NSBE

Article Category: Newsletter Stories

  • Federal Data and NSBE’s Mission

    Federal Data and NSBE’s Mission

    The mass layoffs last March at the U.S. Department of Education’s statistical research group, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), was reason for concern for the National Society of Black Engineers. NSBE has long looked to the Center’s college and university degree attainment data to help measure our progress in increasing the number of Black Engineers in the U.S. At last look, however, the latest degree data in the NCES Digest of Education Statistics was for the 2021–22 academic year. 

    Other information from NCES is important to NSBE’s pre-college programs. Statistics from NCES are used to produce the Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection, for example: a nationwide survey done every two years to determine public school students’ access to educational opportunities in grades K–12. A 2024 Civil Rights Data Collection report pointed out that only 47% of Black public high school students attended schools that offered a full range of math, science and computer science courses, compared with 69% of Asian American students and 55% of white students. In comments submitted to the Department of Education last September, the American Educational Research Association expressed concern about the ability of NCES to continue to provide high-quality information with the Center’s current resources. 

    For insight into recent federal education data policy related to diversity, equity and inclusion, we turned to NSBE National Advisory Board member Virginia Booth-Womack. Holding two Purdue bachelor’s degrees, in Industrial Engineering and Psychology, and now pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering Education, Booth-Womack recently retired as director of Purdue’s Minority Engineering Program and now heads her own firm, Engineering Education Data Solutions. 

    Booth-Womack became a charter member of NSBE when it was launched at Purdue in 1975. Three years later, she became the first woman to serve as the Society’s national chair and was the first national chair to serve two consecutive terms (1978–80). 

    When did you begin as director of Purdue’s Minority Engineering Program? 

    Before we begin, please note that the views I share today are my own and do not represent the official positions or policies of the National Society of Black Engineers or Purdue University. 

    I became the director of the Purdue University Minority Engineering Program in the summer of 2004. Before returning to Purdue, I spent more than 18 years in engineering, where meeting rigorous throughput, manufacturing and product-improvement targets built strong professional resilience and a results-driven mindset. 

    Can you share any statistics that tell how students were helped by the Purdue MEP during your tenure? 

    Purdue publishes some student success data, but detailed breakdowns are often internal. As a retiree, I’m offering personal observations, not university policy. However, the dean of the College of Engineering had this to say during my retirement reception about student performance during my tenure as MEP director:  

    “During Virginia’s time as director of MEP, the four-year graduation rate for underrepresented minority engineering students improved by 110%. The four-year graduation rate for African American engineering students improved by 160%. In 2019, for the first time in the College of Engineering’s history, the five-year graduation rate for underrepresented minority engineering students exceeded the five-year graduation rate of the total engineering cohort.”  

    Achieving these outcomes involved a partnership of all levels of university leadership within and outside of the College of Engineering. Over the years, the development of a community of university and corporate leaders across gender and ethnicity was key to achieving success.   

      

    Please tell us about the company you launched this year, Engineering Education Data Solutions. What services does it provide? What led you to this area of work? 

    With my 18 years in engineering manufacturing and 21 years in academia closing achievement gaps and raising retention and graduation rates, EEDS brings both engineering operational savvy and education success experience. EEDS emphasizes excellence, pathway efficiency and talent development. 

      

    Can you provide some insight into what is and isn’t happening with the federal data NSBE has long relied on to track our progress in our mission? Are there alternative sources of data NSBE and other STEM DEI organizations can use? 

    Again, just to be clear up front, my perspective on this subject is drawn from my personal research and experience and is not an official statement from Purdue, NSBE or the federal government. 

    Performance data released at the national level reflects past performance. The absence of national performance data does not prevent NSBE from making progress on the mission. 

    NSBE’s mission connects directly to a long U.S. legacy: from the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s focus on standardized tests, access and equity (former President Johnson’s administration), to today’s emphasis on promoting engineering talent and global competitiveness without a DEI focus (current President Trump’s administration). NSBE’s value as it relates to engineering talent production resonates in both climates. Because federal policy and historical data regimes are shifting, NSBE’s continued focus on academic and professional excellence must become policy-resilient. NSBE’s ability to promote rigorous readiness for our members, build strong support infrastructures tailored for non-cognitive and cultural success factors, and generate our own (real-time) outcomes data creates a unique vantage point for moving forward. Regardless of changes in governmental priorities or data transparency, NSBE remains positioned to deliver high-quality, competitive engineering talent. 

