Issuu

INSIDE LIFE AFTER COMMAND

TRANSITION & MENTORSHIP INNOVATION & INSPIRATION

LEADERS WHO BUILT A

LEGACY

Inside the vision, courage, and camaraderie that created BEYA Stars & Stripes.

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B L A C K

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I N F O R M A T I O N

T E C H N O L O G Y

CONTENTS

BRINGING TECHNOLOGY HOME TO THE BLACK COMMUNITY

VOLUME 49 NUMBER 4 SERVICE TO NATION

FEATURES COVER STORY

DEPARTMENTS 26

They turned a breakfast meeting into a national movement. Nearly two decades later, the architects of BEYA Stars & Stripes— led by Vice Adm. Anthony Winns, Gen. Johnnie Wilson, and Vice Adm. Walter Davis—share how service, mentorship, and vision created one of BEYA’s most enduring traditions. As the 40th BEYA STEM Conference approaches, the founders look ahead, urging new generations to carry forward the mission: to mentor, to serve, and to build the future of innovation.

FOLLOW USBE DIGITAL! Just because the presses have stopped does not mean the story has ended. The digital edition of this issue continues to evolve, featuring the most upto-date information. Follow the digital version here!

A FOUNDATIONAL PERSPECTIVE AND WORLD VIEW 34

PEOPLE & EVENTS

Catch up with the latest retirements, promotions, upcoming events, and other news.

build on what already works. Discover how strength-based leadership inspires service beyond duty.

ONE ON ONE

EDUCATION

Veteran instructors at HBCUs are redefining leadership—linking service, discipline, and STEM to inspire tomorrow’s innovators.

After 41 years of military service, four-star Gen. Vincent K. Brooks reveals how discipline, curiosity, and purpose shaped both his command and his next chapter.

CAREER VOICES

LEADING VOICES

Retired Navy Captain Mary McAdams shares how mentorship, self-awareness, and transition programs help veterans turn service experience into corporate success.

CORPORATE LIFE

Why the best leaders don’t fix what’s broken—they

Expert STEM voices exploring breakthroughs, big ideas, and technology’s future.

» Walter Davis: After 38 years in uniform, Vice Adm. Walt Davis proves that true leadership means opening doors for the next generation of STEM talent. » Matthew Bowman: Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Matt Bowman shares his five-step blueprint for veterans ready to turn military mastery into civilian success.

Four-star Gen. Johnnie E. Wilson reflects on the origins of BEYA Stars & Stripes— and how mentoring, service, and innovation continue to build America’s STEM future.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

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The BEYA Stars & Stripes program is an integral part of every BEYA conference

Cover photo: Top row, L-R: Mr. Jesse McCurdy, SES (Ret.),Retired Brig. Gen. Velma Richardson, Retired Gen. Lester Lyles, Mr. Terry Williams; Second row: Retired Adm. Stephen Rochon, Retired Lt. Gen. Joe N. Ballard, Dr. Ronald Johnson, Retired Gen. Johnnie Wilson, Retired Gen. Vincent Brooks; Third row: Mr. William A. Brown, SES (Ret.), Retired Vice Admiral Walter J. Davis, Retired Rear Adm. Anthony Watson, Retired Lt. Gen. Ronald Coleman, Retired Lt. Gen. Albert J. Edmonds, Retired Vice Admiral Anthony L. Winns, and Retired Lt. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin

COVER The creators of Stars & Stripes share its origins and urge future generations to continue the mission.

NOW THE MOST READ BLACK TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE REACHING OVER 100,000 READERS IN THE UNITED STATES, UK, AND SOUTH AFRICA

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USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

