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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