    In the absence of historical data, I would suggest that NSBE consider focused initiatives in the following areas: 

    • Access and readiness: Ensure that NSBE Jr., Collegiate and Professional members meet rigorous standards at all levels of membership .  
    • For Pre-College Initiative (PCI) chapters, assessing every current and new member in reading and math proficiency will provide local and national data to understand barriers to learning. The goal set across the nation to improve proficiency can be a point of annual celebration.  
    • Showcase professional member certifications, training and accomplishments. 
    • Support infrastructure: Non-cognitive supports  
    • Socialize and promote non-cognitive support system activities to enhance community and belonging within and across member chapters. Measure locally and nationally, celebrating best practices. 
    • Measurement and Outcomes: Track student success, persistence and professional transition. NSBE should generate its own robust data and evidence of impact. 
    • Continue to track GPA performance metrics for APEx members with an added focus on the lowest performance areas. Add a “most improved” focus that is based on the target “gateway courses.” 
    • Partner with professionals and corporate supporters to develop gateway course mastery/certification efforts  
    • Excellence Framing: Position NSBE students/programs as high-performing, globally competitive engineers. 
    • Align with national talent imperatives. 
    • Strengthen NSBE’s national and global value proposition. 

    Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. 

  • CEO Corner – October 2025 

    CEO Corner – October 2025 

    October has always held special meaning for me: it’s my birthday month, and this year, I’m filled with profound gratitude as I celebrate another year of life and another year of service with this incredible NSBE community. There’s something about birthdays that invites reflection, and as I consider the journey were on together, my heart is full. 

    October also marks the finish of our first quarter of the new fiscal year, and I’m grateful for each of you: our students navigating rigorous coursework while leading chapters, our professionals mentoring the next generation while advancing your own careers, our alumni who continue to pour into this organization and our corporate, government and nonprofit partners who invest in our mission. This work we do together matters, and I don’t take for granted the privilege of walking this path with you. 

    This month, I’m excited to be on the road connecting with our membership at Fall Regional Conferences and partner meetings. You’ll find me at: 

    • Region II FRC in Raleigh, NC (October 31–November 1) 
    • Region VI FRC in Oakland, CA (November 22–23) 
    • West Coast partner meetings across San Francisco the week of November 18 

    If you’re in any of these areas during my visits, please don’t hesitate to reach out. These face-to-face connections energize me and remind me why we do this work. 

    Behind the scenes, we’re making significant progress on our strategic plan, alongside the Strategic Planning Task Force, expertly led by National Chair Chika Okwor. This important work will position NSBE to meet the evolving needs of our members and the engineering profession. As we transition into Q2, we’re digging deep and approaching this work with the same intentionality and member-centered focus that has defined NSBE for more than 50 years. 

    I know many of you are navigating challenges: demanding course loads, competitive job markets and the everyday pressures of showing up as your full self in spaces that weren’t always designed with us in mind. In difficult moments, I encourage you to remember why NSBE exists and why you’re part of this community. Our mission remains our north star: “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.” 

    That mission isn’t just words on a page. It’s our roadmap, our commitment and our promise to each other. When the path feels uncertain, return to these guideposts. You are not walking alone. You have 25,000-plus members, an incredible National Executive Board, dedicated advisors and a community that sees you, supports you and believes in your brilliance. 

    Much work lies ahead as we continue to navigate a challenging route. But I’m confident in our direction, because our members remain our priority, and our mission remains our guide. 

    Here’s to a strong finish to Q1. Here’s to gratitude. And here’s to the exceptional NSBE family that continues to make this work possible. 

    In service and solidarity, 

    Janeen Uzzell 
    Chief Executive Officer 
    National Society of Black Engineers 

  • Research Validates Our Mission. Let’s Lead the Way.

    Research Validates Our Mission. Let’s Lead the Way.