PUBLISHER’S PAGE SERVICE BEYOND DUTY: COMMITMENT TO COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY This issue of US Black Engineer & Information Technology is a salute—not only to those who served in uniform, but to all who continue to serve through leadership, mentorship, and innovation. For over two decades, the BEYA Stars & Stripes tradition has stood as one of the most powerful demonstrations of what “service beyond duty” truly means. It began as a breakfast conversation among visionary leaders, generals, admirals, and senior executives who refused to let their contributions end at retirement. They built a living legacy of mentorship that continues to shape our nation’s technology and talent pipeline. As we approach the 40th BEYA STEM Conference, this issue revisits those roots and reaffirms that same call to action. Retired Vice Admiral Anthony Winns, General Johnnie E. Wilson, Vice Admiral Walter Davis, and the other founders of Stars & Stripes remind us that leadership does not stop when the uniform comes off, it evolves. Their vision continues to touch thousands of students and professionals who now see STEM as a pathway to service and opportunity. The stories in these pages carry that message forward. General Vincent K. Brooks speaks to a life defined by discipline, humility, and purpose. Lieutenant Commander Matt Bowman offers a modern blueprint for veterans charting new careers. Davis shows us how innovation can be the next act of service. And through education, mentoring, and corporate engagement, we see how the ideals of country and community continue to intersect in powerful ways. Our veterans, engineers, and educators share a common purpose: to lift others as they climb. Their experiences remind us that our greatest duty is to prepare those who will follow, to inspire, to teach, and to serve again. As publisher, I am proud that USBE magazine continues to tell these stories, stories of commitment, courage, and continuity. Because in every chapter of this legacy, one truth remains: Service is not where the journey ends. It’s where the next mission begins.

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Tyrone D. Taborn, CEO and Publisher Jean Hamilton, CFO, President Ty Taborn, Esq., Executive Sr. V.P. & General Counsel Kwan Hurst, COO, Operations Alex Venetta, Exec. V.P. of Corporate Development Eric Price, V.P., Human Resources EDITORIAL AND CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rayondon Kennedy, Director, Digital and Print Operations Lango Deen, Technology Editor Michael Fletcher, Contributing Editor Gale Horton Gay, Contributing Editor Garland L. Thompson, Contributing Editor Roger Witherspoon, Contributing Editor GRAPHIC & DIGITAL DESIGN Beverly Wladkowski, Creative and UX Director Bryan Davis, Digital Director Rachael DeVore, Multimedia Designer Courtney Taborn, Digital Marketing Manager Jessica Hernandez, Graphic Designer DIGITAL PLATFORM AND DEVELOPMENT Nikkie Stevens, Director of Metaverse Platforms Terrence Fooks, Metaverse Platform Program Manager & Client Relations Specialist CORPORATE AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, CCG Alumni Committee Chair and President Dr. Eugene DeLoatch, Chairman, BEYA Alumni Group Vice Admiral Andy L. Winns, USN (Ret) National Chair, BEYA Military Alumni Oliver “Bo” Leslie, Retired Program Manager, Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions, The Boeing Company Monica E. Emerson, Women of Color STEM Conference National Chair Matt Bowman, CCG Military Program Manager Stars and Stripes Committee Executive Director/Chief of Staff for VADM Walt Davis, USN (Ret.) SALES AND MARKETING Gwendolyn Bethea, V.P., Corporate Development Kameron Nelson, Account Executive De’Ontae Jackson, Account Executive Lucille Kennedy, Sales Support Assistant Jay Albritton, Social Media Account Manager JOBMATCH AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Ashley Turner, University Relations Manager Rod Carter, Recruitment Specialist, College Relations Shelia Richburg, College Coordinator CONFERENCE AND EVENTS Jennifer Roberts, V.P., Partner Experience Ana Bertrand, Conference Coordinator Brandon Newby, Customer Service Associate Sarah Blum, Youth Services Coordinator Tarase Whetstone, Regional Outreach Manager ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE Career Communications Group, Inc. 729 E. Pratt Street, Suite 504 Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 244-7101 / Fax: (410) 752-1837

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US Black Engineer & Information Technology (ISSN 1088-3444) is a publication devoted to engineering, science, and technology and to promoting opportunities in those fields. US Black Engineer & Information Technology cannot be responsible for unsolicited art or editorial material. This publication is bulk-mailed to colleges and universities nationwide. Subscriptions are $26/year. Please write to US Black Engineer & Information Technology, Subscriptions, 729 E. Pratt St., Suite 504, Baltimore, MD 21202. Copyright © 2025 by Career Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 6

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PEOPLE & EVENTS

by Lango Deen editors@ccgmag.com

VETERANS IN THE NEWS obituary read. The obituary extended condolences to his family, friends, the remaining 13 documented original Tuskegee Airmen, and all who loved him. Hardy achieved many historic firsts—he was the youngest Red Tail fighter pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen and the first Black aviator in the U.S. Armed Forces. His bravery and sacrifices paved the way for future generations.

SERVICE BEYOND DUTY

Lt. Col. G.E. Hardy, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, died at 100.

