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