    Dear NSBE Professionals, 

    Leadership has reviewed a  Pew Research Center report of interest to all members. “Black Americans’ views of education and professional opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math” confirms a harsh reality many of us navigate daily in our work and volunteer experiences: large numbers of Black people in the U.S. see little possibility of success in STEM for members of our community. I believe the findings are no surprise to us: however, they underscore the critical importance of NSBE and, specifically, our Professionals network. 

    The report highlights several key points that resonate with our demographic: 

    • Underrepresentation Is Seen and Felt. 
    • STEM Fields Come Off as Unwelcoming. 
    • Negative Educational Experiences Persist. 
    • There Is Power in Curating Role Models. 

    These findings are a sobering reminder of the systemic barriers that persist, from K–12 access issues we witness in volunteering, to workplace culture challenges we experience day to day. But more importantly, these data points are a powerful validation of our purpose. NSBE Professionals exists to counteract these very issues. We provide the network that combats isolation, the mentorship that fills the representation gap and the professional development that helps our members navigate and overcome workplace challenges. Our chapters are the primary program vehicle for this type of crucial work, providing local action. 

    I suggest a Call to Action to every NSBE Professionals leader: 

    1. Be the Visible Role Models: The data clearly show the impact of representation. I charge each chapter to organize at least two outreach events this academic year (one targeting K–12, one targeting collegiate members) where Professionals share their journeys and expertise. Let’s actively be the examples the next generation needs to see. 
    1. Cultivate Welcoming Spaces: Given that STEM fields are perceived as unwelcoming, I charge each chapter to prioritize and host one event specifically designed to foster fellowship and build strong internal support networks. This could be a social mixer, a peer-mentoring session or a forum on navigating workplace culture. We must ensure NSBE itself is the supportive community our members need. 
    1. Address the Experience Gap: Recognizing the negative educational experiences many have faced, I charge each chapter to host at least one workshop or panel focused on resilience, navigating microaggressions or advocating for oneself in academic or professional settings, equipping our members with strategies for success. 

    Document your chapter’s efforts, and share your successes and challenges with your regional and national leadership. We can use this feedback to refine our national strategy. Let it fuel our determination to be the solution. Our community, expertise and collective action are essential to fulfilling NSBE’s mission and ensuring Black Engineers don’t just enter the field but thrive and lead within it. 

    In servant leadership, 

    Jarrell D. Johnson 
    NSBE 2025–26 National Professionals Chair 

  • Navigating Change in Higher Ed Careers 

    Navigating Change in Higher Ed Careers 

    Executive orders and other White House actions have made 2025 a year of change in higher education in the U.S., from elimination of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices on campuses, to cancellation of grants for science and technology research, to termination of programs to prepare K–12 students for college, to name a few examples. 

    To learn more about the real-world consequences of these policy shifts, we spoke with a longtime member of NSBE who is among the 2.4% of tenured or tenure-track professors of engineering in the United States who are Black. 

    Excerpts of our interview follow. 

    Are these White House actions truly transforming higher education? 

    So I’m going to give a maybe complex answer here. I think they’re certainly intended to completely remake what higher education is, to change it so that it’s not serving what I think the purpose of education is broadly. I think the purpose of education is to open doors and opportunities to individuals with reflection on the reality and history that we’re situated in. 

    The model that has been in place is in place for a reason. And part of that reason is to ensure that there’s discovery within the research realm but that that’s connected to education and the idea of broadening participation. So all of those things are interwoven and supposed to be important. 

    And the changes in federal funding — particularly the attacks on the NSF and the NIH and the cancellation of grants in particular areas — and the decision to state that DEI is discrimination and to make that federal policy, those are all things that are really damaging to higher education. 

    The characterization of DEI is providing this fantasy that DEI is discriminatory and those who are involved with DEI are in some way, shape or form inferior to others. It’s dangerous and disheartening because, at a policy level, there are individuals who are now putting in place legislation meant to close those opportunities now. 

