“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
