treat people with dignity and respect.”

At about 6:30 p.m., the general, a husband of 30 years to his wife Dianne, and father of Bruce Jr. and Corey, goes

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

home to his family. The general married his college sweetheart in 1988.

‘Mentors and heroes’

Crawford attributes his success to people like retired Brig. Gen. Velma “Von” Richardson, who most recently served as the vice president of Department of Defense Information Technology programs at Lockheed Martin. A serving board member for The Council for a Strong America, Richardson served in the U.S. Army for three decades, including as deputy commanding general of NETCOM, which installs, engineers, operates, and defends the Army’s Network and Command capabilities.

“I have known her since I was a captain www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 in the Army,” Crawford said. “We date back to 1992 when I had the opportunity to work with her. She was a lieutenant colonel and a commander at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. An amazing leader—the first African American and first female to be promoted to the grade of general officer in the history of the Army. The epitome of grace, strength, and a leader about people who continued to be a mentor even after she retired.”

Retired general Dennis Via, one of the first Signal Corps officers to achieve the four-star rank, also made a big impression early on in Crawford’s career.

“He’s a big thinker and always treated people with dignity and respect. Later in life, I held five of his old jobs before he went on to make history. He has served as a mentor of mine.”

3 TIPS FOR

SUCCESS

1. You determine success. Don’t allow people to determine success for you.

2. There are no shortcuts in life, so it’s always good to be prepared.

3. Have a passion because one determined leader can make a difference.

Circling back to Dr. Clarence Hill, Crawford said it’s important to recognize that one determined leader can make a difference in people’s lives. “These were people who could have looked the other way when I showed up, but they took an interest in me, and I would not be here without any of those three people.”

Growing up in Columbia, the general was also impacted by what he read in the volumes of encyclopedias his grandparents bought him. On the pages,

www.blackengineer.com

he was fascinated by presidents like Abraham Lincoln, who could get people who didn’t get along to get along for the good of the American people, statesmen like Frederick Douglass and his progressive perspectives on the equality of all people and race relations, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s leadership through national and global crises.

Crawford was commissioned through South Carolina State University’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program.

Other than the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, South Carolina State has produced more African-American generals and admirals than any other school in the country since 1951. In 1986, Crawford was ranked

No. 45 out of 5,000 cadets, graduating as a distinguished military graduate with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

To young people in the digital workforce, the general predicts that “Demand will continue to increase over time exponentially. Look for opportunities to combine creativity and innovation,” he urged. “Recognize, as it says in our recent National Defense Strategy, ‘innovation will no longer be about who gets there first,’” the general said. “It’s going to be about who’s able to leverage that technology and evolve technology over time.” S

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

29

Celebrating Achievement In Excellence Congratulations to our 2020 Black Engineer of the Year award honorees.

Samuel Williams, Jr. GEM Outstanding Young Alumnus/ GEM Student Leadership Award

At Northrop Grumman, our work with cutting-edge technology is driven by something human: the lives our technology helps protect. We invite you to join us, and unite in our mission to protect the world we live in.

Northrop

Dr. Monique Farrell Most Promising Engineer – Industry

Let’s do the work that matters - together.

Earl Benson

Patricia BouknightHamilton

DeShawn Brown

Fry Chidembo

Shanel Crusoe

Deborah Harris

Virgil Hutchinson

Michelle Lee

Dominique Melvin

Vincent Poteat

Rodney Warner

David Whitt

Ethelyn Williams

Walter Wright

© 2020 Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

NGB

2020 2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

BEYA

BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS by Kenneth Barnes Jessica Rafaeil Lango Deen

SINCE 1987, a long line of active-duty service members has been recognized at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA). Winners with accomplishments in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields come from the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Services, among others.

Several military officers have received the Black Engineer of the Year Award. The 1989 Black Engineer of the Year, Navy Capt. (retired) Donnie Cochran is the first AfricanAmerican aviator to serve as flight leader of the Blue Angels. The Lt. Gen. Joe N. Ballard Legacy Award at BEYA is named after the 1998 Black Engineer of the Year. Retired Lt. Gen. Ballard was then chief of engineers and commander, Army Corps of Engineers when he received the top award at BEYA. Lt. Gen. Albert J. Edmonds, who retired in August 1997, was the director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, and manager, National Communications System, when he received the 1996 Black Engineer of the Year Award.

Today’s world moves at a rapid pace because of information systems, which collect, process, store, and distribute information on service, people, roles, and technology. That’s why, in 2020, Lt. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford is Black Engineer of the Year. The three-star Army general becomes the fourth active-duty officer to win the Black Engineer of the Year Award.

For three decades, the BEYA has had a positive impact on the winners and the STEM communities they serve. More than 10,000 people have been nominated, 957 have received category awards, and 34 have been selected as Black Engineer of the Year. The conference has exposed more than 100,000 students to role models in STEM. Nominations for the prestigious award are judged by a panel of past winners and peer review groups.

Hosted by the Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine, the Council of Engineering Deans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Lockheed Martin, and Aerotek, the BEYA STEM Conference takes place each February during Black History Month. The event concludes with a gala, where top awards are presented. Category awards include Education Leadership, Outstanding Technical Contribution, Professional Achievement, Research Leadership, Student Leadership, and Technical Sales and Marketing.

32

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 Black Engineer Of The Year

LT. GEN. BRUCE T. CRAWFORD U.S. Army Chief Information Officer/G-6 United States Army

Career Achievement In Government

KANDIS Y. BOYD, PH.D., PMP Deputy Director, Office of Weather and Air Quality National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration CLAYTON TURNER Director NASA Langley Research Center

Career Achievement In Industry

MARCOS A. PURTY Plant Executive Director, Lansing Delta Township General Motors CAROLYN L. NICHOLS Director, Logistics & Sustainment Programs, V-22 Osprey Boeing Global Services, The Boeing Company

Community Service In Government

STEPHANIE KELLY JORDAN Scientist Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, U.S. Navy

Community Service In Industry

DEBRA D. CURRY Principal Engineer—Systems Engineering Bell KAMANI PADAYACHEE Business Process Analyst Boston Scientific Corporation

Dave Barclay Award For Affirmative Action GWENDOLYN Y. DOSS Software Engineering Manager The Boeing Company MAJ. THOMAS BISHOP Project Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Educational Leadership– CollegeLevel Promotion Of Education

SYLVIA WILSON THOMAS, PH.D. Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

www.blackengineer.com

Educational Leadership—Corporate Promotion Of Education

President’s Award

DORIAN G. NEWTON, D. ENG. Director, Technical Services Huntington Ingalls Industries

MICHAEL GORDON Vice President, Rotary Mission Systems Operations, Strategy & Infrastructure Lockheed Martin Corporation

GEM Outstanding Young Alumnus/ GEM Student Leadership

Professional Achievement In Government SHEANA WALTERS General Engineer Missile Defense Agency

SAMUEL L. WILLIAMS JR., PH.D. Principal Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering Northrop Grumman Corporation

PHILIP BAPTISTE Technical Project Manager, Branch Head Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific

Most Promising Engineer In Government

MAJ. SEAN SPENCE, USAR, D.ENG Commander, 416th Theater Engineering Command, U.S. Army Reserves Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton Adjunct Professor, University of Maryland Adjunct Professor, George Mason University

Professional Achievement In Industry

LT. JALEESA HARRIGAN RX Propulsion Division Officer USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), U.S. Navy

KELLY LIERZER Associate Director of Project Engineering, Adaptive Military Exhaust Programs Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Company

LARA SUAREZ Principal Cyber Operations Engineer The MITRE Corporation

Most Promising Engineer In Industry MONIQUE FARRELL, PH.D. Principal Materials Process Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation

C. ERIC FONVILLE, P.E. Vehicle Design, Development and Validation (VDDV) Engineer General Motors

MARK MCKELVIN, JR., PH.D. Senior Engineering Specialist The Aerospace Corporation

Most Promising Scientist

Senior Investigator

KIMBERLY MICHELLE STEWARD, PH.D. Discovery Chemistry Fungicide Group Leader Corteva Agriscience

Outstanding Technical Contribution In Government DEMICA WARE Cybersecurity/Interoperability Technical Expert Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force

Research Leadership

FRANCOIS NTONE, PH.D. Senior Technical Advisor, Computational and Experimental Fluid Dynamics Cummins Inc.

Technical Sales & Marketing

KENNEDY PEREIRA Area Vice President, General Manager AT&T Business Solutions, AT&T

Outstanding Technical Contribution In Industry NANDI LESLIE, PH.D. Engineering Fellow Raytheon Company

CHRISTOPHER R. REID, PH.D. Associate Technical Fellow The Boeing Company

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

33

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

Kandis Boyd, Ph.D., PMP

Clayton Turner

Marcos A. Purty

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY

Deputy Director, Office of Weather and Air Quality

Director

Plant Executive Director, Lansing Delta Township

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Dr. Kandis Y. Boyd rose through the ranks at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before becoming the acting director of a $64 million multidisciplinary scientific program management office. As deputy director, she manages the day-to-day operations of 23 diverse, award-winning team members to support the Research to Operations continuum. She is credited with creating the viral #WomenofNOAA campaign, which has garnered rave reviews and went viral within the first month.

Dr. Boyd serves on several boards and committees across NOAA including the Nursing Mothers Board, where she received a NOAA Administrator’s Award for her efforts to create the first lactation rooms at the Silver Spring Metro Center Campus, and the NOAA Fitness Center, where she served as board president for four of her eight years of service. She received her B.S. in meteorology from Iowa State University, as well as two M.S. degrees in water resources and meteorology, respectively, from Iowa State University. She also received her Ph.D. in public administration from Nova Southeastern University and an M.S. in project management from the George Washington University.

“I’m always elated to see her provide encouragement to her subordinates, and her ability to guide initiatives that advance the work of NOAA.” - Dr. Jamese Sims, senior physical scientist, NOAA 34

NASA Langley Research Center

“Mr. Turner is a strong supporter of organization and community activities, and is known throughout the center, agency, and the local community for his passion in developing the next generation of engineers.”

- David E. Bowles, director Clayton Turner is the deputy director at NASA’s Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA. Prior to this position, he served as the associate director where he was responsible for managing day-to-day operations with a focus on center commitments, while also being responsible for aligning Langley’s institutional resources and infrastructure to meet current and future NASA mission needs. Turner also served as the director of engineering directorate at Langley, where he was responsible for the conceptualization, development, and delivery of ground and flight systems in all NASA mission areas and for enabling future and maintaining current multidiscipline engineering capabilities aligned to meet NASA mission needs.

Throughout his career, Turner has been recognized with many prestigious industry awards including the Presidential Rank Award, the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal, and the Paul F. Holloway Non-Aerospace Technology Transfer Award. He is also an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Turner earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

General Motors

Marcos Purty is the General Motors Lansing Delta Township (LDT) plan executive director, where he leads the operations for the LDT Assembly Plant. He joined GM in 1994 at Pontiac East Assembly and has held positions in different manufacturing operations and engineering as well as sales and marketing within the U.S. and international assignments in Canada, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand. Purty was formerly the managing director of GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand.

He successfully led GM Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand through a period of transition, where the company rightsized the business to focus on Chevrolet’s core strengths in trucks and SUVs. His commitment to community advocacy is evident in his mentorship of GM employees, as well as finding time to develop local talent within his country assignments overseas. He is also an active participant with the American Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Purty received his B.S. in electrical engineering from Florida A&M University and an Executive M.B.A. from University of Southern California.

“I see a proven leader with strong people skills who achieves outstanding business results. I am fortunate to have him on my manufacturing team because he makes those around him more successful.” - Gerald Johnson, GM executive vice president of global manufacturing.

www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 Carolyn L. Nichols

Stephanie Kelly Jordan

Debra D. Curry

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY

COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GOVERNMENT

COMMUNITY SERVICE IN INDUSTRY

Director, Logistics & Sustainment Programs, V-22 Osprey

Scientist

Principal Engineer—Systems Engineering

Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, U.S. Navy

Bell

Boeing Global Services, The Boeing Company

“Her accomplishments, level of responsibilities, proven leadership, and long-time commitment to the industry and her community make Carolyn a most deserving candidate.” - Pat Cazeau, director, Boeing Verticals Executive Test Program Carolyn Nichols joined the Boeing Company after earning her undergraduate degree in electrical engineering as a radar systems engineer. Nichols has led projects and helped appointments spanning the globe, including as an F/A-18 avionics technical representative, RUAG Aerospace Company, Switzerland; a program manager, C-130 Avionics Modernization Program, Sweden; a director of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18 Growler Aircraft Programs, Australia; and director of the H-47 Chinook Helicopter Program for the United Kingdom.

As the director of logistics and sustainment for the V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor program at Boeing, she manages an operations budget of $1.3 billion and oversees a team of 250 employees and 130 suppliers. As a testament to her commitment to her profession, she took flying lessons so she could better understand the characteristics of flight and to enable her to speak more knowledgeably with Boeing and international test pilots.

Nichols received her B.S. in electrical engineering from Howard University, and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Washington University, St. Louis, MO and dual curriculum at Fudan University. www.blackengineer.com

Stephanie Kelly Jordan demonstrates community service both inside and outside of her role as an engineer and data scientist for the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic. As a STEM enthusiast and advocate, she works hard to make sure that opportunity is fairly given to people of color and women. She played a pivotal role in the recruitment process for interns and new hires, resulting in an increase in hires of women and people of color at NIWC. She frequently visits elementary and middle schools to show the students what a scientist at NIWC looks like and does. At high schools, she works with future college students to see the opportunities in STEM when pursuing their degrees. On weekends and evenings, she volunteers her time in support of Command STEM Outreach to help recruit minorities and continue to support STEM opportunities. Jordan received her B.S. in business information systems and computer science, and she is currently pursuing her M.S. in analytics from Charleston Southern University.

“Stephanie’s success at NIWC Atlantic influences the confiidence of other women who are just starting. They see where they can be one day and what they can achieve.” Elena Caraba, supervisor for business enterprise data science, NIWC Atlantic

Debra Curry serves as a Bell systems engineer. Curry also currently serves as the president and chair of the Bell African Ancestry Networking Group (BAANG).

Under her leadership, BAANG hosted an ACT/SAT preparedness/readiness camp over a four-week period for approximately 40 students. She also organized and hosted a math and engineering camp where students learned engineering principles. Curry is a founding member of Bell’s Education Outreach Committee and participates in the Bell Engineering Boot Camp Program.

Curry serves on the Board of Directors for the Building Future Families organization where she developed and coordinated a campaign that led to the Texas legislation that enabled prevention and early intervention services supporting the Family First Prevention Act for foster parents and families. She also volunteered her time with Dunbar High School in its participation in the River Legacy Park Cardboard Boat Regatta, where the students were challenged to design, build, and navigate boats made entirely of cardboard.

Curry has a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Prairie View A&M University and an M.S. in systems engineering from Southern Methodist University.

“She is a true champion for STEM education with a tireless commitment to serving our community.” - Gyna M. Bivens, Fort Worth City Council, District 5

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

35

OUR DIVERSE WORKFORCE TA K E S U S T O N E W H E I G H T S

MDA

M D A C A R E E R S : F I N D P R O F E S S I O N A L S AT I S F A C T I O N WHILE PROTECTING YOUR COUNTRY

L E A D O N E O F T H E G R E AT E S T T E C H N O L O G I C A L A C H I E V E M E N T S O F OU R T I M E .

DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER

DE

FENSE

A

SE

CY

MIS

EN

Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8415 (24 September 15)

N

R

TM

F

E

A

P

Learn more at MDAcareers.com Missile Defense Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. Citizenship required.

E

DE

Set your sights on a cutting-edge career working with the most dedicated and talented business, technical, and acquisition professionals. We offer excellent compensation packages and outstanding benefits, and our locations in Alabama, Colorado, and Virginia mean we have plenty of options to match your lifestyle.

L

G

At the Missile Defense Agency, we maximize individual strengths for the good of our mission — and that mission could be yours. Join us in developing, testing, and fielding a comprehensive, multilayered ballistic missile defense system. You’ll help protect our homeland, deployed troops, allies, and friends worldwide.

SI

MDA’s diverse workforce is an incredible asset. The unique experiences and perspectives of our team members can help us solve the technological challenges we face.

E ENT OF D

BEYA2020 Kamani Padayachee

Gwendolyn Y. Doss

Maj. Thomas Bishop

COMMUNITY SERVICE IN INDUSTRY

DAVE BARCLAY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

DAVE BARCLAY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Business Process Analyst

Software Engineering Manager

Project Engineer

Boston Scientific Corporation

The Boeing Company

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Kamani Padayachee is a business process analyst at Boston Scientific Corporation, where she has been for the past 11 years. In alignment with Boston Scientific’s diversity and inclusion local and global initiatives, she has made significant contributions to many activities that serve the community.

In 2014, Padayachee was on the team that established the MA STEM Council initiative at Boston Scientific, Marlborough. She held various roles including treasurer, ERG liaison lead, and captain (2019) of the STEM Council.

In collaboration with SAIL ERG, community engagement, and MA STEM Council, she was able to provide supplies and stationery to both children and teachers. In addition, she donated a library on wheels with STEM books, microscopes, and backpacks filled with stationery to every child on the first day of school. During 2019, Padayachee has successfully coordinated, hosted, and executed over 14 STEM events that have been sponsored by Boston Scientific and impacted more than 1,000 children from grades K-12. Her efforts have also reached across the ocean, as she was instrumental in shaping health care camps for the underprivileged community in India.

“Gwen is deeply committed to promoting diversity in the workplace and community, and she puts her convictions and passion into action.” - Pat Cazeau, director, Boeing Verticals Executive Test Program manager

Beyond being a project engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maj. Thomas Bishop is recognized for his steadfast advocacy of diversity, inclusion, and representation throughout his career.

Bishop was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. award and scholarship for diversity and academic excellence as a college student. After earning a commission as an Army officer and graduating college, Bishop became qualified as the unit’s equal opportunity leader, in order to facilitate equal treatment and a positive environment while he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Since then, Bishop has worked with veteran, nonprofit, and minority organizations to mentor and teach young students in Arkansas.