TRANSITIONS: A LIFE WELL LIVED

When completed, a memorial will feature airplane replicas at the Davis Airfield, including a P-51 Mustang—the aircraft flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II—and a Boeing T-7A Red Hawk, which will be painted with a red tail flash to honor the Tuskegee

Airmen. They flew over 1,500 missions in the U.S. military during World War II. During the recent groundbreaking ceremony, representatives from the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. National Office, the Air Force Academy Association of Graduates, and supporters of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial at the U.S. Air Force Academy broke ground on the project designed to honor these American heroes. The ceremony included remarks from Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, the 22nd superintendent of the Academy; Charles Phillips, a member of the Air Force Academy Foundation board of directors; and former commandant of cadets Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Sam Cox, who represented The Boeing Company.

GROWING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HBCU STUDENTS TO EXPLORE MILITARY SERVICE In commemoration of Sept. 11, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Darrell K. Williams, president of Hampton University, and Maj.

On Sept. 26, 2025, Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated, announced the passing of a true American hero. According to the Lonely Eagle obituary, Lt. Col. George Hardy (1925–2025) was the youngest Red Tail fighter pilot, at 19, to fly his first combat sortie over Europe as one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen. He passed away at the age of 100. Stationed in Italy during World War II, he completed 21 missions in defense of freedom. He also served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. His legacy is one of resilience, skill, and perseverance in the face of racism and prejudice, the The Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Groundbreaking at the U.S. Air Force Academy took place on Sept. 27, 2025. 12

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

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Retired Army Col. Michael McLendon is honored at a ceremony in April 2025.

40th Annual BEYA STEM Conference

Becoming Everything You Are February 12–14, 2026 BEYA STEM DTX Platform

Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Brown, president of Tuskegee University, reflected on their experiences as an active-duty service member on Sept. 11, 2001. The two college presidents, both with unique military backgrounds, co-authored a joint op-ed to highlight the importance of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs. The ROTC programs at their schools have promoted community development, strengthened national defense by creating generations of leaders, and fostered a commitment to defend the Constitution during times of conflict. Brown and Williams believe it’s crucial to grow opportunities for students to

explore military service as they remember those lost in 2001 and those who served far from home during the war on terrorism.

RETIREMENTS In April, the Rocks, Inc. congratulated their vice president of ROTC programs and former Rock of the Year, Col. Michael McLendon, who recently retired from the U.S. Army after more than 30 years of service. Evangelo “Vann” Morris, a retired U.S. Navy surface warfare officer and Afghanistan-deployed combat veteran, whose three sons are all proud U.S. veterans, honored his former military leader with a video of Old Glory. The Rocks is one of the largest military officer organizations, focusing on professional development, social events, and community support to enhance the officer corps. USBE

To stay up to date and all news and events, Visit our webpage www.BlackEngineer.com

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BEYA STARS & STRIPES LEADER RECOGNIZED FOR IMPACT

Ximusdam, aut estrumque nobisciam quos incia cusdae

USNA’S DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 2025 In September, the U.S. Naval Academy honored VADM Anthony L. Winns, U.S. Navy (Ret.), as one of its distinguished graduates for the Class of 2025. Winns was awarded for his influence through military service and roles outside of duty. Since 1999, only 118 Naval Academy alumni have been recognized for their support of the Academy and its community. A member of the Class of 1978, Winns was the first officer to reach flag rank. His notable career included serving as the vice director and acting director of operations (J-3) at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the Navy inspector general. In 2007, BEYA presented him with a Career Achievement Award for his leadership in STEM. He founded the BEYA Scholarship Foundation and cofounded the BEYA Student Mentoring Program, which has inspired 7,000 high school students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Winns also serves as a trustee of the Naval Academy Foundation’s Athletic and Scholarship Programs.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

EDUCATION

by Frank McCoy editors@ccgmag.com

VETERANS FORGE LEADERS How ROTC mentorship shapes the next generation of leadership

n 1918, Howard University created the first official Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program in Washington, D.C. Modern military-toeducation programs now “offer students openings to become commissioned officers in all services, and provide scholarships, training, and career opportunities.” Lamar Johnson is a citizenship development manager for the Navy Junior ROTC (JROTC). He manages 28 JROTC programs. He says that “he also works on ROTC programs, but his focus is on JROTC (high school) primarily.” Johnson says veterans “model structured lives, showing cadets how to avoid working in silos, and how to both lead and follow.” Johnson has examples showing how veterans working at HBCU JROTC programs strive to help cadets become military and civilian leaders. • A retired Coast Guard officer with an information systems management degree introduced his cadets to cyber awareness and how to partner with their unit’s IT department to create a CyberPatriot team. He also pushed technical and problem-solving skills. Subsequently, several studied computer science and cyber security, and one joined a cyber defense contractor.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