    I mentioned that I’m a product of a STEM DEI program. So I would not be in the place that I am today without those kinds of programs, coming to college as a lower middle-class individual. I’m a first-generation college student as well, right? So there’s not a lot of historical knowledge from my family to tell me about the pathways that I could potentially take. Without the DEI program, I would absolutely not have known about graduate school. I would not have known how to navigate to that space and then be able to do the things that were necessary to get the support that I needed. 

    Now a lot of that has been completely destroyed. We’ve removed the infrastructure around that. We’ve taken away the individuals within institutions that were enabling these kinds of programs and these activities and working to change structures so that they were more equitable. 

    How damaging are these changes, short-term and long-term, in your opinion? 

    So I think in the short term, the sort of reconstruction of the funding mechanisms that are in place and the removal of funding from certain individuals around particular topics, those things are very damaging to the ability to progress within academia. So thinking just as a faculty member and the way that we currently look at what professional success looks like, we’ve taken away funding from many people across the country, and we’ve limited the amount of funding that is going to them. So now folks have to really think about, “How do I still meet this standard? What is expected within the professional space?” So there’s that part of it. 

    But then there’s the secondary effects of sort of changing both the model of funding and how we talk about the ways we make broader impact with funding. Given the environment we’ve essentially created within the academic space now, it’s now more of a space where we’re competing instead of being cooperative, and we’re not turning our attention towards how we open opportunities for more individuals through the work that we do. So I think we’re discouraged from doing that now, particularly in looking at things associated with race and gender. 

    And that’s problematic given the history of this country, right? If we’re talking about a blank slate where we did not have historical baggage, maybe we could imagine something that is different. But that’s not where we are, and that’s not the current environment. 

    And so all of that has an immediate effect but also a long-term effect, because it’s hard to actually build that infrastructure. I think it’s really easy to tear things down, but it’s hard to build things that have impact. 

    What do you see for yourself in your own career? Are you having to make big changes in your long-term plans, or are you considering doing that?  

    Yeah, so I’ve already made some changes. Part of the reason I am in the place where I am is because of the nonsense at the state and federal level. And I think more people will do that, but there’s an issue with that, right? Because I’m not where I was, that means there’s one less person doing that work in that area. And the Black students that are left there don’t have me there within the institution to push things in the way that an individual needs to push things through in order to make change.  

    So we have to figure out what the strategy is, so that it is not necessary to find a new place to be, but to still do the work and live and thrive where we are. 

    For others who may want to follow you into professional careers in academia, NSBE members in particular: what do you see for them? 

    So I think the first piece of advice is that you’re needed. The STEM education enterprise at all levels needs NSBE members to be involved and engaged. And that can be in different ways, but it is absolutely a necessity, if we want to be able to truly fulfill the mission. That necessitates understanding that even though folks will make statements to the effect of ensuring that we are in a meritocracy and that things are equal and that everything is merit-based; understanding that that is just not the case, that you have to be ready to over-perform in order to get the same things as others. But that doesn’t mean that you have to necessarily do things differently from what you’re already doing. You’re already excellent. 

  • Living the Mission – A Summer of Service 

    Living the Mission – A Summer of Service 

    Brooke Scott, NSBE’s 2025–26 Region II chairperson, has a passion for construction work, a penchant for service and a talent for leadership. And all, she says, have been shaped for the better by her membership in the National Society of Black Engineers. 

    Scott, a native of Philadelphia, PA, arrived at North Carolina A&T State University in 2019 as an undergraduate in the Electrical Engineering program and joined the NSBE chapter at the renowned historically Black institution a year later. Her job post-commencement, working on mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, was a joy that led her back to N.C. A&T to learn more about that work as a master’s student in Civil Engineering. She’s headed toward graduation this December. 

    “The transition back into academia was more challenging than I anticipated,” Scott reveals, “but the support of the N.C. A&T NSBE chapter made a huge difference. The fellowship, encouragement and programming helped me push through tough moments. That sense of community inspired me to give back, contribute and help others succeed the way NSBE helped me. 

    “Since then, through my involvement at the chapter, regional and now national level, NSBE has not only expanded my network but also sharpened my leadership skills,” she adds. “More than that, it has reminded me of the power of collective purpose. When engineers come together with a shared mission, we can truly change the trajectory of entire communities.” 