“Kamani is a stand-out individual with active engagement not only at Boston Scientific, but on a global level. She is an aspirational model of both community service and employee engagement.” - Camille Chang Gilmore, global chief diversity officer at Boston Scientific Corporation

www.blackengineer.com

Gwendolyn Doss is a software engineering manager at Boeing. After the loss of her daughter, Doss established the Marquia Lewis Foundation, a nonprofit organization named after her daughter that helps provide financial scholarships to African-American students who want to pursue higher education or study abroad. Doss volunteers her time with different community organizations including Delta Sigma Theta, Society of Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Boeing Women in Leadership, Boeing Black Employees Association, Boeing St. Louis Leadership Association, and the Boeing Believers in Christ. She actively works to attract minorities to Boeing by participating in STEM events including the Boeing Explorer program, the National Society of Black Engineers, First Robotics, and the Boeing Engineering Challenge.

Doss is also continuing her own education, currently earning her Executive Master of Business Administration from Washington University—St. Louis. She holds a Master of Arts in computer resources and information management from Webster University, and a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Grambling State University.

During graduate school, he tutored underprivileged minority children and veteran college students before he went on to accept a position as a writer and editor in Washington, D.C. His most recent efforts include acting as a member of USACE’s Contingency Response Unit (CRU) to bring opportunities for diversity and education throughout the organization, as well as an aggressive recruiting plan to help find and mentor minorities and women into USACE and the CRU. “He has been at the forefront in helping to recruit, promote, and shape diversity in USACE and the Army Reserve.” - Lieutenant General Todd T. Semonite, U.S. Army

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

37

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

Sylvia Wilson Thomas, Ph.D. EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP— COLLEGE-LEVEL PROMOTION OF EDUCATION Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

“Dr. Thomas has also worked tirelessly throughout a career of more than 30 years to ensure that others enjoy equal opportunities.” - Lawrence Morehouse, Ph.D., president and CEO of Florida Education Fund.

Dr. Sylvia Thomas is a nationally recognized advocate for advancing opportunities for women and minorities in STEM fields in higher education. In 2005, Dr. Thomas became assistant dean in the University of South Florida (USF) College of Engineering. Some of her achievements include serving as the keynote speaker for the United Nations NGO Briefing on “Girls and Technology: New Educational Opportunities,” the National Science Foundation Summer Intern Conference, and a Florida Senate appointment as member and first female chair of the Florida Education Fund Board of Directors.

She has served for more than 10 years as faculty advisor for USF’s student chapters of the Society for Women Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. She has been co-director of three National Science Foundation REU sites. She is also USF’s representative for the National GEM Consortium, which enables qualified students to pursue graduate education in STEM. Dr. Thomas holds a B.S. and M.E. in electrical engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Howard University.

38

Dorian G. Newton, D. Eng. EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP— CORPORATE PROMOTION OF EDUCATION Director, Technical Services Huntington Ingalls Industries

Throughout his more than 25-year career in military and civilian service in the Naval Nuclear Power Program and the Department of Energy, Dr. Dorian Newton has enhanced opportunities for minorities in STEM. Dr. Newton has established apprenticeship programs in partnership with government agencies. These provide training for employees. Dr. Newton also brought together a team of experts in workforce development, operations, and execution of Department of Energy—Office of Environmental Management and National Nuclear Security Administration contracts to enroll 24 students in three initial cohorts and implement an apprenticeship program for nuclear operators and apprenticeship programs for radiological control technicians and waste processing operators.

Dr. Newton also serves on the board of directors and steering committees for several regional economic and workforce development organizations and leads N3B’s corporate participation in the New Mexico governor’s 2019 STEM challenge scholarship program. Dr. Newton holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering technology from Old Dominion University, and an M.S. in systems engineering and D.Eng. in engineering management from George Washington University.

“Dr. Newton’s energy, vision, and passion for this process will be vital in improving the lives of New Mexicans for years to come.” - Bill McCarnley, secretary, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Samuel L. Williams Jr., Ph.D. GEM OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS/GEM STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Principal Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Engineering Northrop Grumman Corporation

Samuel Williams Jr. began his professional career as a mechanical design engineer for the United States Coast Guard, following his completion of undergraduate studies at North Carolina A&T University. His next work assignment was with NASA as a composite structural designer during his graduate studies with the Center of Aviation Safety on a specialized federal grant at the NASA Glenn Research Center.

He was recruited by the U.S. Army Vehicle Technology Directorate to participate as a fellow researcher on the Rotary Vehicle Structures Program. He currently serves as a mechanical engineer with Northrop Grumman Corporation. His recent achievements include completion of the Aerospace Project Management program at the California Institute of Technology, and he received NGC Bravo Award for Most Promising Engineer. Williams is a Ph.D. candidate at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

“Samuel is relentless in his pursuit of meeting his professional and academic goals. He has impressed me by his commitment and dedication to obtaining a doctorate in systems engineering while pursuing a commission into the U.S. Military Reserves and working full-time at Northrop Grumman. “ - Randy Bradley, director, E2/C2 Hawkeye Production IPT Lead at NGC

www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 Maj. Sean Spence, USAR, D.Eng MOST PROMISING ENGINEER IN GOVERNMENT Commander, 416th Theater Engineering Command, U.S. Army Reserves Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

Dr. Sean Spence, who is also a major in the U.S. Army Reserves, has balanced a civilian career in education, engineering, and consulting. As the task force engineer plans officer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Task Force Essayons (TFE), Dr. Spence worked with action officers and TFE leadership to plan USACE efforts. Throughout his time working with TFE, he utilized his vast engineer experience and Ph.D. in order to fulfill engineer requirements in theater. Dr. Spence is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and George Mason University teaching business courses while working as an international strategy consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in military science from the University of Central Florida. He obtained a Master of Science in engineering from the New York Institute of Technology before receive a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia and his Doctor of Engineering from George Washington University.

“Maj. Spence is a highly intelligent and versatile leader, transcending the expectations of an engineer officer, allowing him to divulge years of expertise and knowledge to the soldiers and peers around him.” - Kent J. Lightner, COL, EN, USAR

www.blackengineer.com

Lt. Jaleesa Harrigan

Monique J. Farrell, Ph.D.

MOST PROMISING ENGINEER IN GOVERNMENT

MOST PROMISING ENGINEER IN INDUSTRY

RX Propulsion Division Officer

Principal Materials Process Engineer

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), U.S. Navy

Northrop Grumman Corporation

“Selected to lead the most technically demanding division, Jaleesa provides exceptional management for two nuclear reactors onboard our nation’s capital warship. Her performance and qualification as a navy nuclear engineer officer earned her this coveted position and the respect of her peers and supervisors.” - CDR Megan Thomas, SWO(N) community manager Lt. Jaleesa Harrigan began her Navy career as a member of the George Washington University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), while attending Howard University.

In 2014, Harrigan earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and computer science. Upon completion of the Basic Division Officer Course, she served as a fire controls and communications division officer as she earned her surface warfare officer qualification. In 2016, Harrigan went on to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Training Command for training before continuing to the Nuclear Propulsion Unit.

There, she continued her surface warfare officer onboard the Moored Training Ship 635. Later, she was assigned as a reactor propulsion division officer. She is responsible for training five chief petty officers and 109 enlisted sailors in the operation and maintenance of two nuclear power propulsion plants. As propulsion plant watch officer, she is responsible for the safe operations of a Navy Nuclear Reactor Plant.

Dr. Monique Farrell currently serves as principal materials process engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where she has begun a legacy in STEM by combining her passion for engineering and love for teaching. With the completion of her bachelor’s degree in 2014, Dr. Farrell was accepted into Norfolk State University’s Center for Materials Research and obtained her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at 24 years old. Funded by the National Science Foundation’s flagship interdisciplinary training program, Dr. Farrell developed plasmonic-based visual biosensors to detect stable and denatured proteins for applications in pharmaceutics. Her dissertation work is published in Scientific Reports Nature and the Journal of Electrical Chemical Society.

As a NSF-funded trainee, she contributed to interdisciplinary research with Division 1 research institutions and presented best practices in STEM pedagogy at the National Educators Conference. She co-designed and taught an intensive graduate course in experimental design and technical writing and also volunteered to teach interactive STEM activities to K-12 students.

“In a very short time, she has shown exemplary results with respect to improving e-beam lithography processes, increasing competencies, and delivering desired project outcomes.” - David K. Lawson, engineering manager

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

39

This is the age when our diverse teams transform how the world connects.

Welcome to the Invention Age. It’s being fueled by our work on 5G and it’s going to unlock a rapid acceleration of new products and industries. It starts here, at Qualcomm, by fostering teams of individuals with unique perspectives and a drive to spark the next era of technological progress.

Qualcomm

Women in STEM at the National Security Agency

‘Amazing’ Network Moves Careers Forward

THE POWER OF PEOPLE AD Jenaye Minter wouldn’t be where she is today without that one very special quality of the NSA community. “There are tons of people to help you get to where you need to be.”

Jenaye Minter Computer Engineer

As a Co-op Program intern, she gained experience in signals intelligence and product testing. Now an employee, Jenaye is developing expertise in network engineering. She says the career options at NSA are limitless, and the people you meet will help you navigate your next move.

“The networking is amazing.”

Learn more at IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA

U.S. citizenship is required.

NSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NSA offers: • Tuition Assistance • Professional Training and Development • Leadership Opportunities • A Friendly Environment that Fosters Innovation • The Time to Enjoy Family and Friends • An Opportunity to Contribute to the Good of the Nation

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

Mark McKelvin Jr., Ph.D. MOST PROMISING ENGINEER IN INDUSTRY

Kimberly Michelle Steward, Ph.D. MOST PROMISING SCIENTIST

Demica Ware OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION IN GOVERNMENT

Senior Engineering Specialist

Discovery Chemistry Fungicide Group Leader

The Aerospace Corporation

Corteva Agriscience

Cybersecurity/Interoperability Technical Expert

“Dr. McKelvin has tremendous potential for future technical contributions and advancement. He is leading our corporation and our customers in the newly emerging and rapidly changing arena of MBSE.” - Edward Swallow, senior vice president of the National Systems Group at Aerospace.

Dr. Kimberly Steward joined Dow AgroScience, now Corteva Argriscience, in 2012 after earning her Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She began her career at Dow working on a late-stage fungicide project, where she designed and synthesized innovative targets, captured intellectual property, and grew her knowledge and expertise in agrochemical markets. Her work enabled the advancement of this exciting area of chemistry in Dow AgroScience’s pipeline. She also discovered a novel chemical class that is currently being evaluated for potential commercialization.

Dr. Steward recently transitioned to an early-stage lead generation team where her efforts are focused on delivering new chemical candidates at the very earliest stage of molecule discovery, to create new projects. She also directs a chemistry effort to initiate a new fungicide project that is targeting a cereal fungicide product concept. Dr. Steward joined the organization through the Building Engineering & Science Talent (BEST) symposium offered by the Dow Chemical Company. She is dedicated to identifying African-American, Hispanic, and Native American talent and introducing these scientists to the possibilities of a career in STEM.

Demica Ware Robinson is a cybersecurity/ interoperability technical expert in the Agile Combat Support Program Executive Office. She has worked for the federal government for 18 years, and four years for the Agile Combat Support Directorate, Simulators Division. In her current role, she is responsible for 63 programs, and 2,300 training devices at 184 locations.

Ware provides technical direction to Air Force laboratories, Air Force flight test centers, the Army, Navy, government agencies, and industry. Another of her primary responsibilities is associated with engineering for weapons and training systems to include reviewing, interpreting, and/or developing engineering policies and determining solutions to complex issues.

She represents the Simulators Division and the Agile Combat Support Directorate to a variety of organizations throughout the Department of Defense and other agencies.

She supervises 22 support contractors and manages cybersecurity and interoperability requirements of 45 programs. Ware has a Master of Science in cybersecurity and was the first student to graduate from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering.

Dr. Mark McKelvin Jr. joined the Aerospace Corporation as an engineering specialist in the Information Sciences and Cyber Division and was promoted to his current role as senior engineering specialist.

Prior to Aerospace, he was working at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the Systems Architecture and Behaviors Group after receiving his Ph.D. in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley. At Aerospace, he has been spearheading efforts in increasing awareness, knowledge, and adoption of model-based systems engineering approaches to better manage complex system developments and operations. His leadership abilities were recently recognized by his selection into the 2019 cohort of the International Council for Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Technical Leadership Institute Program, where he currently serves as the president of the INCOSE Los Angeles Section. He also shares his expertise and pays it forward to the engineering workforce through serving as a lecturer in the systems architecting and engineering program at the University of Southern California.

42

“Kim has been highly effective in leading her teams to achieve their milestones, and impactful in her outreach activities as well.”

- Vid Hegde, Ph.D., global leader for CP discovery research at Corteva Agriscience.

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force

“Ms. Ware’s determination and intuition is second to none and continuously inspires her cybersecurity team and the rest of the Program Office to strive for excellence.” Paul Phillips, chief engineer, Simulators Program Office

www.blackengineer.com

EXCITING CIVILIAN CAREERS WITH THE U.S. ARMY COMBAT CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT COMMAND (CCDC) START YOUR JOURNEY AT BOOTH #712 Pre-register and upload your resume here: http://tinyurl.com/v5yurk4 facebook.com/usarmyccdc

instagram.com/usarmyccdc

ccdc.podbean.com

twitter.com/usarmyccdc

linkedin.com/company/usarmyccdc

army.mil/ccdc

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

Nandi Leslie, Ph.D.

Christopher R. Reid, Ph.D.

Michael Gordon

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION IN INDUSTRY

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION IN INDUSTRY

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Engineering Fellow

Associate Technical Fellow

Vice President, Rotary Mission Systems Operations, Strategy & Infrastructure

Raytheon Company

The Boeing Company

Lockheed Martin Corporation

“For all her hard work, Dr. Leslie was promoted to engineering fellow just this year, putting her in the top 3 percent of all engineers within Raytheon, making her the first African-American woman to obtain the distinction of engineering fellow in Raytheon’s 97-year history.” - Cedric L. Fletcher, cybersecurity chief engineer, Raytheon

Dr. Christopher Reid’s research has appeared in more than 50 scientific journals, publications, and presentations. Within Boeing, he presents lessons learned at the company’s Technical Excellence conference, Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFES) Community of Excellence symposium, and the Ergonomics Community of Practice. He dedicates much of his volunteer time to HFES and participates in mentoring events at the conference for students, as well as serving the Diversity Committee. Reid finished his A.A. at Valencia Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering technology at the University of Central Florida. He went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in industrial engineering focused on human engineering and ergonomics. While finishing his doctorate, he joined Boeing for three consecutive internships as an ergonomics intern. These internships had a profound influence on his career as a civil servant in the U.S. Army, a contractor with Lockheed Martin for NASA, and at Boeing.

He shares his learnings with the public through external conferences and technical publications, with his work.

Michael Gordon is vice president of the RMS Business Area’s operation strategy and infrastructure. He is responsible for operations strategy, facilities management, environmental safety and health, business services, OLDP management, and manufacturing technology strategy. He has had over a 20-year career with Lockheed Martin. He was vice president of Operations for Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Systems Business Area. Prior to that role, Gordon was the vice president of programs and mission success for information systems and global services, Performance Excellence group.

Dr. Nandi Leslie is an engineering fellow at Raytheon, serving as an applied mathematician and principal investigator at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory within the Network Security Branch/Network Science Division in the Computational and Informational Sciences Directorate. Dr. Leslie has published over 30 journal papers, magazine articles, conference papers, and technical reports on machine learning, cybersecurity, CEMA, sensor performance, and mathematical biology with over 350 citations. She has given over 30 research talks at a national and international level in both unclassified and classified settings. In 2017, she was selected by the National Academies of Sciences to be an adviser for NAS National Research Council postdoctoral candidates. In addition, she mentors graduate students interning at ARL under an Oak Ridge Associated Universities fellowship.

She received her M.S. and Ph.D. in applied and computational mathematics from Princeton University.

44

“It is evident that Christopher continues to make a tremendous impact in many fields, from space exploration to making conditions safer for workers.” - Pat Cazeau, director, Boeing Verticals Executive Test Program manager

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Gordon previously served as chairman of the Board of Directors for Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE), and is a strong supporter of the AMIE Tutorial STEM Program at Morgan State University, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. School of Engineering. This program is a volunteer after-school pre-college tutorial program for middle and high school students from the Baltimore, MD area designed to assist students in STEM. Gordon also served on the Board of Advisors for the Camden County Salvation Army in Camden, NJ. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in physics.

“He is the fairy Godfather of the tutorial program. From his sponsorship, students were able to excel in their course work, attend college, and graduate from various universities.” - Pat Burgess, administrator, AMIE Tutorial STEM Program www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 Sheana Walters

Philip Baptiste

Lara Suarez

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY

General Engineer

Technical Project Manager/Branch Head

Principal Cyber Operations Engineer

Missile Defense Agency

Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific

The MITRE Corporation

Sheana Walters is responsible for managing $345 million in support services between three support contracts. She integrates test requirements and monitors performance supporting ballistic missile defense system tests, exercises, and wargames execution.

She also manages the Directorate’s support agreement portfolio, which enables collaboration across the U.S. government to execute missile defense testing. Since becoming a civil servant in 2010, Walters has provided engineering contributions and served as a distinguished professional within the Agency. She made an immediate impact as a missile defense career development protege when she managed integrated data management plans for key flight and ground tests. Walters also served as a contracting officer’s technical representative for Directorate for Engineering contracts, where she fulfilled contract administration and technical oversight duties. Walters holds an M.B.A. from the Florida Institute of Technology and B.S. degrees in both engineering and applied mathematics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Oakwood University, respectively.

“Ms. Walters is a tremendously talented engineer whose achievements directly enable the continued operation of our test organization. She brings sound judgement and rigor to all efforts, ensuring engineering requirements and contractor support are in place to support current and future testing.”

