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.