• A former Marine Corps aircraft officer serving as an instructor mentored cadets on the aviation STEM track that integrates aeronautics lessons and flight simulator training into its curriculum. Inspired cadets pursue aviation maintenance certifications and aerospace engineering. One went on to earn a private pilot’s license and enter the U.S. Naval Academy. • A chief petty officer showed cadets how to build underwater-operated vehicles. Through his mentorship, cadets learned real-world applications of physics and the importance of teamwork. Some pursued degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering, with one earning a scholarship through the Navy’s NROTC engineering pathway.

ingrained in them through military instruction help cadets thrive in research and technical settings, where precision and consistency are vital. These attributes are invaluable to future leaders in private, public, and nonprofit sectors. ROTC and its veteran educators build bridges between service and STEM by linking leadership with technology, discipline with discovery, and mission with innovation. They equip students to serve not only in uniform but also in laboratories, research centers, and industries shaping the future.

“MENTORS REVEAL WHAT STUDENTS CAN’T ALWAYS SEE IN THEMSELVES: THEIR STRENGTHS, LEADERSHIP, AND SENSE OF PURPOSE.”

Johnson says that under senior guidance, cadets develop technical and problem-solving skills. Multiple cadets went on to study computer science and cybersecurity. A Navy civilian cyber defense contractor even hired one cadet.

Investment in ROTC and faculty is built on the understanding that the programs are unique, as they integrate academic excellence with character development. These programs ensure cadets live theories of leadership through discipline, service, and teamwork. Veterans demonstrate that leadership is not about authority—it’s about accountability, empathy, and a mission-focused approach. The balance of moral integrity and professional skill prepares graduates for both military and civilian leadership.

Johnson says that support and investment in the nation’s 25 HBCU ROTC programs help students learn to assess situations, plan, execute, and reflect on the scientific method and engineering design processes used in university labs and corporate STEM teams. The discipline and attention to detail

Johnson says, “ROTC veteran educators build bridges between service and STEM careers by linking leadership with technology, discipline with discovery, and mission with innovation.” ROTC equips students to serve in uniform and in laboratories, research centers, and industries shaping the future.

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Lamar Johnson Citizenship development manager Navy Junior ROTC (JROTC)

Through mentorship, students develop skills and gain a vision. Mentors help them see what’s possible, challenge that assessment to drive growth, and guide them through challenges and opportunities. The result is a new generation of leaders who not only excel technically but also lead with humility, wisdom, and purpose. Mentorship also evolves. Veteran instructors are natural mentors, but not all receive training in modern

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mentorship techniques or youth development strategies. Offering professional development workshops on coaching, emotional intelligence, and career readiness would strengthen mentorship relationships and increase instructor effectiveness in shaping character and career goals. Johnson says, “Mentors reveal what students can’t always see in themselves: their strengths, leadership, and sense of purpose. JROTC

helps them recognize and articulate these traits. Mentors not only make their mentees more employable but also more confident, capable, and authentic leaders.” USBE

“ROTC VETERAN EDUCATORS BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN SERVICE AND STEM CAREERS BY LINKING LEADERSHIP WITH TECHNOLOGY, DISCIPLINE WITH DISCOVERY, AND MISSION WITH INNOVATION.”