- Alex Richards, director, Test Policy Controls

www.blackengineer.com

“Mr. Baptiste consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and technical prowess in motivating his team to deliver products and provide services with a direct benefit to the warfighter.” - Scott Crellin, department head, Command and Control and Enterprise Engineering Department Philip Baptiste joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2000. His federal civil service career started as a systems engineer for the Navy Air Command and Control project, where he leveraged his subject matter expertise with air C2 systems. He led efforts to integrate and redesign systems for a maritime C2 enterprise environment. He was promoted to the GS-13 pay grade, and his level of responsibility increased to include ensuring support for over 22 operational Navy commands. He helped architect efficiencies to provide stable products for our nation’s warfighters and established crossorganizational collaboration to expedite the release of new capabilities. He later went on to complete his B.S. in computer science from National University.

He is now responsible for the supervision of 17 government computer scientists and engineers supporting various projects, while providing technical leadership for his multimillion-dollar project in an agile software development environment. Baptiste also holds a Master of Advanced Study in architecture-based enterprise systems engineering from University of California, San Diego.

Lara Suarez serves as a cyber operations and cyber threat intelligence subject matter expert. Suarez works across several of MITRE’s National Security Engineering Center sponsors to facilitate appropriate cyber technical strategies and actions against credible cyber threats.

She participates in cross-government cyber community initiatives focused on improving the effectiveness of strategic and operational plans, capability prototyping and development, and tactical operations.

When she completed active duty with the U.S. Army, Suarez’s combat experience led to a unique opportunity and placement within the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, which allowed her to turn her career into a passion and become a space operations officer qualified. Suarez was the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. She graduated from Elmira College with a B.S. in criminal justice, an M.B.A. from Colorado Technical University, and an M.S. in cyber security from University of Maryland University College.

“For her commitment to excellence in public service, contributions to strengthen national and global security, leadership in the cyber security domain, and passion for fostering the next generation of STEM leaders, I enthusiastically nominate Ms. Suarez for this award.” - Jason Providakes, president and CEO of the MITRE Corporation

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

45

Join Our Team Today!

Be you, with us! #WeareCisco, where each person is unique, but brings their talents to work as a team and make a difference.

Positions available in: • Engineering • Sales and Marketing • Supply Chain • Silicon Optics • Data Analytics

Cisco

Apply Today! Jobs.Cisco.com

Copyright © 2016 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS

Kelly Lierzer

C. Eric Fonville, P.E.

Francois Ntone, Ph.D.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN INDUSTRY

RESEARCH LEADERSHIP

SENIOR INVESTIGATOR

Vehicle Design, Development and Validation (VDDV) Engineer

Senior Technical Advisor, Computational and Experimental Fluid Dynamics

General Motors

Cummins Inc.

Carl Fonville is a development engineer in the GM Global Virtual Powertrain and Electrification Department located at the GM Technical Center. He is currently a member of the Propulsions Structures, Sealing & Fastening Group. His work is primarily in the areas of sealing and structural integrity of engine, transmission, and battery components using the finite element analysis method. He works with his counterparts in the fuel cell and vehicle groups on a regular basis. He is one of the group mentors and reviewers for analysis engineers from other GM sites in India, Italy, Korea, China, and Germany.

“He leads by example and is the model for doing technical work in the right way. He epitomizes the leader who has the skills to effectively lead and develop an organization while also being a deep technical expert in the fluid mechanics discipline.” - Wayne Eckerle, VP, Global Research and Technology, Cummins Inc.

Associate Director of Project Engineering, Adaptive Military Exhaust Programs Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Company

“I am very proud of Kelly and all her accomplishments thus far and look forward to seeing her continue to use her talents to lead PW through many more future technology firsts as well as continue to inspire the next generation of leaders at UTC—Pratt & Whitney.” - Dionne Henry, program chief engineer, UTC—Pratt & Whitney Kelly Lierzer has 14 years of experience with Pratt & Whitney in hot section engineering (HSE). She started her career as an HSE designer and is currently the HSE associate director of project engineering for the adaptive exhaust systems. In this role, she is responsible for managing the project engineering team, which supports the adaptive exhaust CIPT. She holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Albertus Magnus College. Lierzer was selected as an honored member of Identify Prepare Propel (IPP), a selective United Technologies Leadership program for high-potential employees from Pratt & Whitney’s engineering organizations. She is co-chair of the Engineering African-American Advisory Council, an employee resource group supporting all the United Technologies divisions. She leads her executive board to complete its mission to build a sustainable and diverse workforce by strengthening the pipeline of African-American engineering talent at UTC by creating and providing tools for members.

48

In 2003, he received his first patent. He is now the inventor/co-inventor of 20 U.S. patents, seven research disclosures, and a tool method. In 2007, he received the GM “Boss” Kettering Award, the highest given by GM. This industry first included his injector noise isolator/seal, which is currently in use in several engine families, including Ward’s 10 Best Engines award winners. Fonville holds a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering from the University of Michigan.

“Eric demonstrates excellence in all aspects of research and product troubleshooting, from concept initiation all the way to detailed design and proof of concept validation.” - S M Qudrot E Elahi Faisal, engineering group manager

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Francois Ntone was born in Cameroon.

He came to the United States as a college student and obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree from City College of New York. He then attended Clemson University in South Carolina, where he earned an M.S. degree and a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering, with a specialty in computational fluid dynamics. He joined Cummins, Inc. in February 1987 and has spent his career in the research and technology organization. He played a key role in introducing CFD, a new field at the time, at Cummins. He contributed to the development of CFD software used in applications such as compressor design and thrust bearing design. Later, he pioneered at Cummins the use of commercial, general purpose CFD software to support the development efforts for fluid flow engine components associated with fuel systems, air handling systems, cooling and lube systems, and aftertreatment systems.

Ntone and his team also made substantial advances in diesel and gaseous fuel (natural gas) combustion modeling, which has now become a key capability for the development of engine combustion systems.

www.blackengineer.com

BEYA2020 Did you know...

Kennedy Pereira TECHNICAL SALES & MARKETING Area Vice President, General Manager AT&T Business Solutions, AT&T

Kennedy Pereira is a seasoned industry executive responsible for leading AT&T’s Retail Vertica Technical Sales organization and for execution of global technology, media, infrastructure, and applications enablement to the retail, restaurant, hospitality, and grocery vertical. Pereira brings hands-on experience that propels organizations forward by navigating business transitions while creating innovative sales and marketing outreach initiatives. Previously, Pereira served as director of sales responsible for the AT&T/ Apple Global relationship and Enterprise Retail from 2012 to 2016 delivering doubledigit annual growth. He also served as client director for AT&T Signature Client Group from 2010 to 2012. In this capacity, he led a team of sales professionals that executed the full range of network and IT services for AT&T’s leading multinational customers.

Pereira holds an M.B.A. in international finance from International Technology University.

“Kennedy is viewed as an industry and technical subject matter expert, speaking at client briefiing events, client advisory councils, and representing AT&T at industry events such as National Retail Federation. He’s a positive, committed, forward-thinking, and innovative leader.” - Andrea Hazard, AVP, Technical Sales, AT&T Business

www.blackengineer.com

April 25, 2019, was officially designated “Mark Dean Day” in Knox County, TN? A native of Tennessee, Dr. Mark Dean was named Black Engineer of the Year in 2000 for making the computer part of our daily lives.

He led the design team that developed the interior architecture (ISA systems bus), which enabled devices, such as printers, to be connected to personal computers (PCs). During his IBM career, Dr. Dean developed all types of computer systems, from embedded systems to supercomputers, including testing of the first gigahertz CMOS microprocessor, and establishing the team that developed the Blue Gene supercomputer. He is a distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

A N O T H E R H I D D E N F I G U R E : T H E B L A C K M A N B E H I N D T H E C O M P U T E R

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

49

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHERE IT MATTERS MOST GIVES MY WORK PURPOSE Choosing the right place of work is an important decision. It’s not just about the company; it’s about the people, finding your purpose and a place to grow. Starting your career with us gives you the opportunity to join a leader in the medical devices industry, while receiving the training and development to help you recognize your aspirations and goals.

Different reasons. Same mission. At Boston Scientific, it’s personal.

Proud supporter of BEYA STEM Conference.

Discover our career opportunities at bostonscientific.com/careers

© 2019 Boston Scientific Corporation and its affiliates.

All rights reserved.

BEYA2020 2020 BEYALegacyWINNERS Black Engineer of the Year Legacy Awards (formerly known as Special Recognition honors) are named after Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) winners. Legacy awards were first introduced at BEYA’s 30th-anniversary conference to celebrate the scientific and technical contributions of men and women who have won top awards at the conference since 1987. Legacy awards, presented annually by the BEYA STEM Conference, honor a winner’s work in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) community, as well as excellence in the STEM workforce.

Legacy Awards include Black Engineers of the Year and their sectors of distinction:

Dr. John Brooks Slaughter (1987) – Higher Education and Leadership William R. Wiley Award (1994) – Walt W. Braithwaite (1995) –

Research

Aviation

Albert J. Edmonds (1996) – Federal Information Technology (IT) Joe N. Ballard (1998) – Public Engineering Services Dr. Mark E. Dean (2000) – Technical Excellence Dr. Lydia W. Thomas (2003) – Innovation in the Public Interest Anthony R. James (2004) – Utilities sector Linda Gooden (2006) – Entrepreneurship Rodney Adkins (2007) – Business Transformation Dr. Wanda M. Austin (2009) – National Security Space Programs Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III (2013) – Academic Leadership Stephanie C. Hill (2014) – Promotion of STEM education Edward T. Welburn (2015) – Automotive Design Dr. Christopher Jones (2016) – Intelligent Automation Dr. Eugene M. Deloatch (2017) – Engineering Education The Gerald Johnson Legacy Award, named for BEYA Career Achievement

winner and General Motors executive Gerald Johnson, honors BEYA winners in the automobile industry with a track record for operational excellence, as well as leadership in training and mentoring.

Retired United States Air Force Gen. Lester L. Lyles received a Black Engineer of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2011, and he chaired the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Academy of Engineering until 2016.

Retired United States Army four-star Gen. Johnnie Wilson is a Founding Father of the BEYA Stars and Stripes, an integral part of the annual BEYA STEM Conference. He last served as commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command, from 1996 to 1999.

This year these achievements are mirrored by the following winners:

www.blackengineer.com

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

51

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS MICHAEL DAWSON

General Lester L. Lyles Legacy Award Information Systems Supervisor General Dynamics Information Technology

Michael Dawson is a six-year military veteran who joined the United States Air Force in 2010. After basic training and several reassignments in different places and playing various roles, he joined General Dynamics in 2015 as a computer network defense monitor. Within two years, Dawson was promoted to senior system administrator, technical team lead, and is currently the information system supervisor directly supervising three system administrators. In this role, he maintains a positive control of a billion-dollar intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) weapon system that serves as the Air Force DCGS Network Operations Center for the entire intelligence community. Dawson recently completed a $1.3 million move to a new facility installing, configuring, and testing 24 mission workstations for initial operations capability (IOC) to establish a “hot-site,” which is crucial during hurricane season. Dawson holds a bachelor’s degree from Ashford University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in information technology.

“He has been critical in diversifying and expanding the team through forward-thinking and precise engineering processes.” - David Fink, program senior director

MYRON JONAH FLETCHER SR. Walt W. Braithwaite Legacy Award Senior Flight Test Engineer The Boeing Company

After graduating with undergraduate degrees in aerospace science engineering and physics, Myron Fletcher began his career with the Boeing Company in 2013. He first served as a rocket propulsion engineer from 2013 to 2017, at which time he also performed project management and configuration account management duties. He was later appointed the rocket propulsion test engineer for the Propulsion Subsystems on NASA’s Space Launch System and Exploration Upper stage in 2019. Most recently, he was named the senior flight test engineer for all subsystems on Boeing Executive Fleet program VC-25B. He serves on the board of the nonprofit, The Mars Generation, which focuses on building a collaborative network of community outreach efforts, working toward a goal of educating young people and adults about the importance of human space exploration and STEM education. He personally selected 30 underrepresented students to attend space camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center on scholarships. He is also an MIT SEED Academy instructor for the Aero/Astro course, teaching 11th grade inner-city students.

“Myron’s passion for STEM extends far outside his scope at Boeing. He has worked with multiple nonprofits around the world to teach inner-city children about the importance of STEM.” - Pat Cazeau

KEVEN GONCALVES

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III Legacy Award Engineer Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport

Kevin Goncalves has been an engineer supporting electromagnetic maneuver warfare advanced technology development tasking since June 2016. This presents a unique set of challenges due to the nature of the efforts, which encompasses research, design, development, test, and evaluation of a variety of new and emerging technologies that can be rapidly employed to meet emergent needs of Navy platforms across all domains. In his role, he demonstrates the ability to work in government and industry environments, establishing relationships with representatives to develop technologies of interest to the Navy. In 2018, Goncalves wrote the proposal and received Division Newport 219 internal investment funds for his project, Photonic Device Prototype Test and Characterization. He wrote several papers documenting his testing and findings. Goncalves holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

“In addition to his job activities, Kevin is active in his local community. He has shown interest in mentoring the younger generation, and most importantly to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM.” - Abner Barros 52

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

Legacy

WILLIAM GREEN

BEYA2020

Dr. Mark E. Dean Legacy Award Senior Technical Staff Member, Asset Transit Quality and Protection; IBM Master Inventor IBM Supply Chain Engineering, IBM

“His personal impact to IBM and the industry through his technical abilities, passion for our business and clients, and his positive influence on others are second to none.” - Tory J. Johnson, VP, supply chain engineering, IBM Systems Throughout his many years with IBM, William Green has a multitude of technical achievements that have benefited IBM and the industry. A few recent examples are his project leadership that has led to implementation of an IoT FPS tracking solution for company high-value product shipments and his innovation around new pallet materials, which reduces shock and vibration for sensitive equipment. As a result of these projects and his patent portfolio, he was recognized last year as an IBM Master Inventor. He also has a major presence in the packaging industry and has presented papers at numerous worldwide conferences. Upon his board appointment to senior technical staff member, his responsibility has expanded to include all hardware products for IBM Systems, over $7 billion in revenue for IBM. IBM utilizes Green’s unique skill set and deep knowledge of supply chain optimization, shock and vibration dynamics, transportation/logistics, package design, and environmental best practices to set IBM apart as a 21st century world-class cognitive supply chain. He holds an M.S. and B.S. in packaging engineering from Michigan State University.

MAJ. AL LECOUNTE, PMP

General Johnnie Wilson Legacy Award Engineer Special Operations Command U.S. Army

While assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Maj. Albert LeCounte currently serves as the system acquisition manager for the program management, acquisition, and development of over $235 million of soldier survival systems material solutions spanning the year of execution out through the Future Years Defense program. He operates under the authority of the U.S. Special Operations Command acquisition executive and the program executive officer—Special Operations Forces Warrior, where he formulates classified investment funding requirements for the Program Objectives Memorandum and annual President’s Budget Estimate Submission, and also acquisition strategies for the procurement and fielding of nondevelopmental and developmental items of equipment to Special Operations Forces. LeCounte is also charged with developing baseline program objectives for cost, schedule, and performance criteria.

“Al is a phenomenal individual with strong drive and determination who possesses boundless engineering potential. He offers an empowering leadership style and genuine concern for the well-being of others.” - Robert Jarzyna, LTC, MP sensitive activities director

THOMAS L. PEEPLES, JR. Stephanie C. Hill Legacy Award

Senior Technical Project Manager, Aviation The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

After graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1994, Thomas Peeples was commissioned as a naval officer. He earned an M.S. in cross-disciplinary professional studies (quality engineering and statistics) from RIT. In 1999, Peeples was hired as a designer/engineer at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He spent the first years of his career designing earthmover vehicle tires and original equipment (OE) car tires. In 2015, Peeples moved to Brazil, where he was the director of OE product development, manager of the Latin American Proving Grounds, and of the customer engineering team. He returned to Akron, OH in 2017 as chief engineer in global tire and mold engineering before moving into his new role. Peeples is actively engaged in the Goodyear Veterans Association and a graduate of the Goodyear Community Leadership Institute.

“He is a champion of equality, always investing in the good of all people.” - Billy Taylor, director of global diversity and inclusion www.blackengineer.com

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

53

Computer Science major.

Engineering VP. Human rights activist.

AD

Let’s chat about what you’re into, and where you see yourself.

Engineering Summer Analyst Internship 10 week internship in Dallas, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; or New York, NY/Jersey City, NJ

How To Apply: 1. Visit gs.com/careers and select “Apply” under “ I am a Student”

At Goldman Sachs, we believe who you are makes you better at what you do.

For us, it’s all about bringing together people who are curious, collaborative and have the drive to make things possible for our clients and communities.

2. Click “Apply Now” and choose Summer Analyst

Our Engineering teams, which partner with all areas of the firm, build solutions to some of the most complex problems in the industry. From automated trading to managing data, risk analysis to safeguarding information and promoting environmental sustainability, our commitment to best-in-class technology provides Goldman Sachs with a competitive edge.

3. Select Recruiting Year – 2020

Interested? We’d love to meet you – submit an application for the Engineering Summer Analyst Internship!

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should be undergraduate or graduate students graduating between December 2020 and May 2021 and should be interested in pursuing careers in engineering, including software engineering, financial modelling and data science.

4. Select Position – Summer Internship 6. Selection Location: New York City; Dallas; Salt Lake City 7. Select Division – Engineering 8. Select Sub Division – General 9.Complete remaining questions, upload resume, and Submit!

Make things possible.

GoldmanSachs.com/Careers

© 2019 The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Goldman Sachs is an equal opportunity employment/affirmative action employer Female/Minority/Disability/Vet.