    “My journey in NSBE has been transformational,” Scott says. “After completing my bachelor’s and moving to a new city, I got involved with the NSBE Professionals, attended meetings and participated in the 49th Annual Convention, which reshaped my aspirations. That Convention was a turning point that motivated me to get more involved with NSBE upon my return to full-time academics.” 

    Growth Experiences 

    Scott’s strong bond with NSBE continues beyond her school year.  

    “This past summer, I balanced two roles that helped me grow tremendously as a professional,” she says. “For my summer internship and now fall co-op, I work for a Black-owned construction company where our office serves as the project management office (PMO) for Guilford County Schools (in North Carolina). The team I work on manages the construction and renovation projects across elementary, middle and high schools in the county. This role sharpened my skills in project management, taught me how to communicate effectively with different stakeholders and gave me a deeper understanding of the impact construction projects have on everyday communities.” 

    And Role 2? 

    “By night, I returned for the second year as a lead mentor for North Carolina A&T’s College of Engineering Helping Orient and Mentor Engineers (H.O.M.E.) program. This six-week summer bridge program supports the university’s top incoming engineering students,” Scott explains. “Our mentor team worked with 22 students, guiding them through topics such as surviving engineering school, preparing for internships and co-ops and establishing best practices as future engineers. 

    “Balancing two demanding roles taught me time management and discipline, but more importantly, it reminded me why I chose this path,” Scott says. “Both experiences reaffirmed my passion for construction and mentorship, and they highlighted the responsibility I have to give back. They showed me that engineering is not only about solving technical problems but also about building people, uplifting communities and creating a legacy for those who come after us.” 

  • CEO Corner – September 2025 

    CEO Corner – September 2025 

    “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” As Earth Wind and Fire’s timeless anthem reminds us, September brings a special energy of renewal and possibility. 

    Welcome to fall, NSBE family! After what I hope was a rejuvenating summer filled with internships, research opportunities, and well-deserved rest, I’m excited to welcome all of our student members back to campus for what promises to be an exceptional fall semester. Whether you’re a first-year student just beginning your engineering journey or a senior preparing for your next chapter, this season represents fresh opportunities to grow, lead, and make your mark. 

    I’m writing to you from Houston, Texas, where I’m spending time with our colleagues at the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) during their annual conference. Being here brings back powerful memories and reminds me of the interconnected nature of our professional networks. It was at this very conference years ago that I was recruited by GE to take on an engineering leadership role—a pivotal moment that shaped my career trajectory. As I shared in my recent LinkedIn post, these conferences aren’t just networking events; they’re launching pads for careers and catalysts for life-changing opportunities. I encourage every member to approach similar gatherings with intention and openness to the possibilities that await. 

    As we settle into this new academic year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the exceptional leadership of our National Chair, Chika Okwar, and our entire National Executive Board. Last weekend, more than 50 Board members, including Regional leaders and advisors, gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, at our World Headquarters for what was truly an informative and productive Fall Board meeting. The strategic discussions, member-focused initiatives, and programmatic innovations that emerged from this gathering demonstrate the depth of commitment and vision that drives our organization forward. 

    Our Board’s dedication to elevating the membership experience is evident in every decision they make and every program they champion. Their work directly impacts each of you—from the professional development opportunities we provide to the community-building initiatives that strengthen our NSBE bonds. I encourage all members to stay connected with this incredible work by following @nsbe on Instagram and LinkedIn, where you can witness firsthand the strategic thinking and member-centered focus that guides our organization. 

    As we move through this fall season, I’m energized by the possibilities ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you at Fall Regional Conferences (FRCs), where we’ll continue building the connections, skills, and experiences that define the NSBE journey. 

    Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling fall semester. 

    In service and solidarity, 

    Janeen Uzzell

    Chief Executive Officer 
    National Society of Black Engineers 

  • NSBE Spotlights STEM at the HBCU NY Classic 

    NSBE Spotlights STEM at the HBCU NY Classic 

    This year’s HBCU New York Classic brought wide-ranging excitement to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, last September 13: from celebration, to entertainment, to the big game on the gridiron between the Howard University Bison and the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers, to STEM learning and innovation presented by the National Society of Black Engineers! 