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

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CAREER VOICES

by CCG Editors editors@ccgmag.com

FROM SERVICE TO SUCCESS

Transition programs and military experience create powerful advantages in the civilian job market

rom Mary McAdams’ point of view, retiring veterans possess a treasure trove of skills, and experience that sets them apart from other potential employees. That’s why these retirees are a valued segment of job seekers who require guidance in securing

Mary McAdams, right, with retired Rear Admiral Lillian E. Fishburne, the first African-American female admiral.

employment after military service. McAdams, who retired in 2006 as a captain in the U.S. Navy after 30 years of service, established eMilitary Mentoring. This web-based mentoring program provides

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

online support to job-seeking military members, spouses, and veterans. Military personnel possess unique strengths that stem from their service in the armed forces, which are ideal for employers in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, she said. “Military personnel arrive early and stay until the job is complete. We go home at 5 p.m., if the project is done and we are not tasked with a job for tomorrow. We believe in getting ahead,” McAdams said, citing three strengths of those who served. “Number two is we are good at multitasking— keeping more than one ball in the air and working for more than one ‘boss.’ We do well with collaborations across departments. Number three is we encourage and provide leadership and mentoring to those we are responsible for.” “They are loyal, dedicated workers,” said McAdams, who holds a doctorate in adult education from the University of Georgia.

Members of the armed services excel in leadership, analysis, teamwork, commitment to getting the job done, and aren’t clock watchers ready to walk out the door at the stroke of 5, she said. “We assess a system pretty well and figure out what the problem is and how to move the system forward,” said McAdams. Military personnel are accustomed to reporting to multiple superiors and working alongside others to complete projects. “You can’t put together an airplane by yourself,” said McAdams. She stresses the importance of mentorship long before one plans to exit the military, highlighting its benefits in developing one’s military career and when preparing to leave. She suggests visiting

“MILITARY PERSONNEL ARRIVE EARLY AND STAY UNTIL THE JOB IS COMPLETE. WE GO HOME AT 5 P.M. IF THE PROJECT IS DONE AND WE ARE NOT TASKED WITH A JOB FOR TOMORROW.” —MARY MCADAMS. eMilitary-mentoring.com for tools to assist in one’s transitioning journey. “You have to have a mentor, someone to advocate and coach you. Mentoring is not just counseling,” said McAdams. “It is a long-term relationship.” Successful transition from military service to civilian employment begins months before leaving the service, McAdams said, suggesting that soon-to-be retirees take advantage of any military transition assistance programs that are offered at least a year and a half before separation.

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“You don’t know what you don’t know,” said McAdams. “Attending several different transition assisting programs gives the separating military person the opportunity to ask questions about programs they were not aware of. Additionally, it provides opportunities to network and share information about companies seeking to hire. I attended only two, but I should have taken time for myself and attended more. We start the process 18 months out from retirement.”

Mary McAdams, left, received the National Naval Officers Association’s leadership award for mentoring in 2025

She added that a great place to start is the NNOA Transition Assistance Services webpage (https://nnoa.org/transition/).

Mary McAdams with Rear Admiral Cedric E. Pringle, retired president of the National Naval Officers Association, at one of the organization’s gatherings.

Updating a resume is vital, mainly translating one’s military experiences into language understandable to lay employers, such as explaining the significance of overseeing a $2 million budget or the large number of people who were under an individual’s command or area of responsibility, she said. McAdams added that service members shouldn’t underestimate the importance of discussing their anticipated retirement with family members and what it will mean to their family dynamics at home. “We work as a team—the family unit. When you move out without discussing it with the entire family—spouse and children—you are only asking for headaches when your plans do not align with those of the other members of your family. Take the time to seek input.” During her military career, McAdams served as a fleet support officer, human resource officer, and commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Professional Development and Technology Center, as well as a faculty member of the Air War

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College. She describes her time in the Navy as the “best 30 years of my life.” McAdams offers the following tips for veterans exiting military service with intentions of securing postservice work: • Know yourself. “A simple answer is to apply for jobs you’re qualified for. If you have only worked with electrical engineers and don’t possess an electrical engineering (EE) degree, then don’t apply for a job that requires an EE degree. A deeper answer would be to know the depths of your

skills. A project manager with 20 years’ experience is not a project manager who has only worked in project management for 10 years! You probably do not possess the certifications in project management; you only have the training and application. Separate the two on your application and in your interview—of course, do it professionally.” • Don’t go into a corporate setting leading with one’s military rank. Explain what you bring to the table. USBE

“DON’T GO INTO A CORPORATE SETTING LEADING WITH ONE’S MILITARY RANK. EXPLAIN WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE.” —MARY MCADAMS.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

CORPORATE LIFE

by CCG Editors editors@ccgmag.com

they do best—and use those strengths intentionally.