AFRL

2020 BEYA AWARD WINNERS JESSE J. PEOPLES, JR.

Dr. Christopher Jones Legacy Award Chief Security Architect Leidos

Jesse Peoples has served as a satellite engineer, test engineer, and is now the chief security architect for a government security operations center. To achieve his goal of becoming a subject matter expert in the IT and cybersecurity field, Jesse took on stretch assignments, including one as the acting chief engineer for a program. He managed multi-million-dollar projects within budget and on time and was able to provide customer service savings. Peoples holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Howard University and an M.S. in management of technology from George Washington University. He obtained professional certifications needed for desired roles, including CSM, ITIL v3, Security+, and CISSP. Striving for personal growth, Peoples recently obtained his PMP certification and became one of just a few individuals within the corporation to hold both PMP and CISSP certifications.

“I am honored to have Jesse on my team, and, although his manager, I look to him to remember the importance of community service.” Alexandra Guenther, program manager at Leidos

COREY RANDOLPH

Edward T. Welburn Legacy Award R&D Engineer Nissan Technical Center North America, Nissan USA

Corey Randolph is an R&D engineer at Nissan Technical Center North America. He joined the team during the summer of 2015 as an intern preparing for his last semester of college. As an intern, Randolph was given the responsibility of securing North American charging infrastructure compatibility with the nextgeneration Nissan electric vehicle platform. His dedication to the team and desire to use every opportunity as a learning experience led to a full-time offer within the Zero Emission Technology Development team. In his current role, he is responsible for planning, executing, and reporting appropriate validation activities to meet project milestones during vehicle development. He is recognized by his colleagues and superiors for his passion for inspiring youth who are interested in STEM careers. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and is currently pursuing his M.B.A. at Wayne State University.

“What has impressed me most is his continued growth within the team to not only be a productive member, but also a leader and valuable resource.” - Johnathon Ratliff, senior manager

AUDRELL K. SAMUELS

Linda Gooden Legacy Award Senior Subcontract Administrator Lockheed Martin Corporation

Audrell Samuels is a computer information system graduate of Norfolk State University. Her career began as a logistician managing the build of radar systems for the U.S. Navy. As a senior subcontract administrator at Lockheed Martin, Samuels worked on the Orion Program for which she received the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Group Achievement Award in 2017. Since becoming chair of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region VI Professional Chapter at Lockheed Martin Enterprise, she has put together a team who that goes into the community and educates students about career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She holds monthly meetings with her team to ensure they are working with undergrads at campus events, partnering with educators, universities, business owners, and community organizations for STEM outreach.

“Audrell is passionate about sharing the importance of STEM education with all who will listen. Lockheed Martin is proud of Audrell’s accomplishments and solid contributions, personal and professional, to the company and community.” - Rick Smith, program management vice president 56

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

Legacy

KIERRA SMITH

BEYA2020

Rodney Adkins Legacy Award Senior Software Engineer Walmart Information Security Engineering, Walmart

Kierra Smith is currently a senior software engineer on the identity and access management team at Walmart.

His team is responsible for designing and developing solutions to standardize business processes to strengthen Walmart’s global security posture around identity and access. He began his career at Walmart directly after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 2012. Initially joining the security application development team, he focused on the enterprise Single-SignOn authentication solution. Over the next two years, Smith maintained that application’s functionality and stability. That led to him receiving the Walmart Genesis Award in 2014. He was also instrumental in developing automation to support one of the largest code security scanning solutions. The web solution he co-authored has been utilized by 1.2 million associates.

“His drive for knowledge has pushed him to grow in several areas within our organization, and I now consider him one of my most valuable resources, both as an engineer as well as someone who will continue to push the boundaries of our plans both tactically and strategically.” - Jim Rohrbach, enterprise technical expert, Walmart.

NNENNAYA UDOCHU

Dr. Lydia W. Thomas Legacy Award Analog Engineer Intel Corporation

Nnennaya Udochu currently works for Intel Corporation as an analog engineer, leading platform designs for 2020 microprocessor projects and the technical collaterals of the Platform Design Guide. She is a power delivery expert for her team in the U.S. for battery life optimization and responsiveness on the 10th Gen Intel Core processors and Project Athena. Udochu mentors and inspires the new STEM members within her organization’s Client Computing Group speaking at the yearly event, “New to CCG.” She has provided career advice in tech conferences at Wonder Women in Tech, empowering those in pursuit of a STEM career as a millennial in the tech industry. She also promotes diversity in recruiting of young great minds at the National Society of Black Engineers. Her efforts drive Intel’s initiative to increase the number of diverse STEM professionals in the pipeline to ensure representation in the tech industry. She holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Wichita State University and an M.Sc. in electrical engineering from University of Texas, Arlington.

“Throughout my 30-year career and my many years as a senior leader in the technology fiield, I have been exposed to thousands of engineers.

Nnennaya is one of the truly special ones who has the right attitude, capability, accomplishments, and future potential.” - Jay Kirkland, VP, platform engineering, Programmable Solutions Group at Intel

AMAL SRIVASTAVA

Dr. Wanda M. Austin Legacy Award Principal Engineer MITRE Corporation

Amal Srivastava is a modeling and simulation engineer and technical lead in MITRE Corporation’s Traffic Flow Management and En Route Concepts and Analysis Department within the Center for Advanced Aviation System Development. Srivastava is known for his passion for research, technical aptitude, and the ability to lead high-performing teams. Srivastava is a reviewer for The Aeronautical Journal and shares his research by publishing and presenting papers at conferences. Outside of work, he maintains an active life while mentoring his daughters and their teammates for debates, spelling bees, Model UN, and other school activities. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and an M.S. in industrial engineering.

“As Amal makes his mark on air traffic management, the skies are sure to be safer, the United States will be more secure in its position as a leader in space operations, India should see its airports function more safely and efficiently, and Mexico is likely to better accommodate growth.” - Richard J. Byrne, senior vice president, Center for Programs & Technology, The MITRE Corporation www.blackengineer.com

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

57

WE EMPLOY THOUSANDS OF ENGINEERS

Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) has professionals in just about every engineering discipline working to keep the U.S. Air Force on the leading edge of innovation and readiness. We’re always looking for talented and ambitious thinkers to join us at laboratories and installations around the country to fill challenging and rewarding positions.

Consider AFCS. You’ll find a supportive and inclusive workplace, where excellence is rewarded and work-life balance is a priority. Factor in great benefits and you’ll see why AFCS is a place where engineers can excel.

At 170,000 strong we are a force to be reckoned with. Find your place with us and watch your career soar.

Visit us at the upcoming BEYA event in February at Booth A1.

USAFC

AFCivilianCareers.com | #ItsACivilianThing Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. Citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.

SALUTING OUR 2020 BEYA WINNERS OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION IN INDUSTRY DR. NANDI LESLIE Engineering Fellow

Raytheon

2020 MODERN-DAY TECHNOLOGY LEADERS Isaiah Bowman Kendal Broom James Callender Abraham Erhabor Garrick Gaines Robert Guyton Decari Jenkins Robert Jennings Amaka Nwachukwu Patrice Williams

CONGRATULATIONS We honor Dr. Nandi Leslie’s commitment to making the world a safer place — and celebrate all the winners of this year’s Black Engineer of the Year Awards.

RAYTHEON.COM

© 2020 Raytheon Company. All rights reserved.

L E A D E R S T E C H N O L O G Y M O D E R N - D AY

MODERN-DAY TECHNOLOGY

LEADERS The Technology Recognition Lunch at the BEYA STEM Conference, where the Modern-Day Technology Leaders are honored, is traditionally held on Friday at the annual BEYA Conference. Last year, the event was sponsored by Abbott Laboratories, Intel, Leidos, the scientific research company formerly known as Science Applications International (SAIC) Corporation; World Wide Technology, Inc., a technology service provider cofounded by Black Engineer of the Year David Steward; the U.S. Army; Ernst & Young; and The Boeing Company.

Emceeing the event for the first time was Dr. Robin Coger, one of the few female engineering deans in the United States. She serves as chair of the Council of Engineering Deans at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (cohost of the BEYA STEM Conference). Dr. Coger’s co-emcee was veteran BEYA host Dr. Kendall Harris, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas Southern University.

“This luncheon celebrates the fact that the most important aspect of any company is its people,” said Dr. Coger. “A nominated employee is already a winner. And if the nomination results in an award, it’s yet another win. MITRE recognized this in their article, published a while back. ‘A Case Study in Retention: Incorporating BEYA The MITRE Way’ acknowledged that MITRE experiences an 80 percent increase in the retention rate in employees who receive recognition.”

Coger said competing for national recognition benefits companies by demonstrating the outstanding skills and experience of staff, and it inspires other employees to appreciate their colleagues’ accomplishments and experience good feelings about that company.

“The kind of acknowledgment that takes place at today’s Technology Recognition luncheon makes a positive impact on the culture of the participating organizations that have selected these outstanding men and women who will receive awards,” she said.

Among the award winners were scientists and engineers from Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space, and security systems.

Bryan Scott, vice president of environment, health, and safety at Boeing, presented the awards to Boeing’s 2019 Modern-Day Technology Leaders. Scott leads environmental sustainability efforts including reducing the environmental footprint of its global operations, products, and services, as well as Boeing’s workplace safety programs.

“For more than 100 years, Boeing has shaped the course of human history through aerospace innovation,” Scott said in his keynote. “Those words come alive at Boeing every day through our amazing people, some of whom you will meet in this program,” Scott continued. “Our products and technologies connect the globe, protect freedom, and advance scientific discovery around the world. Diversity/inclusion is also one of our enduring values.”

A Jared Rafael Singleton Head Project Engineer AECOM—NAWCAD

Mike Hill

Lab Tech Division Chief Air Force Institute of Technology

Kassandra Maxwell

Electronics Project Engineer Air Force Research Laboratory

60

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Adrienne Janae Rice

Research Engineer Air Force Research Laboratory

Ashley Huderson, Ph.D.

Manager of Engineering Education American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Shanquetha Caggins

Area Manager Outside Plant Planning & Engineering Design AT&T

Jacqueline Dirks

Principle—Product Development Engineer AT&T

Martha Gibson

Senior—Technology Solutions Manager AT&T

R. Alison Golden

Professional—Technical Consulting Engineer AT&T

www.blackengineer.com

Patrick Haye

Krysta Knight

Flex Force Engineer II AT&T

Terri Lewis

Lead Product Marketing Manager AT&T

Chris Opara

Associate Director—Technology AT&T

Nicole Slay

Flex Force Engineer II AT&T

Alvin Whetstone

Area Manager—Network AT&T

Gregory Williams

Lead Technical Solutions Architect AT&T

B

Anibal Cartagena

Sheryl Harrison

Saurabh Sinha

Dennis V. Jefferson

Quality Engineer Boston Scientific Corporation Senior Quality Engineer Boston Scientific Corporation

C

Emmanuel Okpara, Ph.D.

Operations Analyst Advisor General Dynamics Information Technology

Supervisor, Forming Engineering Corning Incorporated

Senior Heat Treat Equipment Engineer Corning Incorporated

Eugenia Kutsch-Stanton

Senior Program Manager General Dynamics Information Technology

Senior Research Technician Corning Research & Development Corporation

Research Manager Corteva Agrisciences

D Jay Brown

Engineer II Bell Textron

Leslie Allen

Senior Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

Andreen Anglin

Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

Patrice Clark

Principal Booz Allen Hamilton

Kevin Jones

Richard A. Moore

Information Technology Specialist Department of the Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

G Ronnie Watson

Principal Business Operations Engineer (Senior Director) GE Healthcare

Brittany Ninman

PRC Operations Supervisor General Dynamics Electric Boat

Pamela Burch

Customer Service Senior Manager General Dynamics Information Technology

Tracy Byrd

Senior Program Manager General Dynamics Information Technology

Rob Crawford

Systems Administrator Advisor General Dynamics Information Technology

Principal Booz Allen Hamilton Senior Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

Sophia Jean Baptiste

Senior Lead Technologist Booz Allen Hamilton

Shalini Mehta

Lead Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

Monica Simpson

Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

Jason Vann

Senior Lead Technologist Booz Allen Hamilton

Ashful Williams

Lead Associate Booz Allen Hamilton

www.blackengineer.com

Tonjua Coxson Nancy Destin

Air Operations Fielding Training Suite Manager General Dynamics Information Technology

Jermaine Fitzgerald

Systems Administrator Advisor General Dynamics Information Technology

Francis Frederick

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Training Facility (LTF) Engineering Lead General Dynamics Information Technology

Britney George

Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications General Dynamics Information Technology

Chris Gordon

AFCENT A6X Enterprise Senior Engineer General Dynamics Information Technology

LaKeisha Williams

Information Systems Manager - Program Operations Chief of Staff General Dynamics Information Technology

Victor Mendez

Engineering Specialist - Tracked Combat Vehicle Electronic Hardware General Dynamics Land Systems

Kimberly Fisher

Senior Systems Engineer General Dynamics Mission Systems

Tia Jackson

Junior Software Engineer General Dynamics Mission Systems

Michael Wilkins

Systems Engineer General Dynamics Mission Systems

Fitsum Ejigu

Senior Software Developer General Motors

Quanya Jefferson

Launch Manager General Motors

Phillip McQuirter

Shift Leader—Transfer Presses General Motors

Will Morris

Security Engineering Manager General Motors

Susan Sewell-Cary

Senior Electrical Engineer General Motors

Michelle Stoutermire

Product Owner, Global Owners Center General Motors

Bradman Taylor

Engineering Group Manager, Connected Ecosystem Integration General Motors

Guadalupe Apodaca

L E A D E R S

Valerie Conley

Eric A. Toliver

T E C H N O L O G Y

Abram Holt

D. Erric Thomas II

Software Developer General Dynamics Information Technology

Alywin Thompson

Engineer II Bell

Nathaniel Tall

Arthur Wallace

Chief Department of Defense

Danielle Vann

LeBrandon Pinkard

Operations and Maintenance Manager General Dynamics Information Technology

Director, DoD Special Representative - Japan (DSRJ) Department of Defense

Senior Engineering Technologist BAE Systems

Solutions Manager General Dynamics Information Technology

Ibraheem Muhammad, Ph.D.

Keith Boykin

Senior Test Engineer BAE Systems

Principal, Technology Staffing Partner General Dynamics Information Technology

M O D E R N - D AY

Senior Technical Sales Consultant AT&T

Programming Production Specialist Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Jonathan Arambula

Design Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Jesus Bojorges

Tooling Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

61

Army Materiel DEFEND YOUR NATION AS AN ARMY CIVILIAN FOR THE U.S. ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND HIRING TODAY: • • • • •

Electronics/Electrical Engineers Computer Engineers Interdisciplinary Engineers Computer Scientists Information Technology Specialists

• • • •

Logistics Management Specialists Contract Specialists Quality Assurance Specialists Property Assurance Specialists

VISIT OUR BOOTH AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER! www.army.mil

Maya Sep

Alex Niles

Esthela Castillo

Salvador Serrano

Joan Antony

Marisa Sicaeros

Karyta Barnes

Production Programmer Specialist Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Manufacturing Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Juan Jose Enriquez

Quality Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Hugo Garcia

Lead Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Industrial Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Design Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Director, Supply Chain Management, Intel & Cyber L3Harris Technologies Deputy Systems Engineering Manager Leidos Information Systems Security Engineer Leidos

NC Programmer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Planning Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Noe Torres

Darnell Brooks

Javier Garcia

Rosella Torres

Terence Coston

Omar Gutierrez

Diego Valdez

Don Courts

Gabriel Haro

Ana Carolina Valencia

Inventory Analyst Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Operations Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Quality Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Nuyeli Izaguirre

Ana Karen Jaime

Quality Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Saudiq Lawal

Manufacturing Engineer 2 Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Cinthia Licon

Production Control Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Ruben Lugo

Quality Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

John Marchetti

Senior Design Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Daniel Martinez

Stress Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Paloma Monge

Alberto Muñoz

Materials Planning Specialist Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Jesus Ernesto Muñoz Zuñiga

Planning Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Delia Ortiz

Operations Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Gabriel Palomares

Stress Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Sonia Ruiz

Materials Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Atahualpa Sabido

Quality Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

www.blackengineer.com

Site Lead—DISA Central Leidos

Selvin Dottin

Operations Leader Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Senior Project Manager Leidos

Fernando Valenzuela

John Eubanks

Design Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

H

Transport Network Engineer Lead Leidos

Arnese Foster

Denise Bovastro

Systems Engineer Leidos

Tracey Cryer

Mobility Fulfillment Team Lead Leidos

Manager 3, Engineering Huntington Ingalls Industries Electrical Engineer Huntington Ingalls Industries

Willie Lee

Tony Mott

Michael Dabney Jr.

Configuration Management Lead Leidos

Devon Stanley

CSSP Deputy Site Lead/Technical Director Leidos

Designer 4 Huntington Ingalls Industries IT Systems Administrator 3 Huntington Ingalls Industries

Benford Stellmacher Jr.

IT Systems Engineer III Huntington Ingalls Industries

Silas Porterfield Earl Reeves

Site Lead—DISA Pacific Leidos

Len Tyler

Cliftoria Stokes

Service Activations Manager Leidos

Towanda Tyler

Systems Engineer – IT Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation

James Young

Systems Engineering Manager Lockheed Martin Corporation

Engineer 3 Huntington Ingalls Industries Engineer Nuclear 4 Huntington Ingalls Industries Engineering Manager II Huntington Ingalls Industries

J

Marcus Anderson

Kayann Barnswell Michael Birt

Operation Engineer Principle Lockheed Martin Corporation

Olushola (Shola) Olateju

Chistopher Clemmons

Alioune (Badou) Tounkara

Ronald Gloster

Managing Director, Global Head of Equities & Prime Services Technology JPMorgan Chase & Co. Managing Director, Head of Technology for Fraud Operations, Machine Learning and Innovation JPMorgan Chase & Co.

L Eli Duval

Principal Engineering Project Leader L3Harris Technologies

Director of Enterprise Global Production and Fabrication Lockheed Martin Corporation

L E A D E R S

ME Planning III Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Design Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Site Reliability Manager Leidos

T E C H N O L O G Y

Manufacturing Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Design Engineer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation

Desktop Support Specialist Leidos

M O D E R N - D AY

Alejandra Patricia Borquez

Systems Integration/Test Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

James Hampton

Systems Engineering Manager, F-35 Lockheed Martin Corporation

Terrance Hawathorne

System Safety Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

63

Meet the 50,000 technologists driving our business forward.

