BEYA (Black Engineer of the Year) STEM Conference’s Post

Happy #BlackHistoryMonth, community! As we celebrate Black excellence in STEM and beyond, we hope you — our #SloanScholar alumni community — will take some time to consider and honor your own accomplishments, too. For the first time this year, the SSMN is honoring outstanding alumni with SSMN Awards in five categories. Are you a beloved and passionate educator? Have you made significant contributions to your community or to advance a public issue? Are you an early-career graduate who's hit the ground running, setting yourself up to make major impacts in your field or on an issue you care about? Learn more about the SSMN Awards and consider applying by March 15. https://lnkd.in/ena3ECWE. Outside nominations are also welcome. Nominees must be Sloan Scholar alumni, but you need not be a Sloan Scholar alumnus to make a nomination. Questions? Contact the SSMN staff at ssmn [at] ssrc [dot] org.

Recognizing the powerful work of Janeen Uzzell, CEO of the National Society of Black Engineers. Despite engineering firms increasingly adopting inclusive hiring practices, Black employees made up only 5.1 percent of the U.S. science and engineering workforce in 2019, NSBE is focused on radically increasing those numbers. Actual examples of her work, worth sharing: 💫 Empathetic Engineering and Design Classes: Held sessions for grades 3 to 6, teaching students to create user-centric experiences and understand diverse perspectives. 💫 Partnership with U.S. Engineering Schools: Collaborated with engineering deans to offer guidance on curricula. 💫 Diverse Standards in Education: Aimed to close racial gaps by promoting diverse teaching standards. 💫 Amplifying Black Engineering Students' Voices: Focused on elevating the experiences and feedback of Black students at predominantly White institutions. While we have a long way to go to change the ratio, these initiatives we must honor, celebrate, and support. If you feel called to donate, you can do so here: https://lnkd.in/eGPGV8_N #Culture #Values #DiversityandInclusion #Engineering #CTO #VPEngineering

As a minority in today’s world, Black History Month holds deep meaning for me. It’s more than a celebration of the incredible achievements of Black minorities and African Americans throughout history—it’s a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality, justice, and understanding that many of us continue to navigate. Growing up as a young teen from India in 1970s Britain - I was often reminded of the differences between myself and my peers. However it taught me the power of resilience and perseverance - that those who came before me had to learn too. Figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Martin Luther King Jr. didn't just shape the course of Black history; they paved the way for all of us striving for a more just world. Their stories resonate with many of us who’ve faced adversity, and their courage inspires me to push forward, both personally and professionally. For me, Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we've made, but it’s also a time to acknowledge the work still to be done. Whether it's in the workplace, in our communities, or in our daily interactions, there are moments when the weight of being “different” feels heavy. Yet, there’s also strength in that difference. This month is not just a time for celebration but for learning, listening, and lifting each other up. It’s a reminder to share our stories, honour our roots, and work toward a future where diversity is embraced, not as an exception, but as the norm. #BlackHistoryMonth #StrengthInDiversity

Our next spotlight on Black History Month is the incredible achievements of Dr. Marian R. Croak, a visionary in the field of technology and a pioneer of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications. With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Croak has been at the forefront of innovation, holding over 200 patents primarily in VoIP technology, a testament to her brilliance and dedication to transforming how we connect and communicate. Dr. Croak's work has laid the groundwork for much of the modern telecommunications landscape. Her innovations have made it possible for voice and multimedia content to be transmitted over the internet, revolutionizing communication by making it more accessible and affordable worldwide. This technology underpins services like video conferencing and internet calling, which have become essential, especially in today's remote and digital-first world. Beyond her technical achievements, Dr. Croak's leadership and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in STEM have paved the way for future generations of underrepresented minorities in technology. Her commitment to innovation and equality has not only changed the landscape of telecommunications but has also inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's honor Dr. Marian R. Croak for her monumental contributions to technology and society. Her impact is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have in advancing technology while breaking down barriers for others to follow. #BlackHistoryMonth #STEM #Innovation #MarianRCroak #Telecommunications #DiversityInTech

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month 🌟 As we step into Black History Month, we at DTI, a proud minority-owned IT firm in the heart of Chicago, take a moment to honor and reflect on the rich heritage, accomplishments, and ongoing contributions of the African American community. 🖥️ In the realm of technology and innovation, African Americans have been pivotal in shaping the industry. From pioneers like Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical genius powered NASA's missions, to modern innovators shaping the future of IT, their legacies light our path. 🌐 This month, we're not just celebrating history; we're actively participating in making it. DTI is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech world. We believe that a diverse team is a strong team, and we're proud to contribute to a future where everyone, regardless of race, has the opportunity to thrive in the tech industry. 🤝 Join us as we embark on various initiatives this month. From community outreach programs to hosting webinars that spotlight Black leaders in tech, we're dedicated to uplifting and empowering our community. 💡 Let's use this month to learn, grow, and inspire. We encourage everyone to explore the stories of Black pioneers in technology and beyond. Their journeys and achievements remind us of the strength found in diversity and the power of inclusive innovation. 🙌 Here's to a future where every month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity and to create a more equitable tech world! #BlackHistoryMonth #DiversityInTech #ChicagoTech #DTI