ELEVATE YOUR LEADERSHIP:

The session started with a challenge to look inward: Remember the moments when you felt most capable, energized, and effective. Those moments, participants discovered, are the blueprint for leadership success. By recognizing core strengths— such as decisiveness, empathy,

Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses—How Understanding Your Strengths Can Transform the Way You Lead

“GROWTH OCCURS NOT BY FIXING WHAT’S BROKEN, BUT BY STRENGTHENING WHAT ALREADY WORKS.”

n a world fixed on performance metrics and constant assessment, it’s easy for leaders to focus on what needs improvement. However, the real measure of effective leadership isn’t perfection—it’s selfawareness. The most successful leaders don’t dwell on their weaknesses; they leverage their strengths.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

That core idea guided the “Elevate Your Leadership: Focus on Strengths, Not Weaknesses” seminar, which challenged professionals to rethink how they lead in an era of rapid change and competing demands. The message was simple but powerful: To stand out, inspire teams, and deliver exceptional results, leaders must first understand what

strategy, or communication— leaders can build a more genuine and sustainable way to guide others. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, attendees were encouraged to leverage their natural strengths. Research consistently shows that employees who use their strengths daily are more www.blackengineer.com | collinai.com

engaged and innovative. The same principle applies to those who lead them. When leaders align their work with what they do best, they shift from managing out of fear to inspiring with confidence. For veterans and STEM professionals—individuals who often bring precision, structure, and discipline from military or technical backgrounds—this lesson feels especially relevant. Leadership in those fields has traditionally been defined by mastery and execution. However, today’s workplace requires something more: adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a renewed focus on human connection. Leadership, participants learned, is rarely about a single defining trait. It involves the interaction of many qualities— communication paired with empathy, strategy balanced with collaboration, and vision reinforced by discipline. When these strengths come together, teamwork becomes their hallmark. The idea resonates with the theme of USBE magazine’s Service to Nation issue, “Service Beyond Duty: Commitment to Country and Community.” Just as veterans continue to serve long after they take off their uniforms, effective leaders carry their strengths forward to empower others and improve their environments. Leadership, at its best, is another form of service. Still, focusing on strengths doesn’t mean remaining static. The seminar highlighted that growth stems from curiosity and courage—the willingness to learn from others and develop complementary skills. Leaders were encouraged to seek feedback, find mentors, and invest in development that broadens their abilities. Growth occurs not by fixing what’s broken, but by

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THE STRENGTHS MINDSET AT A GLANCE Top 5 Takeaways from “Elevate Your Leadership” 1. Know your strengths. Recognize what you do best naturally and lead from that core. 2. Combine strengths for greater impact. Authentic leadership arises when different strengths—such as empathy and decisiveness—come together. 3. Expand What Works. Growth isn’t about fixing weaknesses; it’s about strengthening and broadening your strengths. 4. Lead with authenticity. Adapt your leadership style to match your values and your team’s needs. 5. Serve Beyond Duty. Use your strengths to uplift others—at work, in your community, and in every aspect of life.

strengthening what already works. For many, that idea bridged the gap between military and corporate experience. In the military, leadership is defined by command structure; in the civilian world, it is determined by influence—both demand self-knowledge. The best leaders are lifelong learners— curious enough to evolve and humble enough to listen.

of leadership is authenticity. True effectiveness stems from aligning one’s leadership style with personal strengths and the team’s needs. Copying another leader’s style may bring short-term results, but authenticity builds trust—the cornerstone of lasting influence. In fast-paced industries like engineering, technology, and defense, trust enables innovation. Leaders who understand their strengths and model openness create environments where teams feel empowered to take risks, share ideas, and innovate with bold confidence. Leadership, after all, is a continuation of service. Whether guiding a project, mentoring young engineers, or leading a company through change, those who focus on their strengths extend their service beyond duty— transforming personal mastery into collective success. When leaders lead from their strengths, they permit others to do the same. Strength builds confidence, confidence builds trust, and trust builds resilient organizations. That’s the real lesson of strengthbased leadership—and the most authentic expression of service. USBE

THE SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTED THAT GROWTH STEMS FROM CURIOSITY AND COURAGE—THE WILLINGNESS TO LEARN FROM OTHERS AND DEVELOP COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS.