2020 BEYA STEM Conference With an investment of over $11 billion a year in technology, we’re transforming the financial services industry with high-performance cloud computing, payment innovations, new digital experiences, advanced cyber security features and more.

We’re looking for bright minds from all backgrounds to join our team and take our Are you up for the challenge? Come meet our leading tech experts, and find out how you can make a real impact on the future of financial technology.

We look forward to meeting you. Visit us at

Make Tomorrow Together jpmorganchase.com/techcareers

1312.

GM HONORING ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE TODAY, TO SEE A BRIGHTER TOMORROW General Motors would like to congratulate this year’s 2020 BEYA STEM honorees, including our own recipients who work hard to build exceptional products and a better future. General Motors salutes BEYA for its work in promoting diversity in STEM fields. Together, we can all move humanity forward.

In recognition of our outstanding employees:

Career Achievement in Industry Award Marcos A. Purty Science Spectrum Trailblazers Opeyemi Alabi • Talona Johnson • Darrell Rounds • Richard Salmon Modern-Day Technology Leaders Fitsum Ejigu • Quanya Jefferson • Phillip McQuirter • Lynne Moore • Will Morris • Michelle Stoutermire

gm.com ©2020 General Motors. All rights reserved.

Research Leadership Award C. Eric Fonville

M O D E R N - D AY

T E C H N O L O G Y

L E A D E R S

Kingsley Iwu

Materials & Process Staff Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

Curtis James

Distributed Common Ground Systems Navy Increment 2 Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific

Victor Évora, Ph.D.

James Callender

Senior Software Engineer II Raytheon Company

Abraham Erhabor

Aeronautical Engineering Senior Manager Lockheed Martin Corporation

Engineer Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport

Senior Systems Engineer Raytheon Company

Jayson Jenkins

Earl Benson

Garrick Gaines

Chanavia Johnson

Patricia Bouknight-Hamilton

Robert Guyton II

Rikki Jones

Deshawn Brown

Decari Jenkins

Arielle Lafond

Farai Chidembo

Robert Jennings

Kyle Lewis

Shanel Crusoe

Senior Manager, HR Operations Lockheed Martin Corporation Cyber Test Exploitation Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation Vice President—Quality & Mission Success Lockheed Martin Corporation Quality Engineer Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation Staff Systems Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

Serah McMickle

Data Scientist Analyst Stf Lockheed Martin Corporation

Tracy McQueen Jr.

F-35 AOG Cell Lead Lockheed Martin Corporation

Sheronda Nash

Program Management Senior Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation

Corey Richardson

Information Assurance Engineer Senior Lockheed Martin Corporation

DeAndre Strong

Quality Engineering Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation

Tanya Titus

Software Engineering Manager Lockheed Martin Corporation

Tamara Warren

Electronics Engineering Associate Manager Lockheed Martin Corporation

Althea Woodson

Design Engineer Senior Lockheed Martin Corporation

M Deltra Davis

Deputy Department Head, Corporate Operations (AB) Missile Defense Agency

John Hawkins

General Engineer Missile Defense Agency

Rebecca Higgins

General Engineer Missile Defense Agency

N Ronald Cobbs

Program Lead Engineer NASA

Farron Rucker

Electronics Engineer Naval Air Systems Command

66

Ebony Mullins

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Manager, Materials and Processes Design Engineering Northrop Grumman Corporation Program Manager Northrop Grumman Corporation Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation Cyber Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation Lead Software Test Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation

Deborah Harris

Senior Principal Software Quality Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation

Virgil Hutchinson

Program Director Northrop Grumman Corporation

Michelle Lee

Server/Storage/Network Manager Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dominique Melvin

Manager, Systems Engineering Northrop Grumman Corporation

Vincent Poteat

Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rodney Warner

Senior Staff Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation

David Whitt

Senior Staff Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman Corporation

Ethelyn Williams

Principal Database Architect Northrop Grumman Corporation

Walter Wright

Cyber Architect Northrop Grumman Corporation

Naia Butler-Craig

Propulsion Engineer Consultant Intern NYRAD Incorporated

P Lynne Bey

Associate Director Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Company

R Isaiah Bowman

Senior Mechanical Engineer II Raytheon Company

Kendal Broom

Principal Electrical Engineer Raytheon Company

Senior Systems Engineer II Raytheon Company

Senior Software Engineer Raytheon Company Senior Mechanical Engineer Raytheon Company Senior Systems Engineer II Raytheon Company

Amaka Nwachukwu

Senior Electrical Engineer II Raytheon Company

Samuel Ofori

Senior Systems Engineer Raytheon Company

Patrice Williams

Senior Systems Security Engineer II Raytheon Company

S Renee Anderson

Cyber Security Analyst Principal SAIC

Cornelius Henderson

Solutions Architect Senior Principal SAIC

Tiffany Jackson

Cyber Security Analyst Principal SAIC

David Jones

Principal Embedded Software Engineer SAIC

Kiwah Kendrick

Senior Program Manager SAIC

Terrell Lockett

Senior Systems Integrator SAIC

Rheonda Ogletree Procurement Analyst SAIC

Charles Owens

Program Manager SAIC

Talivu Porter

Senior Systems Administrator SAIC

A. Karim Rasul

Program Management Senior Director SAIC

Jake Clay

Chief Engineer for the Special Mission Wing (SMW) Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan (SOJTF-A)

www.blackengineer.com

Craig Vincent

T Allyson Yarbrough, Ph.D. Technical Fellow The Aerospace Coporation

Willard Downs III

Principal Engineer Specialist The Aerospace Corporation

David Jackson

Senior Engineering Specialist The Aerospace Corporation

Enold Pierre-Louis

James Le Blanc

Senior Health, Social, and Behavioral Scientist The MITRE Corporation

Galakpai Mulbah

Diego Velasquez

Flight Test Instrumentation Operations Lead Engineer The Boeing Company

Aster Paulos

System Integration Specialist - Leadership, Learning and Organizational Capabilities The Boeing Company

Anthony Pratt

Digital Transformation Product Manager The Boeing Company

Temppest Reed

Technical Fellow The Aerospace Corporation

Engineering Quality Leader - Strike, Surveillance & Mobility The Boeing Company

Morgan Arline

Quimeka Saunders

Electrophysics Engineer (Electromagnetic Effects) The Boeing Company

Ebrima Badjie

Multi-Skill Rotational Engineer The Boeing Company 737 Smart Factory Program Business Rep & Tech Integration Team Co-Leader The Boeing Company

Systems Engineer The Boeing Company

Alexander Sellers

Systems Engineering Manager The Boeing Company

Latrice Smith

Business Strategist, Lead The MITRE Corporation

U Jamaz Jarvis

Operations Manager U.S. Air Force

MSG Jerry Crouch

Directorate Senior Enlisted Leader for Education, Training & Research WRNMMC U.S. Army

MAJ Langston Turner Executive Officer U.S. Army

COL Peter Weina

Chief, Research Programs, WRNMMC U.S. Army

Felicia Kirksey

Aquatic Invasive Species U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Natalie Mills

System Data Analyst The Boeing Company

Project Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Brad Buchanan

Alex Starnes

Louis (Allen) Steele

Kirt Chapman

Kara Washington

Program Integrator for T-7A Support Equipment IPT The Boeing Company ISS Payloads Thermal Integrator and Quick Disconnect Subject Matter Expert The Boeing Company

Myra Coffman

Support Equipment Program Integration for MQ-25 Program, Engineering Support and Sustainment, Boeing Global Services The Boeing Company

Tiffany Davis

Spacecraft Vehicle Engineer The Boeing Company

Haftom Dessalegn

Product Designer The Boeing Company HR Business Analyst The Boeing Company

Sonya West

Systems Engineer - Supplier Requirements The Boeing Company

Jazmyn White

Software Engineer The Boeing Company

Computer Engineer The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Delvin Ebbesen

Group Leader The MITRE Corporation

Eric’el Johnson

Test Lead The Boeing Company

Morgan Jones

Packaging Engineering Specialist The Boeing Company

www.blackengineer.com

Nicholas Givens

Eric Chang

Adel Elessawy

Systems Engineer, Lead The MITRE Corporation

Jennifer Forsyth

Group Leader, Nuclear Resilient Comms & SM The MITRE Corporation

Moein Ganji

Aviation Systems Lead The MITRE Corporation

Floyd Smith

John Crawford

Director of Engineering World Wide Technology

Eugene Harris

Federal Capture Manager—Civilian Team Lead World Wide Technology

Benny Henderson

Cloud Platform Architect World Wide Technology

Arshad Jones

Systems Engineering Manager World Wide Technology

Vaneisha Perkins

L E A D E R S

Information Technology & Data Analytics First Line Manager The Boeing Company

Mechanical & Structural Engineering Manager The Boeing Company

W

Andre Douglas

Malcolm Taylor

Duran Gunter

LaKenya Walker

Computer Scientist U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

Senior Manager Walmart, Inc.

Flight Simulation Labs F-15 Manager The Boeing Company

Eddie Doss

F-15 International Mission Planning Manager The Boeing Company

Program Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Senior Director II Walmart, Inc.

Section Supervisor, Project Manager The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Jeremiah Giles

Margaret Jones

Christina Willis

Project Engineer, Product Strategy and Future Airplane Study The Boeing Company

Process Engineer The Boeing Company

Senior Electrical Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

T E C H N O L O G Y

Wilford Bradford II

Susan Mbawuike

Systems Integration Specialist The Boeing Company

M O D E R N - D AY

Lead Technologist Splunk

Applications Administrator World Wide Technology

Michael Long

Group Leader The MITRE Corporation

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

67

Michael Gordon

Vice President Operations, Strategy and Infrastructure Rotary and Mission Systems 2020 President’s Award

Audrell K. Samuels

Subcontract Administrator Senior Space 2020 Linda Gooden Legacy Award

LHM

Leaders in Innovation.

We are honored to recognize our winners at the 34th Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards. The men and women of Lockheed Martin commend you for your achievements and thank you for your dedication to excellence and innovation.

Learn more at lockheedmartin.com/diversity

Š 2020 Lockheed Martin Corporation VC19-25408

Modern Day Technology Leaders:

Marcus Anderson

Kayann Barnswell

Michael Birt

Robert Burnett

Christopher Clemmons

Ronald Gloster

James Hampton

Terrence Hawthorne

Kingsley Iwu

Curtis James

Jayson Jenkins

Chanavia Johnson

Rikki Jones

Arielle Lafond

Kyle Lewis

Serah McMickle

Tracy McQueen

Sheronda Nash

Corey Richardson

DeAndre Strong

Tanya Titus

Tamara Warren

Althea Woodson

Deylyne Hills

Taze Lamb

Michelle Maddox

LHM

Science Spectrum Trailblazers:

Kingsley Fregene

Kimberly Hawkins

Keldon McPherson

2 02 0

B E YA

SCIENCE

SPECTRUM

TRAIL BLAZERS Career Communications Group (CCG) has been conveying the excitement and opportunities offered by science careers for decades.

Hundreds of outstanding minorities in research science have been featured in CCG magazines, spotlighting the benefits of diversity in science for more than 35 years.

In 2000, CCG launched the Emerald Honors, hosted by US Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE) magazine, at a time when studies by the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health (NIH) were ringing alarm bells: The percentage of American college graduates pursuing science careers had been dipping for more than a decade. At the National Institutes of General Medical Science, a workshop explored where America will get its next-generation science workforce. In the “Untapped Pool” study, scholars found that although historically underrepresented minorities show an early interest in science and research careers, they get precious little help sustaining that interest through college. Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, the 15th NIH director who led the nation’s medical research agency until 2008, urged students to “seize opportunities, never lower their expectations, have big dreams, and live those dreams.” That year, the Emerald Honors hosted by USBE celebrated the far-seeing leaders opening doors to boost the promotion of research careers.

There was a small number of scientists in the ranks during the Emerald Honors for Research Science, but their impact in leading research and development at national laboratories, federal agencies, and companies was enormous. Many were international authorities in their field, had numerous peer-reviewed publications, and held dozens of patents related to their research. Some were practicing great science to accomplish various missions, define and redefine innovation, and play vital roles in clinical research while ensuring the highest level of training for a diverse workforce. Others won awards for innovation in manufacturing, biotechnology, vaccines, and medicines that offer hope and improved quality of life for millions. Some got accolades for distributed computing and internet technologies, including data representation, analytics, and informatics.

One award winner delved into the most intractable aspects of pattern recognition software. He looked at the way things move and developed algorithms to analyze major joints of people and animals. When he was finished, cattle walking across a pasture to graze 40 miles away could enjoy a peaceful meal. “Nothing we have in the computer world comes quite close to the performance of the human brain,” the award-winning scientist said.

Since its inception, forward-thinking individuals creating innovations have been the driving force of CCG’s Science Spectrum Trailblazers. As the first cohort, the 2019 honorees exemplify the spirit of “Science Spectrum Trailblazer” pioneers: blazing trails through uncharted areas. Their goal: Help the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to achieve success as bench scientists, research analysts, and managers. These distinguished thinkers and doers come from industry, government, nonprofit research institutions, and academia. Across the technology enterprise, they are developing ideas and changing the ways Americans live and see the world.

The Science Spectrum Trailblazers on the right are recognized for innovation, sparking imagination, advocacy, and leadership; their efforts in building an inclusive scientific workforce; and their outstanding contributions to ensuring a talented workforce capable of sustaining a climate of innovation and opportunity, reflecting the diversity of American society.

70

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

Michaela Barnett

CEO Blacks In Cybersecurity, LLC

Meera Ramakrishnan

Brett Perkins

Engineer Mechanical 2 Huntington Ingalls Industries

James E. Simmons III

Process Engineer I Boston Scientific Corporation

D&D Assistant Senior Project Engineer Huntington Ingalls Industries

Evangeline Harvey

Edward McCain

Vice President of Operations Performance Consumers Energy

Herman Washington General Engineer II Consumers Energy

Mark Dawson

Vice President Information Technology Cox Enterprises

Corey Scott

Lead Engineer Defense Contract Management Agency

Jeannice Fairrer Samani, Ph.D. Founder Fairrer Samani Group/Fifth Wave

Nicole Reid

Operations Supervisor General Dynamics Electric Boat

Nikoia Greene

Senior Director of Operations General Dynamics Information Techology

Jing Zhang, Ph.D.

Senior Engineering Specialist General Dynamics Land Systems

Kevin Wheeler

Senior Advanced Systems Engineer General Dynamics Mission Systems

Opeyemi Alabi

Project Lead—Controls Execution General Motors

Talona Johnson

Assistant Program Manager General Motors

Darrell Rounds Manager General Motors

Richard Salmon

Quality Engineering Manager General Motors

www.blackengineer.com

Distinguished Engineer IBM Corporation

Cheikhou Ndiaye

Manager, IBM Z Firmware Development IBM Corporation

Kirk Powell

Supervising Substation Engineer Leidos

Robert Burnett

Electronics Engineer Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation

Kingsley Fregene, Ph.D.

Chief Engineer, Applied Research Lockheed Martin Corporation

Kimberly Hawkins

Quality Engineer Staff Lockheed Martin Corporation

Deylyne Hills

Electrical Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

Taze Lamb

Reliability Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

Michelle Maddox

F-22/F-16 Software Chief Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation

Keldon McPherson

Test Engineering Associate Manager Lockheed Martin Corporation

Torrey Bettis

General Engineer Missile Defense Agency

Rochelle May

Software Lead National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Ahmad Ridley, Ph.D.

Computer Systems Researcher National Security Agency

Fay Cobb Payton, Ph.D.

Professor, Program Director North Carolina State University

Fern Johnson

Richard A. Johnson

Production Pilot—737, 777, 787 The Boeing Company

Christopher Miller

Senior Director/CIO, Global Procurement and Global Supply Chain PepsiCo, Inc.

Chief of Staff/President and CEO/BDS The Boeing Company

Dionne Henry

Executive Director, International Defense Training, Boeing Defense, Space & Security The Boeing Company

Program Chief Engineer—Operational Commercial Engines Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Company

Francisca Kokui Adesokan

Associate Director of Engineering, CIPT Leader, Geared TurboFan Engine Program Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Company

Tyesia Alexander, Ph.D. Principal Systems Engineer SAIC

Monyet Bynoe

IT Systems Engineer SAIC

Kimberly Campbell

Technical Services Team Manager SAIC

John Coleman III, Ph.D. Chief Solutions Architect SAIC

Dorothy Crenshaw

Senior Systems Engineer SAIC

Gregory Escoe

Senior Audio Visual Engineer SAIC

Tonya Noble

Ashley Jones

Lead Engineer The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Ellis Jones

Senior Director, Global Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Jerrod Henderson, Ph.D.

Instructional Associate Professor; Director, Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies (PROMES) University of Houston

Whitney Davis System Engineer Walmart, Inc.

Emy Emmanuel Software Engineer Walmart, Inc.

Mike Fung

Senior Technical Expert Walmart, Inc.

Bhuvanesh Jani

Senior Information Security Architect Walmart, Inc.

Johnny Hodges

Anandha Prassanna Ramamoorthy

Terrance Parks

Arlette Umuhire Sangwa

Senior Principal Configuration Manager SAIC Telecom Engineer Principal SAIC

Senior Information Security Architect Walmart, Inc. System Engineer Walmart, Inc.

Larry Smith II

Cyber Security Analyst Senior Principal SAIC

Upshure Coard III

Director, BDS Mission Assurance The Boeing Company

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

71

An investment company that’s rich in career opportunities.

TRowe

Diversity works at T. Rowe Price. We’ve thrived by hiring associates with different backgrounds and experiences whose individual skills help deliver financial results for our clients.

You’ll find career opportunities in high-profile fields such as technology, accounting, and sales. We offer a collaborative work environment and are committed to each associate’s longterm success.

Explore your possibilities at TRowePrice.com/Careers

201904-813804

INGENUITY BUILDS L E A D E R S H I P.

INGENUITY BUILDS L E A D E R S H I P. Innovation stems from everyone. We are developing the next generation of leaders who are ready to meet and exceed our customer’s needs in the areas of digital engineering, information technology, intelligence, cyber, and more.