     
    NSBE National Communications Chair Nicolas Pollard represented the Society throughout the weekend, engaging with students, STEM professionals and government officials during the Career Expo STEM Innovation Network experience, which drew more than 100 participants. This initiative was led in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). NSBE kudos to Jerryl Bennett, Dr. Liu, sponsor Elliott Eddie and HUD Acting Deputy Regional Director Michael Browder for their support in making the experience truly impactful. 
     
    NSBE focused on amplifying the event through a coordinated social media campaign showcasing the importance of STEM innovation and highlighting the achievements of student participants. The campaign was made possible by the collaboration of regional and chapter leaders, including Jaden Ritchie, Emanuel Wright-Anthony, Darian Parker, Izedeen Musa and Adu-Dhuha Ahmed of Columbia University. 
     
    A highlight of the weekend was connecting with members of the New York University NSBE Chapter, including Jaden Ritchie, Ndeyefama N., Mikiyas Mesfin Legesse, Kyangchat Kapio, Jeanmarck Ceant, Jayden Senior, MarcAnthony Williams and Ishani Cirila Sheth. Together, these students helped build meaningful moments of engagement and collaboration. 
     
    Looking forward, NSBE hopes to bring the energy and momentum of the HBCU NY Classic back to Region I as an annual event, continuing to foster student development, innovation and community impact within STEM. 

  • Engineering Newsmaker Gives Credit to NSBE Ghana

    Engineering Newsmaker Gives Credit to NSBE Ghana

    NSBE Ghana provided a major boost to the STEM education of David Nyarko during his undergraduate years. These days, the Ph.D. student in Electrical Engineering is generating big news for Morgan State University monthly, with his work as a leader of Morgan student teams being recognized nationally for their excellence in STEM innovation.

    In June, the University announced a $100,000 top prize to Morgan’s Team AgroVision at the Capital One/Delaware State University Innovation Venture Competition. Nyarko and two other students leveraged “artificial intelligence, renewable energy and smart agriculture technologies to tackle food insecurity, climate volatility and resource scarcity in farming” at the event, a Morgan press release reads.

    At BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport in July, Nyarko demonstrated autonomous wheelchair technology he helped develop with a team of researchers from Morgan’s National Transportation Center (NTC) and the university’s Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS).

    Nyarko demonstrating the autonomous wheelchair

    And this month came word of a first-place win for Nyarko and his two Morgan teammates at MIT’s Hack the Climate Hackathon.

    Nyarko arrived in the U.S. three years ago from his home country, Ghana, where he grew up in Kwahu, in Ghana’s Eastern Region. After showing a remarkable talent for writing computer code beginning when he was 7, Nyarko traveled to Ghana’s Central Region to attend the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Joining the NSBE chapter there enabled him to begin realizing his dreams of using technology for good — helping disabled people, addressing environmental problems and taking on other big challenges. NSBE also provided a life-changing leadership experience: his service as chapter vice president.

    NSBE “was all about engineering and society and having different people with different minds come share ideas and thoughts,” Nyarko says, “students from different departments: physics, actuarial science, agricultural engineering. Our different backgrounds really helped me a lot because today I do interdisciplinary research.”

    “And then there were the (practicing) engineers and NSBE graduates in the organization who were also sharing,” he adds. “We would hold conferences and other events, and they would come and advise us…. And then becoming vice president gave me more of a platform to be able to share what I knew and then get inspired even more by the people who were ahead of me.”

    David Nyarko

    His involvement with NSBE helped him build a stellar record at the university, Nyarko says, including Best Engineering Student honors in 2020, affirming the excellence of work such as his creation of an AI-driven robot to feed the disabled.

    After his graduation from UCC, Morgan became his next academic home, at the advice of his mentor, Paa Kwasi Adusei, Ph.D., who was also a UCC and Morgan alum. Not resting on his recent accolades, Nyarko is advancing team projects this semester, under the direction of his faculty advisor, Kofi Nyarko, Ph.D. (no close relation), professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Morgan. Those projects include, among others, development of a marketable hydroponics product based on Team AgroVision’s research and refining Morgan’s autonomous wheelchair.

