Collegiate Region 2

Hello, Region II and NSBE Family!

My name is Nissi Otoo, I am a Senior studying Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, and I am so excited to serve as your Region II Chairperson for the 2026–2027 term!

Region II is a community, not just a physical region. We are the chapters that show up for each other, the members who lead while managing full course loads, the professionals who reach back and pour into the next generation, and the advisors who have dedicated years to making sure we thrive. We are called the Model Region for a reason, and this year, I intend for us to live up to that name. I first understood what that meant when I attended the 2023 Fall Regional Conference and was exposed to so many brilliant Black engineers.

This year, we are going all in. Not halfway. Not when it’s convenient. All in. Our platform for the 2026–2027 term is “A.L.L. In” because that is what we deserve from our Regional Executive Board (REB), our chapter leaders, and our members.

A.L.L. In stands for three things: Accountability, Link, and Legacy. Together, they are a commitment that the REB will communicate transparently, that every chapter will feel seen and supported, and that the work we do this year will outlast our term.

1. Lead with Accountability

I believe that trust is earned through follow-through. This year, I am committed to making sure that when the REB says something will happen, it happens. That means establishing clear, measurable standards for how we operate, for the REB and for chapters. It means creating real channels for chapters to give us feedback throughout the term, not just at conferences. Starting this year, we will host at least one regional town hall per semester so that chapters can speak directly to the board about what they need, what is working, and what is not.

2. Connect the Region (Link)

One of the things I have observed about Region II is that we have incredible chapters doing incredible work often without each other knowing it. “Link” is about ensuring that every chapter, regardless of its size, its zone, or how long it has been active, feels genuinely embedded in the Region II family. We will increase the presence of the REB at the chapter level, showing up in person, online, and wherever our members are. We will facilitate cross-chapter collaboration so that chapters are not just coexisting in the same region, but actively sharing resources, programming, and community with one another. And we will make sure that the support we provide as a board is equitable

3. Invest Forward, Reach Back (Legacy)

The third directive is closest to my heart as someone who began as a NSBE Jr. student. However, too many communities around our chapters have not yet felt the impact of our presence. This year, we are going to change that. We are mapping the gaps in the Jr.-to-collegiate-to-professional pipeline and actively working to close them. We are building the infrastructure for a regional alumni network so that the people who came before us remain a resource for the people who come after. And we are committing to at least one regional STEM-focused community outreach event that spans multiple geographic zones, because our responsibility as engineers extends beyond the campus.

Our work is not glamorous every day, and it will not always be easy, but the Model Region does not do easy — we do excellent. I am ready to pour into this region, and I cannot wait to see what we build together this year. Let’s be A.L.L. In!

Stay Two HYPE,

Nissi Otoo

2026 – 2026 Region II Chairperson National Society of Black Engineers r2chair@nsbe.org