Sharing A Message On Celebrating Excellence, Honoring Black History, And Embracing The Future Of Work With Generative AI As we celebrate Black History Month, we should recognize that now is the time not only to reflect on the extraordinary achievements of globally recognized Black leaders as well as the contributions of everyday, neighbor-next-door Black Heroes, we should also use this month as a reminder of the imperative to press towards a future where #diversity, #excellence, and #generativeAI converge to foster workplaces that thrive on #innovation AND #inclusivity. The Power of Excellence: Excellence knows no boundaries. This Black History Month let's take a moment to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black People whose excellence in every arena, from the sciences to the arts, and particularly in business and industry, this is #Linkedin after all, has left an indelible mark on our world. Their excellence has continually and perpetually demonstrated that talent and brilliance are everywhere even when opportunities are scarce or non-existent. Black History Month should serve as a poignant reminder that if so many great and wonderful things happen when excellence breaks through artificially contrived barriers, imagine what can be achieved when opportunities are readily available to everyone regardless of background, affiliation, circumstances, or zip codes. Embracing the Future of Work: The future of work is unfolding before us, shaped by transformative technologies. Generative AI, with its ability to augment human capabilities and streamline processes, is a key player in this new phase of the industrial revolution. But with a focus on the #responsibledevelopment of #algorithms, #GenAI will not only serve as a catalyst for innovation and efficiency, it can help ensure a level playing field and a clear path that enables individual achievements by everyone in every endeavor - including career advancement. A future Built on Inclusion, Driven by Excellence, and Powered by GenerativeAI is a future where everyone can win. #BlackHistoryMonth #TheFutureOfWork #GenerativeAI #Excellence #Innovation #DEI #QuantumProgression

Day #2 Black History Month Spotlight: Edmond Berger – Igniting Innovation Did you start your car today? Ride a train? Catch a bus? In our continued celebration of Black History Month, let's shine a light on Edmond Berger, an often-overlooked inventor who played a crucial role in the automotive industry. Berger is credited with inventing the spark plug in the early 19th century, a vital component that powers internal combustion engines. Why does this matter in the context of DEI? Berger's invention was a cornerstone in the development of the automobile industry, which has since become a global phenomenon. It's a testament to how diverse minds contribute significantly to advancements that reshape the world. The spark plug, a small yet critical component, shows that every contribution, no matter the size, has the power to ignite substantial change. By celebrating Berger and his invention, we honor the diverse ingenuity that drives progress. His story reminds us of the importance of recognizing and valuing every contribution in our journey towards a more inclusive and equitable world. Let's continue to fuel the engine of diversity and innovation in every field. #BlackHistoryMonth #DEI #Innovation #diversityandinclusion #EdmondBerger #roiofdei #SherryDarden

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month: Shining a Light on Tech Innovators! 🚀 ✨ As we celebrate Black History Month, let's take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of Black innovators that have shaped the tech world as we know it today! 💡 🙌 From inventors to entrepreneurs, Black trailblazers have made significant breakthroughs in technology, challenging boundaries and inspiring generations to come. Let's give a virtual round of applause to pioneers like: 🔬 Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson: The first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT and a trailblazer in telecommunications research, paving the way for advancements in fiber optic technology! 🌐 Mark Dean: Co-inventor of the personal computer and a brilliant engineer at IBM, whose work revolutionized how we interact with technology on a daily basis! 🚀 Mae Jemison: The first African American woman to travel in space, inspiring young minds everywhere to dream big and reach for the stars! 🤝 Today, more than ever, it's crucial that we foster diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By celebrating Black history and supporting underrepresented voices, we create a stronger, more innovative community that can tackle the challenges of tomorrow! 💡 Join us this month as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a future where everyone has equal opportunities to make their mark on the tech world. Let's amplify Black voices, share their stories, and continue to build a more inclusive industry together! 🌍 #BlackHistoryMonth #TechTrailblazers #InclusionMatters #CelebratingDiversity

As we kickoff Black History Month, it's essential to reflect on the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black scientists and engineers throughout history. Our groundbreaking work has not only advanced fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) but has also enriched our collective understanding of the world around us. From the pioneering discoveries of George Washington Carver in agricultural science to the groundbreaking research of Mae Jemison as the first African American woman to travel in space, Black scientists and engineers have left an indelible mark on our society. Let's also acknowledge the countless innovators whose names might not be as widely recognized but whose contributions are equally significant. Their dedication, perseverance, and ingenuity have paved the way for future generations of scientists and engineers, inspiring diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. Below is a video from the National Academy of Sciences were they display a hall of honor. This month, let's not only celebrate the achievements of Black trailblazers but also commit ourselves to fostering environments that empower and support diversity in STEM. By amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, we can drive innovation, tackle complex challenges, and create a more equitable future for all. Together, let's continue to honor and uplift the legacies of Black scientists and engineers, ensuring that their contributions are recognized, celebrated, and integrated into the fabric of our society. #BlackHistoryMonth #STEM #DiversityandInclusion #Innovation #Equality #CelebratingExcellence

As a Black scientist, I resonated deeply with the recent article in Science about the challenges faced by scientists from underrepresented backgrounds in academia. The story captures the very real struggles that many of us encounter in our pursuit of a career in science and academia. The lack of representation, subtle (and not-so-subtle) racism, and exclusion are all too familiar. From being the only Black student in my classes to encountering systemic barriers and biases, the path towards my goals has often been fraught with unnecessary obstacles. However, amidst these challenges, I've been fortunate to have encountered incredible mentors who believed in me and helped me navigate this complex landscape. Their guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in keeping my dreams alive, despite the odds. Reading the article reignited my commitment to paving the way for future Black scientists. It's crucial that we work towards creating more inclusive environments, where everyone—regardless of background—can thrive and contribute to the scientific community. Moreover, the need for increased representation among faculty cannot be overstated; seeing more Black professors during my own academic journey would have made a world of difference. #BlackInSTEM #DiversityInScience #sciencecareer