20-0996

We are Redefining Ingenuity at saic.com/careers.

© SAIC. All rights reserved.

SAIC

Innovation stems from everyone. We are developing the next generation of leaders who are ready to meet and exceed our customer’s needs in the areas of digital engineering, information technology, intelligence, cyber, and more.

20-0996

We are Redefining Ingenuity at saic.com/careers.

© SAIC. All rights reserved.

Ted Childs, (Retired) Vice President, Global Workforce Diversity, IBM (1967-2006)

US Black Engineer & Information Technology (USBE&IT) magazine launched the maiden issue of Leading Voices (LV) in the fall of 2017. Broken up into three or four columns written by inventors, entrepreneurs, and STEM policymakers, the section spotlights the 14 challenges outlined by the National Academy of Engineering, and disruptors such as artificial intelligence and bioengineering. During its first year, LV has provided perspectives on smart cities, building a weather-ready nation, and where AI is in your future.

An auspicious start for one of USBE magazine’s newest sections. Leading Voices is available in print and online at www.blackengineer.com.

Leading Voices Contributing Editors .........................

Ted Childs

(Retired) Vice President Global Workforce Diversity IBM (1967-2006)

Pete Buttigieg

2020 Presidential Candidate Mayor, South Bend, Indiana

74

Response to the opinion piece by Clyde W. Ford published in Sep. 22 issue of the LA Times, and Dec. 6 article of The Guardian T

he September 22, LA Times included an Opinion by Clyde W. Ford documenting his father’s journey at the IBM Company in the ‘40s and commented on some of the use of IBM equipment by the Third Reich in Germany and an equally harmful racial purity project on the Island of Jamaica.

I worked at IBM for 39 years from 1967 to 2006, retiring as the first Vice President, Global Workforce Diversity after 15 years in that role. My thoughts about Mr. Ford’s Opinion relate to context, and a knowledge of facts that would be unknown to him.

Jewish Community: The medal awarded to Tom Watson, Sr. in 1937 by Hitler is documented. It must, however, be acknowledged that Mr. Watson received the award not as the head of IBM, but as the President of the International Chamber of Commerce and did later return the award.

In 1956, Tom Watson, Jr. became the head of IBM, and hosted a famous IBM Meeting, The Williamsburg Conference for the senior leadership. The purpose was to reorganize the company. Prior to the meeting, Mr. Watson received a letter from an applicant for employment who felt he had been discriminated against because of his name. He had a BA from the University of Wisconsin and LLB from Harvard, had found law to be not for him, and had a successful experience in sales working for a small family owned business.

Reading an IBM NY newspaper ad seeking candidates for sales, he decided to apply for employment. His application to IBM led to seven interviews, his posing a direct question to an interviewer if his name was a problem, got no answers; and his letter to Mr. Watson. Tom was angry, had gotten the management interview comments from the seven interviews, and opened the Conference

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

by reading the applicant’s letter and the interviewer comments. Focusing on the fifth manager’s comments, Tom said as follows: “Interviewer number 5—now let’s look at interviewer number 5—this is really interesting. He looked like a good salesman, but he told the district manager he had a lousy name. I would like somebody to look up interviewer number 5 and fire him.”

In the ‘60s and ‘70s, two Jewish men rose to each hold the senior technology role in IBM, Dr. Emanuel Piore, and Dr. Ralph Gomery.

Mr. Ford’s letter alleges the improper use of IBM equipment by Hitler’s Third Reich. While I do not have knowledge of that situation, I do know that years later, in the ‘70s, perhaps informed by history, IBM CEO Frank Cary, made the decision that while doing business in South Africa, we would not bid on projects where the product would be used to manage the Pass Book system used to enforce Apartheid. Early in President Trump’s term, IBM resisted participation in the implementation of the President’s Executive Order dealing with immigrant travel visas. Current IBM CEO, Ginni Rometty, served on the President’s Strategy and Policy Council. During the national discussion about Charlottesville, and the ugly visions of hatred displayed on television and in our press, Ginni is reported to have said, “That is not the America that I grew up in.” She later withdrew from the Council following the President’s statement on the incident.

History, context and personal values can, and do, lead to better decision making.

Black Community: November 29, 1944, UNCF Founder, Frederick Patterson, received from Thomas J. Watson, Sr. his first letter accompanied by a corporate contribution; and in 1946, IBM hired Black salesmen to

www.blackengineer.com

Leading Voices sell to the Historically Black Colleges.

Mr. Ford describes two situations where his father assisted Black talent secure IBM employment. While I am troubled that “he managed to obtain copies of the IBM entrance examination questions and answers, which he surreptitiously shared with promising young black job applicants” I want to acknowledge that from two sources, church and the community at large, he presented multiple candidates for IBM employment who were hired. There were no Black managers at IBM at that time. He had to present those applicants to White managers, and his success is indicative of a company in the 40’s that was accepting of talent of color, not a racially insensitive workplace. In all candor, I suspect it was rare for those times, but his success validates such outcomes were possible.

Mr. Schroeter’s Letter to the Editor acknowledges IBM’s 1953 Equal Opportunity Policy Letter, America’s first, its support of education, and board representation. I would like to provide additional context. First, regarding the policy letter, in a personal interview with Tom Watson, Jr. in about 1989, I asked why he wrote such a letter, one year before the Supreme Court Brown Decision, and eleven years before the Civil Rights Act. He explained that in reviewing potential sites for new plants, and wanting to expand into the south, he had told the governors of North Carolina and Kentucky that he would not tolerate “Separate but Equal” at IBM. He told me that he felt the governors did not believe him, wrote the letter to IBM Managers, stamped it IBM Confidential, a respected, internal security labeling, and arranged for it to be leaked to the press. Both governors, confronted with the loss of a major employer and tax base made clear they would not object to IBM’s policies.

In January, 1971, General Motors became the first Fortune 500 Company to add a Black person to its Board of Directors, Rev. Leon Sullivan. Howard University School of Law has been the Law School of Black America. It gave us Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who with his team delivered the “Brown vs. the Board of Education” Supreme Court victory ending “Separate but Equal.” Five months after Sullivan’s appointment, Tom Watson,

www.blackengineer.com

Jr. invited Patricia Roberts Harris, Dean of the Howard University School of Law to join the IBM Board as the first Black woman board member. Two other Black IBM Board members have had global technical significance: Dr. John Brooks Slaughter, Chancellor of the University of Maryland and later President of Los Angeles’ own Occidental College; Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, current President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and IBM Board member since 2005. Dr. Jackson was the first Black woman to receive a PhD from MIT, the second in the U. S. to receive a PhD in Physics, the first Black and first woman appointed to Chair the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the first Black to receive the National Medal of Science.

For additional context, Dr. Slaughter is a native of Topeka, Kansas, the origin of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court Case. Dr. Slaughter’s family were members of the Topeka

IBM has been a major supporter and participant in the annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards since its founding in 1987.

NAACP local chapter that brought the case, and his cousin, Lucinda Todd, an officer of the chapter, was the first plaintiff to sign on to the lawsuit.

In 1974, IBM’s CEO, Frank Cary, and a group of his peers founded the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, NACME to increase the national focus on increasing the number of Black, Hispanic and Native Americans pursuing careers in STEM. Following the completion of his Occidental College presidency, Dr. Slaughter became the NACME President and CEO. During this period, the NACME Board Chair was IBM Executive Vice President, Innovation

and Technology, Nicholas Donofrio who served on the Board for twenty years and five years as Chair.

Mr. Schroeter’s letter appropriately acknowledges IBM’s 1935 commitment to “equal pay for equal work” accompanying the hiring of the initial group of college educated women. That commitment was the foundation for the 1976 initiation of IBM’s Salary Equity Program, the reaffirmation, through annual review, that women were paid fairly compared to their male peers, but also that ethnic minority employees were paid fairly compared to their majority peers. The commitment to, and execution of pay equity is the foundation to employment equality.

Since its founding in 1987 through today, IBM has been a major supporter and participant in the annual Black Engineer of the year Awards known as BEYA, created

by Tyrone Taborn. In addition to having many employees recognized, winners of the Annual Black Engineer of the Year Award have included Board members, Slaughter and Jackson, and employees Senior Vice President, Rodney Adkins, and IBM Fellow, Dr. Mark Dean. Dr. Dean, who shared three of the original nine patents for the PC was also the third Black inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame, following George Washington Carver and Dr. Percy Julian, and a group that includes Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Alexander Graham Bell, Jacques Cousteau, George Westinghouse, the Wright Brothers, Marconi and Enrico Fermi.

In addition, 24 years ago, the BEYA team gave us the Woman of Color Technologist of the Year recognition. In 2005, Tyrone called to tell me that Walmart wanted to nominate Nancy Stewart for the Technologist of the Year Award and sought assistance in preparing her package. Nancy, Walmart’s Senior Vice President, and Chief Technology Officer, had retired from IBM after becoming the first Black Woman Vice President in IBM history. We informed the coordinating executive at Walmart that we would be honored to provide information for inclusion in their submission package.

I went to Nick Donofrio and IBM CEO, Sam Palmisano, explained that IBM would not nominate anyone for the top award that year, would give our full support to Nancy’s package, and that endorsement

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

75

Am Navy

Corning

letters would be prepared for their respective signatures.

Nancy was the 2005 Woman of Color Technologist of the Year. Mr. Donofrio and I joined IBM one week a part in 1967, and he has supported my work throughout our journey, during and post IBM. Mr. Palmisano and I agreed on very little. But, as the Brothers on the street would say, “Two White Boys stood up for a Sister, and did so proudly.” It does happen.

In 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was founded on the campus of Purdue University, and grew to be the largest student run organization in the United States with more than 30,000 members. For many years the students conducted an annual survey including the question, “When you think about corporate America, what are the top three companies that you’d like to work?”

For 12 of 14 years, and 10 consecutive years, 1996-2005, IBM was number 1 in that survey.

In the United States, in the area of Equal Opportunity, IBM has been recognized on multiple occasions for superior performance by our national leadership including the President, and Secretaries of Labor and Defense; and in multiple countries around the world including the Total E Quality Award in Germany, a nation with a substantially different view of equality than during the 1930’s. In fact, every IBM CEO since Tom Watson, Jr. has seen the company recognized on the national stage for equal opportunity performance; and since Lou Gerstner, in multiple countries, for leadership in workforce diversity.

‘In the area of equal opportunity, IBM has been recognized on multiple

It is also appropriate to note that John W. Thompson, graduate of the HBCU, Florida A&M University, and who spent 28 years perfecting his skills at IBM is now the Microsoft Board Chairman; and that Kenneth Chenault, retired Chairman and CEO, American Express, served on the IBM Board for twenty years, 1998-2018.

For additional context, in the era of “Me Too” and “Times Up!” our company is led by a woman, Ginni Rometty. As Tom Watson turned to Howard University, one of our Black institutions of academic excellence, for a Board candidate, Ginni turned to John Paul Jones’s Navy to find one of the legitimate Black heroines of our generation, Admiral Michelle Howard, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and the first Black Woman Four Star officer in the history of the United States Military to share her journey on the IBM Board.

General: In 1968, IBM hired George Carter to be its first Black Executive, and the head of the newly created Corporate Equal Opportunity Department. Mr. Carter was a senior member of President Kennedy’s Peace Corps initiative. Also, in 1968, the company launched its Minority Supplier Program to ensure its supplier network included minority and women owned firms.

78

occasions for superior performance by our national leadership including the president and secretaries of labor and defense.’

The procurement team has been equally effective in the execution of the Minority Supplier Program, now called Supplier Diversity. In 2001, the Billion Dollar Roundtable was established to recognize companies spending a minimum of one billion dollars per year with minority and women owned businesses. IBM was on the initial list. In 2018, 28 companies qualified with a total First Tier Spend of $82B, including IBM with a $2B Spend---eighteen consecutive years on the list.

In 1969, Nicholas Katzenbach was hired by Tom Watson, Jr. as IBM General Counsel.

Mr. Katzenbach was the Deputy Attorney General under President Kennedy who faced down Alabama Governor George Wallace when he attempted to prevent

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

the integration of the University of Alabama; and was sent by the President to the University of Mississippi to enforce the federal order requiring the admission of its first Black student, James Meredith.

Later, as Attorney General under President Johnson during the height of the civil rights legislative debate, he served as the President’s legal advisor during the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. As IBM General Counsel, he was an aggressive partner with Human Resources SVP Walton Burdick as the moral conscience of the company, and advocate for leadership performance in all areas of equal opportunity.

In 1975, IBM Chairman Frank Cary joined with the Reverend Leon Sullivan, Black Baptist Minister, Founder of OIC International, and GM Board Member, and GM Chairman, Thomas Murphy to recruit a group of 21 corporate leaders to meet to discuss Apartheid in South Africa. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Cary at IBM. The result was the drafting of the Sullivan Principles to establish workplace guidelines for U. S. businesses in South Africa which sought to increase the freedoms of Black South Africans.

This project led to a decade long focus resulting in 70 companies withdrawing their presence by 1988. As a result, South Africa lost $1billion in U. S. investments.

The resulting economic pressure helped to precipitate a series of dramatic events: within five years, statutory Apartheid ended; Black citizens gained the right to vote; and Nelson Mandela was elected president of the new South Africa.

Reverend Sullivan said that “I commend IBM as a true partner, in a historic first that could not have been accomplished without its support.”

On a more current note, I am helping to lead a national project on behalf of Advancing Minority Interests in Engineering (AMIE), the 15 Historically Black College accredited schools of engineering. These schools represent 4 percent of the nation’s engineering colleges, but graduate more than 30 percent of her Black STEM graduates—A NATIONAL TREASURE. The project focus is the curricula and research capability of these schools. IBM is one of the six corporate partners providing

www.blackengineer.com

Leading Voices people, technology and funding to the project; and Nicholas Donofrio, now retired, is the Executive Mentor for the project. In October, 2019, for the fifth consecutive year, I moderated a panel at the Annual Women of Color in Technology Conference, and for the fifth year, IBM executive women of Color participated. Our 2019 theme was “Ambition Without Fear---Women of Color in Technology: Needed, But Hidden Figures No More!” I am proud of that theme because Katherine Johnson, the heroine of the film, “Hidden Figures” is a graduate of West Virginia State College, as am I. The ladies in that film are forever linked to IBM, and Ginni and her team were supportive of the development and launch of the film, and purchased theaters in White Plains, New York, Austin, Texas and San Francisco for employee and student attendance.

Today: The Black experience in Corporate America has come and gone. That is a U.S. corporate community assessment, not an appraisal of IBM performance. Across Corporate America the hires of the 60’s ---80’s have retired, and the pipeline to backfill them did not happen. Global women and the U. S. Hispanic population are strong competitors for employment and advancement opportunities, and that is appropriate given the changing demographic landscape. But we are still here, and to forget us should not be done with the expectation that we are not aware of the outcome. Within IBM, however, that there has only been one Black SVP in our history, and that there is no current Black direct report to the CEO is not unambiguous, it is noteworthy to Black IBMers, past and present, and it is painful; but we have to stand in and fight for opportunity, and when presented, deliver distinctive performance. I am convinced that the grass is not greener--we must make the IBM pasture a better place to be.

For many major U. S. firms, whether you are a story teller, or a current employee, you will find a disconnect between your employer’s history and today. Worse, you will find a companion disconnect between the understanding of the leadership of yesterday and today of the not dotted, but very solid line of consistency in our

www.blackengineer.com

engagement in Corporate America. It has not been successful. Our talent is no less prepared today than yesterday. What has changed is not our readiness, but the arrival of a generation of American senior leaders who do not understand the history, or feel this has been dealt with and does not demand their time, or benefitted from the civil rights journey but have less commitment to it; or leaders who have not experienced the stress and pain of the U. S. civil rights journey, are not indifferent, but unknowing---in any of the aforementioned, they cannot feel qualified to diagnose and solve this issue. They are not. It is not, however, productive to paint any of them with a racist label, but neither is it fair or reasonable to expect this generation of Black executives to share their insight if it is not going to be accepted as their reality, and used as the benchmark for tactical and strategic behavior.

Closing: Mr. Ford’s comments in the LA Times, and recently in The Guardian represent a harsh assessment of the IBM climate for Black employees, but lack understanding of IBM’s employee relations business model, which was, as stated, intended to remain non-union, an outcome that could only be achieved by employee choice, not employer decision. The logic was that to achieve high employee morale, management could, by listening to its employees, do a better job than a third party. In addition to management, the primary “listeners” were the Personnel Department; and direct employee voices through surveys and other tools sensitive to gender and racial messages requiring awareness and attention. That structure included many people who were White, and many who looked like Mr. Ford and me, and our goal was to ensure equality anchored in the Basic Belief, “Respect for the Individual.” In a U. S. population that grew to over 200,000, IBM was a respected employer by all employee groups. Were there discrimination complaints? Yes. The first one in the 70’s, was culture shock, and required Mr. Burdick to brief Chairman Cary. By the year 2000, there were well over 100, and the concept is an accepted part of Corporate America. At IBM, however, they were not ignored. Each was investigated,

and in proven cases of racial or gender discrimination, or sexual harassment, people were fired. Many people.

Mr. Ford’s comments about the BWA, or Black Workers Alliance were, to me, personal. A major target workplace was the IBM Brooklyn Plant that employed 400 employees, primarily Black and Hispanic. I was the Personnel Administration Manager. The BWA’s mission was as he describes, and they were a worthy, respected adversary. They released confidential salary information and our practice was to respond aggressively, but always within the ground rules established by the National Labor Relations Board. The BWA crossed that line, and IBM responded.

From 1944 to 2019, eight decades, IBM has been an employer, incubator, developer, and national stage for Black technical talent---seventy-five years of sustained support. When my generation of Black IBMer discusses our old employer, it is easy to criticize, to say that senior management has not delivered on our expectations, not taken advantage of the foundation and network of relationships we built for future leadership ---and we do, but that is within the family, and how we prod our team to continue to excel.

I admit that such criticism sometimes happens publicly, and I have engaged.