Ultimately, the heart

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

ONE ON ONE

by Gale Horton Gay editors@ccgmag.com

GEN. VINCENT K. BROOKS

Retired Army general crafts a post-retirement portfolio that brings him satisfaction

“I HAD CURIOSITY ABOUT WHAT WOULD BE MEANINGFUL FOR ME AFTER LIVING A LIFETIME OF SERVICE.” —VINCENT BROOKS

lthough Vincent K. Brooks dreamed of becoming a doctor from a young age through his teenage years, he achieved remarkable success in the military, reaching the rank of four-star general before retiring in 2019.

Brooks, who served as a four-star general under four presidents (two American and two Korean), was the commander of all Korean and U.S. forces in the Republic of Korea, his final assignment. Before Korea, he served as the commander of all United States Army forces throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific region from 2013 to 2016 during the strategic rebalancing to Asia, and as the commander of all United States Army forces in the Middle East and Central Asia from 2011 to 2013 during the reduction of troops in Iraq and the buildup of forces in Afghanistan. Throughout his military

Photos this page, left to right: In December 2018, Brooks saluted for the last time as an Army general at Fort Myer, VA, during his retirement. Commander of Korean and US Combined Forces Gen. Vincent Brooks makes remarks as part of a show of force against North Korea.

Brooks led a group of Allied Korean and American generals during a river crossing exercise in South Korea in 2017. 22

How it began Military service in the U.S. Army runs in the Brooks family—his father was a major general, and his brother retired as a brigadier general. They are the first African Americans to have three generals in their family, according to Brooks. He speaks proudly about “the privilege of commanding at multiple levels,” recognizing how rare such an opportunity is, and of being supported by soldiers who have confidence in his leadership. During his Army service,

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

career, Brooks has handled crisis management, public communications, risk management and mitigation, budgetary assessment, leadership and management, international relations and interactions, cyber defense and protection, congressional engagement, and strategic planning. He currently serves on the board of directors of two publicly traded companies and one nonprofit organization, is often booked as a public speaker, mentors civilian and military leaders, and, for recreation, conducts genealogy searches. US Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine turned to Brooks for insight into his military career and how he has transitioned to a civilian job, as well as his advice to those considering leaving the military. For much of his childhood and teen years, Brooks was more interested in medicine than the military. When his one-year-older brother came home from West Point, Brooks marveled at his “cool” uniform but was also impressed with how he carried himself. Brooks realized that his interests were changing. “Maybe that’s [medicine] not what I want,” he recalled thinking. He applied to West Point, was accepted, and received an appointment, graduating four years later with a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering.

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What kept him serving in the Army for 41 years?

Photos this page, top to bottom:

“It was a combination of things,” said Brooks, citing the “spirit of service” that was ingrained in him at West Point. In the Army, he was inspired by the acceptance of his leadership from the soldiers under his command, as well as the challenging high-visibility assignments he repeatedly received. “I found it was to my liking,” Brooks said. However, he recalls going through an “episode” six to seven years into his military career when he evaluated his future. “Should I stay or should I go?” was the question. He began exploring opportunities outside the Army, considering a move to NASA and visiting the Johnson Space Center. “I came to realize that the structure and camaraderie and responsibilities in the Army were more valuable to me than money, so I stayed,” he said.

Taken in 2016, President Barack Obama converses with Gen. Vincent Brooks in the Oval Office at the White House, where the president conveyed his orders to Brooks regarding Korea.

His proudest military accomplishment On his final assignment, Brooks was tasked with establishing a communication channel with the North Korean People’s Army, which resulted in bringing home 55 boxes containing the remains of over 200 American and Korean soldiers who died during or after the Korean War in the 1950s. “It was one of the most rewarding things I did,” he said. When did he know it was time to retire? Brooks said that although he was once considered for a position on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he was not selected. After serving as a general for 17 years, he felt that he had risen as “high as I was going to go,” and he knew it was time to make a change. He also wanted to “pay more attention” to his family and pursue other interests.

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Archive photo of Gen. Vincent Brooks greeting President Donald Trump during Trump’s first visit to South Korea in 2017

Brooks holds a deck of “most wanted” cards at the start of the Iraq War, with one showing the son of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Was the transition difficult? Brooks said he had no worries about leaving the armed forces. Instead, he “had curiosity about what would be meaningful after living a lifetime of service,” he explained. While he didn’t want a 9-to-5 job, he aimed to build a portfolio of experiences and challenges that would allow him to use his military background and skills to make an impact. His biggest challenge? His biggest challenge was regulating his sleep. “I hadn’t had eight hours of sleep two days in a row” throughout his multi-decade career, he said. Especially in the last years of his time in the Army, due to the need for constant communication with officials in Washington, D.C., and counterparts in Central Asia and the Middle East, as well as the demands of organizational leadership.