    And his connection to NSBE Ghana remains strong.

    “I’ve been mentoring some of the new chapter executives in Ghana. And when I was in Ghana about six months ago, I was at the university to speak to some of the NSBE folks there,” Nyarko says. “From time to time, we (chapter alumni) help subject matter experts go there to speak with the students to have the kinds of talks we benefited from as undergraduates.”

  • AI and Your Career

    AI and Your Career

    From celebration to trepidation: reactions to the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace are running the gamut among STEM students and professionals today. AI is already transforming society in complex ways, for sure, but beyond that reality, the view of the future is uncertain, even for experts using the awesome analytical tools of AI itself. Some see the technology as an existential threat to STEM professions. Others view it as the dawn of a new era of unprecedented personal growth for STEM practitioners aiming to “succeed professionally.”

    A few trends follow, about the future of employment in engineering and tech:

    • Increased efficiency and accuracy of work
    • High demand for workers skilled at collaborating with AI
    • Automation of routine tasks often performed by early-career professionals (job displacement)
    • Freeing of time for engineers and technologists to continuously create, innovate and strategize
    • Greater need for continuing education and training of STEM professionals

    So what’s the bottom line for NSBE professionals and AI? We defer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is incorporating the potential labor market impacts of AI into its projections. The agency projects that employment in engineering and architecture positions will continue to grow faster than the average for all occupations during the next eight years, with 195,000 job openings expected each year through 2033. As for now, the median annual wage for engineering and architecture professionals is $97,310, compared with $49,500 for occupations overall.

    True when NSBE was founded more than five decades ago, and true in the age of AI, today: completing an engineering education remains at or near the top of best career moves to make in a rapidly changing economy.

  • Living the Mission: Where Are They Now?

    Living the Mission: Where Are They Now?

    Every NSBE leader leaves a legacy and continues to inspire long after their term of service ends. Here, we reconnect with a former NSBE national chair and a former NSBE Professionals national chair who shaped the Society’s direction and carried forward its vision a decade ago. Their journeys show how NSBE’s mission lives on in academia, career and community.

    Neville Green-Waterman

    NSBE 2015–16 National Chair
    Now Senior Program Manager for Market Intelligence and Business Operations at Ciba Health

    What were some of the early experiences that shaped your educational and career goals?

    I grew up on the island of Barbados, where the national motto is “Pride and Industry.” That phrase was not just words on a crest. It was a way of life. Education has always been a cornerstone of our culture, and from an early age, I was encouraged to see it as both a responsibility and a pathway to create opportunities beyond myself. Moving to the U.S. at the age of 10 did not change my roots; instead, it further instilled resilience, discipline and the belief that with education and service, anything is possible. These values became the foundation for my career and my commitment to leadership within NSBE.

    When did you join NSBE? With what chapter?

    I joined NSBE in 2010 at The City College of New York, “The Pride of Harlem.” I was honored to serve as a chapter chair, RI-Metro Long Island Zone chair and national secretary. Those roles gave me my first taste of leading within NSBE, and they shaped how I would later approach national leadership.

    What was your most important achievement as national chair?

    One of my proudest achievements as national chair was gaining buy-in for the NSBE 2025 initiative to “Graduate 10,000 Black engineers annually by 2025.” This was not just a numerical goal but a rallying cry for the organization and for the country. It was a marathon effort to educate our members about the new strategic vision and then secure buy-in from our NSBE Jr. advisors, collegiate and professional members, corporate stewards, federal policymakers, the media and other key stakeholders. Witnessing the shift from skepticism to collective ownership of that goal was transformational.

    What was the biggest challenge you faced during your term?

    The greatest challenge was managing the internal resistance to NSBE 2025. It was, in the words of Jim Collins, a “Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal” (BHAG). To aim for 10,000 Black Engineers annually required all of us to stretch beyond our comfort zones and reimagine how we could deliver results. Leading through that challenge taught me the importance of patience, persistence and listening — all while keeping the bigger vision in front of our community. I knew back then, as I know today, the number itself isn’t what matters most. If we put our collective efforts together and stay the course, NSBE will make an undeniable impact on Black graduation rates, the U.S. labor force and the economic mobility of Black families and communities overall.