But if you are going to throw stones, tell the whole story, and know your IBM history. Know the culture, the people who created and led that culture, the evolving circumstances under which they did so, and the impact of that culture on providing leadership for our nation, and the world.

We must find context and remember the circumstances under which decisions were made and executed. It is hard to find balance, to remember that while we might compare today’s leadership to yesterday’s performance, that is not fair. We must compare today’s IBM to their 21st Century peers. Against that measuring stick, Ginni Rometty, while not doing everything we want her to do, is where we want her to be, among the leaders. S

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

79

It does take rocket UT scientists And metallurgists, mathematicians, computer scientists, aeronautical engineers, industrial engineers, system analysts and more. As a global technology company, we are always in search for top talent with opportunity to hire the best people around.

ALL IN. CREATING AN EXTRAORDINARY FUTURE. To stay connected to UTC, visit us at www.utc.com/careers.

WWT TECHNOLOGY RUNS ON GREAT PEOPLE. WWT is proud to support public sector and its efforts to enhance citizen services, improve quality of life and protect our world.

Most companies talk about delivering business and technology outcomes. We do it.

Learn more at wwt.com • @wwt_inc

Pete Buttigieg, 2020 Presidential Candidate, Mayor of South Bend, IN

Presidential Candidate Pete Buttigieg Shares His Plans for HBCUs When we look at national economic development, and match that growth to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), which graduate most Black professionals; and the changing environment in technology, many HBCUs lack the infrastructure. In fact, many of our urban cities lack the infrastructure to be real technology makeups. Read excerpts from a recent interview USBE Publisher Tyrone Taborn had with Mayor Pete Buttigieg on his plans for HBCUs.

because the biggest problems for folks with student debt usually happens when they fall short at graduation but still carry that debt. And so, part of it is investing in a physical plan, a lot of it’s investing in people, and that’s where I think we’ll get the biggest payoff on these funds.

“We represent 15 ABET-

Tyrone Taborn: We represent roughly 15 ABET-accredited engineering programs.

They graduate 33 percent and 30 percent of engineers and computer science. There are over 300 accredited engineering programs. But when you look at the resources that are put into HBCUs, it is less than 2 percent of our federal budget. How do you see these historically Black institutions and minority-serving institutions, and what is your plan with the Douglass Plan in addressing the building of infrastructure?

accredited engineering programs. They graduate 33 percent and 30 percent of engineers and computer scientists. There are over 300 accredited engineering programs. But when you

Pete Buttigieg: Part of the Douglass Plan is a proposal to set aside $50 billion in federal support directly for HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. And while we want to keep some flexibility in the design of that funding, the number one goal that I would assign to that funding is this question of how do we help people get pathways into these career fields where maybe they’ve never seen somebody who looks like them in some of these careers?

Part of that is about making sure the infrastructure is there, that the resources are on campus. Part of it’s about the relationship with employers, making sure that anybody contemplating these fields knows that there is opportunity waiting for them on the other end in terms of a likely job offer, if they do everything that’s expected of them. Part of it is making sure we support college completion, knowing all the barriers for first-generation students, for who it’s not just about affordability. No question, you’ve got to deal with that. But also making sure they get the resources to ensure they graduate

82

look at the resources that are put into HBCUs, it is less than 2 percent of our federal budget. How do you see these HBCUs and minority-serving institutions and what is your plan with the Douglass Plan?”

– Tyrone Taborn, CCG CEO and USBE publisher

Tyrone Taborn: In The Covenant with Black America, which was a New York Times bestseller, I wrote the chapter on technology. In my list of recommendations was that we create a federal research center built around the HBCUs. That will be similar to what MITRE has done—applied physics labs

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

and HBCUs could collaborate. and their federal dollars would always exist. That means that you’re able to do PhDs. You’re able to do more research, you’re able to have faculty. What do you think of something like that?

Pete Buttigieg: I think it’s a smart approach because what you’re doing then is a lot of dollars that are programmed anyway to support research could be programmed in a way that meets other goals too. I mean, we’ve seen just from how some of the universities in my own backyard chase these grant dollars, and when it goes well, it’s community economic development as well as building up the university; building up the next generation of researchers, supporting faculty. And supporting that end goal of what the research is for. So, I hadn’t thought about it in those terms, but I’m glad you raised it because it’s a great example of how we can bring purpose to that fund.

Tyrone Taborn: I just left the board of Morgan State (University) after six years, and prior to that I was on a board of a predominantly white college. One of the challenges that universities have had, particularly HBCUs, and in Morgan State, is winning federal dollars. So, my next question would be how we would guarantee that the federal agencies live up to a certain part of their budget going to the HBCUs. Many of them are not hitting those goals.

Pete Buttigieg: One separate part of the Douglass Plan is about federal purchasing and proposing a 25 percent target on making sure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a way that reflects the diversity of the taxpayers themselves. I think it makes a lot of sense for us to apply that same thinking when we’re looking at the research side.

Tyrone Taborn: Let’s talk about the digital divide because we have a major challenge in the rural communities, because that infrastructure doesn’t exist.

And tech people aren’t going to go where

www.blackengineer.com

Leading Voices there’s no technology infrastructure. I want you to talk about how you would approach the digital opportunities or digital divide without simply talking about access. And secondly, what we can do on the educational side to make sure that technology has real meaning in which people can really increase their livelihood.

Pete Buttigieg: I think the fundamental question is who benefits from a piece of technology? And sometimes the user is the beneficiary, but sometimes that’s not the case. Sometimes the beneficiary is whoever’s selling it, sometimes the beneficiary’s in a whole different place than the user of the technology. And we’ve got to make sure all these things line up in a way that benefits those who get assets. Access is still important because if you don’t have that, then none of the rest of it works. It’s kind of multiplied by zero. One of the things we’re noticing, for example, in a pretty diverse and largely low-income community that I serve, is sometimes kids will have smartphones, but they won’t have a data plan.

That’s where publicly available Wi-Fi or extending Wi-Fi into public housing and parks, facilities, and neighborhood centers are so important. But I take the point that access is just the beginning, and so we’ve also got to make sure how are we using it? It’s the same thing with making sure the kids get tablets or laptops at school.

That’s fine, but it’s not enough. It doesn’t really solve the question of whether there’s a meaningful educational benefit.

That’s where the curriculum needs to be empowered for young people to understand how their relationships with technology could help them, whether it’s as entrepreneurs, as employees, or just as citizens. And we’ve got to make sure that empowerment is at the heart of the kinds of guidance that a wellbalanced department of education could be offering to communities and school districts that maybe have never been set up to do this. Or once they do get any help, it’s getting devices, but maybe not so much ensuring that those devices are used in a way that makes the kids better off.

Tyrone Taborn: You talked a little bit about venture capital, and we all know that the reason a company will go into an

www.blackengineer.com

area is because of talent, property value and access to capital. So, when we look at the minority community, we see less than 10 percent of those companies in the tech area. What’s your plan?

Pete Buttigieg: One of the things I’m proposing is that we add the capital that goes into community development financial institutions (CDFIs) that have a much better track record than commercial banking, in general, of supporting minority entrepreneurs but don’t always get the flows of capital they should. They’re very successful when

in this area with all the major companies, the military, strong supporters of what we do, I still come across companies that will not hire and do not hire, for whatever reasons. They won’t. These are major companies. So, my the question would be how would we encourage those companies getting federal dollars to really go out and try to make hiring goals?

Pete Buttigieg: I think part of what we’ve got to do is we’ve got to not only ensure that obviously there is no tolerance for discrimination or intentional disparity in hiring, but also when the response is, ‘Hey, we tried. We just couldn’t find them. We didn’t get the applications,’ we ask those businesses to accept responsibility for making sure that they are cultivating more people who can apply. In the same way, one of the struggles for public purchasing with MBEs (Minority Business Enterprises) is availability, but we ought to have some responsibility for growing the availability of the capacity. Same thing with human capital and talent. If the availability isn’t there, grow it and accept a responsibility for cultivating people. And then when there are apples to apple discrimination, we need to be able to enforce on that.

And I would prioritize those companies that are benefiting from federal dollars.

It’s not hard. You send out some resumes, you can find out quickly where these patterns are, and they’re there. So, we can act on them.

“I think part of what we’ve got to do is not only ensure that there is no tolerance for discrimination or intentional disparity in hiring, but also when the response is, ‘Hey, we tried. We just couldn’t find them. We didn’t get the applications, we ask those businesses to accept responsibility for making sure that they are cultivating more people who can apply.”

Tyrone Taborn: Thank you. I’ll tell you some of the great ones are Boeing, Lockheed, and Raytheon. Those kinds of companies really are very supportive. S

– Mayor Pete Buttigieg

they get the chance. So, I would increase the CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) credits that go for funding these CDFIs. Another thing that I think is important is being willing to directly co-invest. We’ve seen this in Maryland with the TEDCO model, where that kind of co-investment really unlocks companies that have the potential to generate great returns, but never get to scale.

Watch the Full Interview Here: https://l.ead.me/bbMEPd

Tyrone Taborn: In working over 40 years

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

83

GD

AD

AD

A diverse and inclusive workplace where you belong.

Visa.com/careers

BLUE-COLLAR

STEM

CAREER OUTLOOK INSIDE Health care and cybersecurity are just a few of the areas that provide career pathways for community college students.

A few weeks after Labor Day in 2017, Dr. Victor McCrary, a member of the National Science Board (NSB), defined bluecollar jobs in STEM while speaking to a panel on blue-collar STEM. The NSB, the governing board of the National Science Foundation, cares about the STEM workforce, he said. “This includes ‘blue-collar STEM’ workers, or what the National Academies have termed the ‘Skilled Technical Workforce.’”

www.blackengineer.com

> Redefining the STEM Industry

> Do you want a career in blue-collar STEM?

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

87

CAREER OUTLOOK

Re-defining the

STEM industry Blue-collar STEM careers are changing the way we think about STEM

When you think about STEM careers, what occupations come to mind? Do you think of specially trained and hard-toget technical jobs, like a nuclear engineer or perhaps managerial positions within a STEM field?

While some careers in STEM command a four-year or graduate degree, over half of all STEM jobs are available to applicants without a traditional fouryear college degree. In addition to these fields, coding is a rapidly growing and well-paying career that is considered

by Wired to be the “next big blue-collar job.” Debunking the myth that coders need to be highly advanced, innovative designers, Wired describes a growing group of coders who manage and maintain websites, login portals, etc.

Another large segment of blue-collar 88

STEM jobs include occupations that require apprenticeships and learned technical skills that lead to higher earnings, like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. These valuable workers install, service, and maintain vital infrastructures from as large as state and citywide systems to individual businesses and homes. According to The Hidden STEM Economy, “installation, maintenance, and repair occupations constitute 12 percent of all STEM jobs, one of the largest occupational categories.”

According to The Hidden STEM Economy, education-adjusted wage premiums for blue-collar STEM jobs are on average 10 percent greater than their non-STEM counterparts for an average salary of $53,000. In some regions of the country, these average wages are 50 percent higher than non-STEM wages.

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

Another point to consider is that graduates of apprenticeship programs (more common in STEM fields) earn an average of $250,000 more in lifetime earnings, according to Harvard Business Review. More specific to several industries, electricians and plumbers earn an average of around $57,000, while HVAC technicians earned an average of $50,000. IT employees such as web developers and computer programmers earned an average of $87,500, far above the national average salary of all jobs, which is $47,000.

These higher-than-average salaries are even more appealing considering that obtaining a bachelor’s degree only raises the average U.S. salary to $70,000, but potentially carries the burden of student loans and fewer years of earnings while in school.

An overall trend influencing bluewww.blackengineer.com

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

collar STEM is the national discussion on the need to replenish the pipeline of skilled technical workers to the economy by training future blue-collar STEM workers. This renewed focus is attempting to reverse the trend that David Stern of U.C. Berkeley identifies, “…the non-college track is gradually disappearing from American high schools.” From national policies to National Science Foundation programs, there are high-level discussions on how to best fill these necessary jobs with high school graduates and those seeking training other than a traditional fouryear degree. Blue-collar STEM jobs are more widespread geographically than higher-education STEM occupations, which tend to be focused more in metropolitan areas. This is good news for students spread out across the nation searching for a higher-paying

www.blackengineer.com

job than average. Articulating this trend further, Alicia Sasser Modestino states, “Within these major occupation groupings, critical vacancies exist in detailed occupations that primarily employ middle-skill workers. For example, within the healthcare practitioner and technical occupation group, critical vacancies exist in detailed occupations such as medical and clinical laboratory technicians, surgical technologists, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, and medical records and health information technicians—jobs that employ a high share of workers with only some college or an associate’s degree.”

This shortage of workers for higherthan-average paying STEM careers is good news for job seekers and students alike—the time to think ahead for technical training is now!

Blue-collar STEM careers will continue to grow and flourish as the overall trend of STEM career growth continues.

However, it is unknown yet how national policies and programs will affect the general trend of shrinking apprenticeship programs and a greater focus on preparing students for college rather than a career and technical education. Coupled with this trend, historically, job skills have been shifting from incremental skills that are learned on the job to more advanced technical skills, according to Harvard Business Review. This trend has caused many regional areas to start training and apprenticeship program partnerships, such as the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, a network of unions, companies, and educational institutions that provides technical and general skills training programs. S

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

89

AD

AD

CAREER OUTLOOK

HIGH PAY WITHOUT A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE? CONSIDER A BLUE-COLLAR STEM CAREER

92

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

www.blackengineer.com

JOB HORIZON

The future is bright for bluecollar STEM occupations. Bluecollar STEM careers are defined as those requiring technical skills, problem-solving, and specialized training that is more than a high school diploma, but less than a traditional four-year degree. These types of jobs cut across many industries, such as IT, computer science, engineering, energy, and many more. These jobs range from staff who install, maintain, and service systems in homes and businesses to programmers who develop and maintain landing pages, login portals, servers, and databases.

These jobs are also spread out across the United States in larger swaths than higher-education STEM careers, which tend to be more centrally located within specific metropolitan areas. The Hidden STEM Economy states, “sub-bachelor’s STEM jobs are prevalent in every large metropolitan area.” Specifically, the metropolitan areas of San Jose, CA and Washington, D.C. were noted to have the most STEM-based economies, while Baton Rouge, LA; Birmingham, AL; and Wichita, KS have the greatest share of STEM jobs that do not require four-year degrees. These broad options for employment and more widely distributed locations offer job seekers and students a lot of options for future employment.

As mentioned earlier, blue-collar STEM careers cut across many industries.

Education Week compiled and analyzed salary data, demands for hiring, and

www.blackengineer.com

training needs for STEM careers and determined that the following bluecollar STEM jobs are most in-demand: wind turbine service technician, industrial machinery mechanic, automotive service technician, health technologist, home healthcare aid, and computer user support specialist.

These careers are projected to increase in demand by double digits—in some cases, 40 percent or higher. In the case of wind turbine service technicians, employment is expected to increase dramatically—96 percent over the next seven years! Additional employment opportunities exist in the IT industry, with coding being called the “next big blue-collar job” by Wired. Another industry with a wide range of blue-collar STEM opportunities is manufacturing.

From the government to private industry, employers need skilled mechanics, service technicians, and operators for manufacturing machinery and systems.

When it comes to seeking a bluecollar STEM job, there are two optimal ways to prepare yourself to increase your appeal to potential employers— apprenticeships and internships. In an internship, one learns and works for an employer, sometimes for low pay or free. By doing so, the job seeker learns valuable skills and makes connections to the employer. An internship is a more common program, but one that has no guarantee of employment after it ends. On the other hand, apprenticeships are less common in the U.S., although they are more commonly used for technical jobs such as STEM fields. Apprenticeships are longer-term, pay more, and guarantee a job with the employer/sponsor.

These benefits of an apprenticeship make them highly competitive and desirable for candidates. The Department of Defense and Army Educational Outreach Program offer several STEM programs that offer technical training, comprehensive trade curricula, and support to talented high school graduates and adults. Private sector employers offer apprenticeship programs to help reverse the growing shortage of

STEM employment candidates, such as Corning’s technical pipeline program.

Corning’s program has a 100 percent retention rate! The nonprofit group LaunchCode partners with universities and employers to provide education, training, and connections that serve underrepresented communities.

From the government to private industry, employers need skilled mechanics, service technicians, and operators for manufacturing machinery and systems.

According to accomplished electrical engineer Nicholas Lampe, job seekers should develop their skills in problemsolving. He notes that job candidates should “have a questioning attitude.

Look for conditions and situations that are out of the ordinary and investigate until you resolve the issue. Employers are looking for candidates like that in today’s market.” In the course of an internship or apprenticeship, seek out situations as described above and network with more experienced peers to seek their counsel. Ask them about the common problems, issues, successes, and trends that they’ve seen in their specific industry and job role.

You’ll find that people are always willing to help and provide support. Making these genuine connections will better prepare you for a career and help you achieve success.

Students, graduates, and job seekers should be encouraged by these overall trends and employment options.

Seek out local or regional networks for STEM job training and general job skill attainment. Use reliable, trusted sources for training and work diligently to improving yourself. You may find that well-paying technical jobs are more accessible than you previously thought.

S

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

93

CONGRATULATIONS to our team member,

Debra Curry, and all recipients of the 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Awards.

Textron is a proud sponsor of the BEYA STEM Debra Curry Principal Engineer, Bell Diversity Advocate | Mentor | Facilitator 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Award Community Service in Industry

Global Competitiveness Conference.

MAKE SOMETHING REAL Lings that fly. Hover. Zoom. ings that protect soldiers and power industries. With multiple businesses and a presence in 25 countries, Textron’s powerful brands include Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

But it’s our people who make it all come together.

Textron is committed to having a diverse and inclusive work environment throughout our global operations. At Textron, our employees are valued, respected and able to contribute fully regardless of differences. It’s central to how we do business and critical to our success.

FOLLOW TEXTRON: @textron #TextronReal

FOR MORE INFORMATION: TEXTRON.COM/CAREERS

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

“Some of our Outstanding Scholars”

www.aamu.edu/cetps

Undergraduate Programs Electrical Engineering Computer Science Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Construction Management Physics Chemistry Mathematics

Graduate Programs Systems and Materiel Engineering, M.Eng Computer Science, MS Applied Physics, MS Physics, PhD

AD

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

AD ASEE DIVERSITY RECOGNITION PROGRAM

BRONZE

Where FAMU engineers are made.

2019 BRONZE EXEMPLAR

DIVERSITY IS IN OUR DNA. Our partnership with FSU empowers us to be a leading HBCU producer of engineering doctoral degrees to AfricanAmericans, with the highest level of external research funding.

www.eng.famu.fsu.edu

BACHELOR’S DEGREES Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Environmental Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering

MASTER’S DEGREES Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Management Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering

DOCTORAL DEGREES Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering

famufsucoe

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

AD

Through innovation, technically advanced labs and research, Hampton University’s School of Engineering and Technology prepares the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of the global marketplace in the environment, transportation, and technology.

For More Information Visit:

HTTP://SET.HAMPTONU.EDU/

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

AD

. . .

S E I R A D N U !

O B W O O N N E E T V A A V H O U N O N I Y E R U T U F R U O Y D L U O H OR S

N

Our School was built to produce confident and competitive Engineers who graduate ready to make their marks in this rigorous industry. Join one of our 4 accredited programs today to see just how innovative and boundless your future can be.

Undergraduate & Graduate Programs In:

Civil Engineering Electrical & Computer Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies

........

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

AD_Layout 1 12/17/2018 12:38 PM Page 1

We see your greatest potential and your motivation to achieve. We see you at Norfolk State University.

Bachelor of Science Biology Chemistry Computer Science Nursing and Allied Health Mathematics Physics Engineering (Electrical and Optical) Technology Master of Science Computer Science Cybersecurity Electronics Engineering Materials Science Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering

College of Science, Engineering and Technology Oice of the Dean 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504 (757)823-8180 www.nsu.edu/cset

AD

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING DRIVING INNOVATION Architectural Engineering (BS) Bioengineering (BS, MS) Biological Engineering (BS) Chemical Engineering (BS, MS) Civil Engineering (BS, MS) Computer Engineering (BS) Computational Science and Engineering (MS, PhD)

AD

Computer Science (BS, MS, PhD) Electrical Engineering (BS, MS, PhD) Industrial and Systems Engineering (BS, MS, PhD) Mechanical Engineering (BS, MS, PhD)

No. 1

OVERALL Engineering degrees awarded to African Americans

Learn more about the College of Engineering 336-285-2640

ncat.edu/coe

@COENCAT

/COENCAT

N.C. A&T College in N.C. A&T College of Engineering of Engineering

@COENCAT

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

College of Sciences and Engineering Patrick Carriere, Ph.D., P.E. Dean and Professor P.O. Box 9969 Baton Rouge, LA 70813

Undergraduate Programs

Tel: (225) 771-4316 Fax: (225) 771-5721 Email: patrick_carriere@subr.edu

Graduate Programs

• Civil Engineering

Master of Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

Master of Science in Biology

• Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Computer Science

• Electronics Engineering Technology

Master of Science in Mathematics

• Computer Science

Master of Science in Physics

• Biology

Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology

• Chemistry

Ph.D. in Science/Math Education

• Math • Physics

Southern University Salutes College of Sciences and Engineering www.subr.edu/cse Baton Rouge, LA 70813 225-771-5290

Dr. Eugene M. Deloatch 2017 Black Engineer of the Year

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

AD

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

UNIVERSITY of MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE

EARN YOUR DEGREE IN Engineering and Aviation Sciences The Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is home to laboratories with state-of-the-art instrumentations, including simulators for flight instruction and wind tunnels for aerodynamics research. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering with specializations in aerospace, computer, electrical or mechanical.

Our Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science offers concentrations in aeronautics, aviation management, and professional pilot.

Partnerships with nearby businesses allow our students to participate in hands-on activities to reinforce the principles and concepts learned in the classroom. Our experienced faculty and small class sizes ensure you are prepared to soar into a successful career when you leave UMES.

Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences, EASC Building, Suite 2007 Phone 410-651-6365 umes.edu/engavi

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

WHERE THE EXCEPTIONAL IS THE RULE

2014 Black Engineer of the Year Stephanie C. Hill, Vice President and General Manager, Information Systems & Global Solutions Civil, Lockheed Martin; B.A. ’86, UMBC

2013 Black Engineer of the Year Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, President, UMBC; M.A. ‘71, Ph.D. ‘75, Univ. of Ill., UrbanaChampaign; B.S. ‘70 Hampton Institute

Lola Eniola-Adefeso, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, Univ. of Mich.; M.S. ‘00, Ph.D. ’04, Univ. of Penn., B.S. ‘99, UMBC

UMBC

Oliver J. Meyers, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Clemson Univ.; B.S. ’94, M.S. ’96, Ph.D. ’07, UMBC

Nationally recognized for linking excellence and diversity and increasing the number of minorities and women entering science and technology fields, UMBC creates an environment

where high-achieving minority students are no exception. We are proud of our role in seeding the next generation of STEM leaders, including Naomi Mburu ’18, chemical engineering, our first Rhodes Scholar, and the many graduates who have become STEM faculty in the nation’s most distinguished universities and leaders at major companies, including: • Delali Dzirasa, President, Fearless Solutions, LLC; B.S. ’04, UMBC • Kafui Dzirasa, Principal investigator, Laboratory for Psychiatric Neuroengineering; Assoc. Prof., Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke Univ.; M.D. ’09, Duke Univ. School of Medicine, Ph.D. ’07, Duke Univ., B.S. ’01 UMBC • Nwokedi C. Idika, Software Engineer, Security & Privacy, Google; Ph.D. ’10 and M.S. ’07, Purdue Univ., B.S. ’05, UMBC • Lalana Kagal, Principal Research Scientist, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), MIT; M.S. ’02, Ph.D. ’04, UMBC

• Kyla A. McMullen, Assistant Professor, Computer and Information Science, Univ. of Fla.; Ph.D. ’12.

Univ. of Mich., B.S. ’05, UMBC • W. Lawrence Neeley, Jr., Associate Professor of Design and Entrepreneurship, Olin Coll. of Engineering; Ph.D. ’07, Stanford Univ., B.S. ’98, UMBC • Natasha N. Powell-Howard, Clinical Instructor, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; M.D., Case Western Reserve Univ., ’05, B.S. ’01, UMBC • Joseph Towles, Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering and of Bioengineering, Stanford Univ.; Ph.D. ’03, Stanford Univ., B.S. ’96, UMBC • Brian Wayman, Senior Project Manager, Emergent BioSolutions; Ph.D. ’07, Ga. Inst. of Tech., B.S. ’99, UMBC

We’re Changing the Face of STEM GRADUATE EDUCATION gradschool.umbc.edu

DIVERSE FACULTY DIVERSE STEM STUDENTS facultydiversity.umbc.edu meyerhoff.umbc.edu

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

Virginia State University

College of Engineering and Technology Becoming Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow

Undergraduate Programs

AD

Student‐Centered, Dynamic, and Engaging Learning Environment

Engineering and Computer Science

Computer Science (B.S.) Computer Engineering (B.S.) Manufacturing Engineering (B.S.)

Applied Engineering Technology

Electronics Engineering Technology (B.S.) Information Logistics Technology (B.S.) Mechanical Engineering Technology (B.S.)

Mathematics and Economics

Mathematics (B.S.) Economics (B.S.)

Graduate Programs Computer Science (M.S.) Economics (M.A.) Mathematics (M.S.) Project Management (Certi�icate)

Multidisciplinary Research

Leadership Systems Thinking Professionalism

For more information, contact: Office of the Dean 1 Hayden Drive Box 9392 Virginia State University, VA 23806 (804) 524-1141 www.cet.vsu.edu

Be One of Our Future Leaders!

COLLEGE MARKETPLACE

Bellview

The energy to love your life and your career.

SM

Love takes time. It takes effort and it especially requires energy. We at Dominion Energy understand that.

We know you need energy to fulfill your dreams and plans for both your career and your life. We’ve got dozens of open jobs in many different departments waiting here for you.

Let’s find the one that’s a perfect fit.

SCIENCE. SERVICE. STEWARDSHIP.

AD National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA’s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America’s gross domestic product. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it. NOAA employs some of the world’s top Scientists supported by a vast array of Administrative Support Professionals to accomplish this mission and we welcome you!

Join the NOAA team!

On the Web: http://www.noaa.gov/  On Twitter: @NOAA  On Facebook: NOAA

AD

Abbott

THE NEXT GREAT IDEA IS YOURS Step Forward At L3Harris, we inspire excellence. Across all domains, our customers perform on the world’s most challenging frontlines, and we are proud to employ innovators and problem solvers dedicated to delivering mission-critical solutions our customers depend on. Our commitment to speed, innovation and flawless execution are matched only by our dedication to providing every employee with an inclusive environment and rewarding career opportunities.

L3

High-tech. High-performance. High-energy. High-return.

L3HARRIS.COM/CAREERS

DIPLOMACY EMBRACES DIFFERENCES

Fund II

The U.S. Department of State is committed to creating a workforce that represents the rich diversity of America. It recognizes that the unique experiences, talents, and knowledge of all employees bring innovation and creativity to the workplace, encouraging fresh perspectives that inspire new ideas and sparking positive change – both in the U.S. and abroad.

Your one-of-a-kind perspective can help foster better relationships and effective collaboration with the people and issues that impact our world. You can contribute through a career, internship, or fellowship in a variety of disciplines, including STEM, medicine, law enforcement, and security. Our opportunities can lead you to new places, cultures, and experiences abroad that will enrich your personal life and professional career.

Join the next generation of diplomats – an optimistic, inclusive team dedicated to advancing the pursuit of excellence.

Discover how you can be the future of diplomacy.

Visit careers.state.gov/NUL2019.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE careers.state.gov/BEYA2020 Follow DOSCareers

AD SAVE THE DATE

OCTOBER 8-10, 2020 DETROIT, MI www.womenofcolor.net

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WOCITC Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/woctechnology Career Communications Group, Inc. 729 East Pratt St., Suite 504 | Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 244-7101 | www.womenofcolor.net

AD

WHAT’S YOUR WARRIOR? GOARMY.COM

TOMORROW WON’T BUILD ITSELF. The U.S. Army is where you can be part of something bigger than yourself. It’s where you can find opportunity in over 150 disciplines, including science, intelligence, aviation, engineering, law, and more. Join us and take on anything.

FOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION CONTACT MR. RICH HUTSON AT (910) 643-3492 OR RICHARD.E.HUTSON2.CIV@MAIL.MIL ©2019. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

Army pub health When your goal is to provide exceptional service to the nation, you need exceptional people. That’s why Sandia National Laboratories seeks out team members whose principles, perspectives, and outlook can contribute to game-changing solutions. We value the qualities that make our people unique—and know that what makes each person different makes all of us stronger.

Visit sandia.gov/careers to learn more about an exceptional career at Sandia and how you can add to our legacy of discovery, innovation, and achievement that has enhanced the well-being and security of people all over the world.

Exceptional service in the national interest

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national original, disability, or veteran status.

Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525. SAND2018-9947 HR

DEFINING INNOVATION

JHUAPL

AD

• CONGRATULATIONS

TOM PEEPLES 2019 BEYA Linda Gooden Legacy Award Winner

ª www.goodyear.com/community

©2019 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. All rights reserved.

AD AD US Army Corps of Engineers

AD WE OFFER

JOIN OUR TEAM

POSITIONS INCL UDE Construction Control Reps Civil Engineers Biologists Contract Specialists Electrical Engineers

Engineering Technicians Lock & Dam Operators Mechanical Engineers Natural Resource Specialists Park Rangers Realty Specialists

the Nation’s

LARGEST organization

118

CAPSTONE LEAD SPONSOR United Technologies Corporation

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY EXHIBITORS AMIE Alabama A&M University Capitol Technology University Florida A&M University Georgia Tech Research Institute Hampton University Harvard Business School Howard University Jackson State University Morgan State University National Science Teachers Association (AEOP) Norfolk State University North Carolina A&T University Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Tuskegee University UDC UMBC University of Maryland College Park University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of Virginia

Huntington Ingalls Industries IBM Corporation JPMorgan Chase & Co. Kohler Co. L3Harris Technologies Leidos Lockheed Martin Corporation Los Angeles Department of Public Works Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Missile Defense Agency NASA National Guard Bureau National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Security Agency Navy Civilian Careers NetApp Northrop Grumman Corporation Office of the Director of National Intelligence Oracle PennState Applied Research Laboratory PricewaterhouseCoopers Prospecta ProSource360 Consulting Service, Inc. Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) Raytheon Company SAIC Sandia National Laboratories Siemens Snap-On Incorporated Textron Texas Instruments The Aerospace Corporation The Boeing Company The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory The MITRE Corporation The PNC Financial Service Group, Inc. T. Rowe Price U.S. Air Force Civilian Service U.S. Army U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command U.S. Army Materiel Command U.S. Army Public Health Center U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Department of State U.S. Forest Service U.S. Marine Corps Walmart

USBE & Information Technology | CONFERENCE 2020

CORPORATE EXHIBITORS Abbott Laboratories AEOP Army Education Outreach Program Aerotek America’s Navy Air Force Civilian Services AT&T Booz Allen Hamilton Boston Scientific Corporation Capital One Defense Contract Management Agency Deloitte Dominion Energy Federal Aviation Administration Fund II Foundation General Dynamics Corporation General Motors Goldman Sachs

BRONZE Dominion Energy Fund II Foundation Goldman Sachs Oracle Sandia National Laboratories Siemens Snap-On The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory U.S. Army Public Health Center

SILVER Capital One Kohler Co. National Guard Bureau U.S. Department of State

GOLD America’s Navy Booz Allen Hamilton Defense Contract Management L3Harris Technologies Missile Defense Agency SAIC Textron The Aerospace Corporation T. Rowe Price U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command

PLATINUM JPMorgan Chase & Co. Los Angeles Department of Public Works National Security Agency U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

DIAMOND Air Force Civilian Service AT&T General Dynamics Corporation General Motors Huntington Ingalls Industries Leidos NASA Navy Civilian Careers National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NetApp Northrop Grumman Corporation Office of the Director of National Intelligence Raytheon Company The Boeing Company The MITRE Corporation U.S. Army Materiel Command U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command(CCDC)

SPONSOR Aerotek Boston Scientific Corporation

CONFERENCE HOSTS Lockheed Martin Corporation The Council of HBCU Engineering Deans US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine

BEYA SPEED NETWORKING SUITES Booz Allen Hamilton Huntington Ingalls Industries JPMorgan Chase & Co. Leidos Lockheed Martin Corporation The Aerospace Corporation The MITRE Corporation

HOTEL KEY CARDS Raytheon Company

CONFERENCE BAG INSERTS U.S. Army CCDC U.S. Army Materiel Command

CONFERENCE LANYARDS The Boeing Company

CONFERENCE BADGES The Boeing Company

BEYA CONFERENCE BAGS Lockheed Martin Corporation Boston Scientific Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation The MITRE Corporation

BEYA GALA UMBC

AWARDS CEREMONY GREEN ROOM Aerotek

HBCU ENGINEERING DEANS POWER BREAKFAST Boston Scientific Corporation IBM Corporation Navy Civilian Careers Raytheon Company The Boeing Company

HBCU ENGINEERING DEANS ROUNDTABLE Apple Inc. Missile Defense Agency

BEYA PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM Ford Motor Company Foundation for Educational Development Lockheed Martin Corporation

STUDENT LEADERSHIP DINNER TABLE HOST NetApp

STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARDS PARTNER Aerotek

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION SPONSOR Ernst & Young

STARS & STRIPES HIGH SCHOOL MENTORING PARTNER Lockheed Martin Corporation

STARS & STRIPES DINNER BAE Systems, Inc. Booz Allen Hamilton Boston Scientific General Dynamics Corporation Leidos Lockheed Martin Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation Raytheon Company SAIC The Boeing Company World Wide Technology

TECHNOLOGY RECOGNITION LUNCH Consumers Energy Leidos The Boeing Company U.S. Army World Wide Technology

COLLEGE STUDENT LUNCH AND LEARN United Technologies

2020 BEYA STEM CONFERENCE PARTNERS

www.blackengineer.com

ADVERTISERS Aerotek Air Force Civilian Services Air Force Research Laboratories Alabama A&M University America’s Navy Apple Inc. AT&T Booz Allen Hamilton Capital One Corning Incorporated Defense Contract Management Dominion Energy Fund II Foundation Goldman Sachs General Dynamics Corporation General Motors Hampton University Huntington Ingalls Industries IBM Corporation JPMorgan Chase & Co. Kohler Co. L3Harris Technologies Leidos Lockheed Martin Corporation Los Angeles Department of Public Works Missile Defense Agency Morgan State University National Guard Bureau National Security Agency Navy Civilian Careers North Carolina A&T State University National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NetApp Northrop Grumman Corporation Oracle Office of the Director of National Intelligence Qualcomm Raytheon Company SAIC Sandia National Laboratories Siemens Snap-On Southern A&M University T. Rowe Price Textron Texas Instruments The Aerospace Corporation The Boeing Company The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory The MITRE Corporation U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CEC) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Materiel Command U.S. Army Public Health Center U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command U.S. Department of State U.S. Marine Corps UMBC University of Maryland College Park United Technologies Corporation Visa Walmart World Wide Technology

Southwest Airlines® is dedicated to your community.

Our mission is to make the connections that empower communities to thrive.

Through our meaningful relationships, we proudly support your efforts in the many communities we call home. Whether in the air or the ground, we believe community is more than a place – it’s at the Heart of what brings us together.

Southwest Airlines® is the official airline of the Black Engineer of the Year STEM Global Competitiveness Conference.

©2019 Southwest Airlines Co.

Laura Nieto Southwest Employee

Karen Price Ward Southwest Employee

Quinnie Jenkins Southwest Employee

Christine Ortega Southwest Employee