    How did your experience as a NSBE member and leader benefit you?

    Being a NSBE member and leader gave me a platform to practice leadership, navigate organizational challenges and build resilience in the face of setbacks. It offered me mentorship, “NSBEfam” and a network that has long outlasted my time in leadership. It also taught me the importance of community, collaboration and legacy — lessons that continue to shape my professional and personal life today.

    Please give us a few highlights of your career and personal life since your term as national chair.

    I always said “engineering myself into an engineer” was my greatest highlight as a national chair: proving that persistence, hard work and vision can create new realities. During my eight years in the chemical industry, I led in sales, marketing, product development and corporate strategy roles as New Business Development manager and Distribution Channel Partner manager.

    Inspired by the need during the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve the lives of communities of color, I founded HAUS OF ANANDA LLC, a health and wellness social enterprise with the mission to improve the quality and longevity of life in marginalized communities and communities with complex needs, through holistic stress-related education; advocacy; and building communities of care.

    In spring 2025, I obtained my Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Policy and Management from CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.

    I have since transitioned full time into the health care industry, where I now serve as senior program manager of Market Intelligence and Business Operations at Ciba Health. In my current role, I lead advanced primary care focused on treating the whole person and addressing chronic illness at its root cause. I manage cross-functional projects, optimize enterprise efficiency and provide market insights that drive strategic decisions — enabling Ciba to lead in health care innovation.

    Are you still active with NSBE?

    Yes. I actively serve on the National Chairs Council, a group of former national chairs who support the current leadership with historical context, resources and guidance. Additionally, I facilitate workshops on leadership, health and wellness for (NSBE collegiate members and NSBE Professionals), and I continue to support the development of engineers across multiple industries. Staying connected allows me to both give back and remain inspired by the new generation of leaders who continue to move the mission forward.

    Do you have any thoughts for NSBE’s current leaders in this era of opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion?

    NSBE was founded in the (1970s), during a time of fierce opposition to diversity. Our organization was born from struggle but also from vision, courage and unity. Today’s environment is no less complex, but it is a reminder of why NSBE’s mission remains urgent and essential.

    Now is not the time to retreat. It is the time to lean on our collective strength. We must continue to develop exceptionally talented engineering leaders who will not only thrive in today’s world but also transform it for future generations. No matter the challenges ahead, NSBE’s legacy of excellence, resilience and community ensures that we will rise to meet them.

    Mary McWilliams, D.Min.

    NSBE 2015–16 National Professionals (PEB) Chair
    Now Mission Assurance Staff Engineer, Northrop Grumman Corporation

    Where were you born?

    I was born in Poplar Bluff, MO.

    When did you join NSBE? With what chapter?

    I joined the Purdue chapter in 1982.

    What was your most important achievement as national chair?

    As PEB chair, there were so many memorable moments. If I had to choose one, it would be bringing the CEO of Twitter to the (Annual Convention) and having him address our professional membership and then have lunch with key members afterwards.

    What was the biggest challenge you faced during your term?

    One of the biggest challenges is seeing people think they’re ready for leadership roles and they’re not. This has everything to do with servant leadership and not self-aggrandizement.

    How did your experience as a NSBE member and leader benefit you?

    I continue to benefit by seeing my son move in the circles I cultivated for him because of NSBE.

    Please give us a few highlights of your career and personal life since your term as national chair.

    I completed my master’s and doctorate degrees in ministry. I raised my son while in leadership roles in NSBE; Ashton graduated in 2024. I have recently relocated to Tarpon Springs, FL, supporting a major defense program. I also had the pleasure of officiating the wedding of two of my NSBE kids. That was cool to see so many of my NSBE family in attendance!

    Are you still active with NSBE?

    I am a lifetime member. I’m always around assisting and coaching where I can.


    Do you have any thoughts for NSBE’s current leaders in this era of opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion?

    With respect to DEI, we are still excellent. Our minds are capable. Our hearts are fixed to do the right thing no matter what. We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams come true. It is up to us to stay focused on getting the STEM degree collectively.