Tips and advice for those seeking ways to serve beyond the uniform •

Tell people about the upcoming changes you’re initiating.

•

Update your resume and refresh the language so strengths are apparent to a non-military audience.

•

Be patient, but confident that you have much to offer. USBE

“I CAME TO REALIZE THAT THE STRUCTURE AND CAMARADERIE AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE ARMY WERE MORE VALUABLE TO ME THAN MONEY, SO I STAYED.” — VINCENT BROOKS

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

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by CCG Editors editors@ccgmag.com

FOUNDERS IN FOCUS: The Legacy Behind

STARS & STRIPES

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

www.blackengineer.com | collinai.com

Time to Renew Efforts and Reaffirm the Importance of BEYA Stars & Stripes

From L-R: Retired Rear Admiral Anthony L. Winns, Retired Vice Admiral Walter Davis, Retired Gen. Johnnie Wilson, Retired Gen. Lester Lyles, Retired Lt. Gen. Joe N. Ballard, Retired Lt. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin, Mr. Jesse McCurdy, SES (Ret.), Mr. William A. Brown, SES (Ret.), and Retired Brig. Gen. Velma Richardson.

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USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

In an in-depth interview with USBE Magazine, Retired Navy Vice Admiral Anthony L. Winns, chair of the National BEYA Stars & Stripes Committee, shared a powerful story of teamwork, perseverance, and courage.

the 40th BEYA STEM Conference approaches, Vice Admiral Anthony Winns is calling for renewed action. For nearly four decades, this conference has attracted top talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Yet, Winns notes that the BEYA Stars & Stripes Committee now faces challenges in sustaining and strengthening its pipeline for future generations. For 21 years, the BEYA Stars & Stripes program has inspired and motivated young students to pursue STEM careers within public service and the military. Today, Winns is urging supporters to unite once again to expand opportunities for the next generation.

STRONG CONVICTIONS, TEAMWORK, AND COURAGE Thanks to the vision and dedication of Winns and many retired Navy officers, the BEYA Stars & Stripes program has become an integral part of the BEYA STEM Conference. According to Winns, the program was founded on strong convictions—and after two decades, it is time to renew efforts and reaffirm its importance.

to good use by creating a mentoring initiative. In 2010, with the Navy as the lead service, Winns formed a Mentoring Committee with the assistance of retired Navy Captains Ron Evans, Edward Gantt, Bernard Jackson, and Tom Abernethy. That first year, 37 active-duty admirals and general officers mentored 75 high school students from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. By 2011, participation had doubled, with more students and officers joining the growing program.

PROMOTING PATRIOTISM, SELF-DISCIPLINE, AND STEM Captains Gantt and Jackson were particularly influential within local school districts. Gantt, a Navy Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC) instructor, was known for promoting patriotism, personal honor, and self-discipline while teaching students about national security and military careers. NJROTC cadets are not obligated to join the military; however, the program offers a positive alternative to destructive behavior and can assist students interested in military service or pursuing scholarships.

The next morning, during an informal breakfast for award winners—a popular event at BEYA—the idea for what would become BEYA Stars & Stripes began to take shape.

Jackson focused on scholarship opportunities for high school students to attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Later, retired Navy Captain Mike Johnston and civilian government professional Tony Peasant joined the Mentoring Committee, adding new energy and leadership.

Winns credits senior retired veterans, including Army Gen. Johnny E. Wilson and Navy VADM Walter J. Davis Jr., for rallying support across multiple branches of the armed forces. The effort started with the Army and Navy and was soon joined by the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.

“With the Mentoring Committee now complete, the BEYA Stars & Stripes Mentoring Program skyrocketed,” Winns said.

“The camaraderie was incredible,” Winns recalled. “The room was full of energy, and people were truly excited to be part of a STEM conference.”

By the time of the 30th annual BEYA STEM Conference in Philadelphia, PA, the committee had partnered with additional schools and recruited more students. Winns and Jackson made multiple trips to Philadelphia to meet with local education officials and promote participation.

In 2006, while serving as vice director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, Winns learned that he had been nominated for the BEYA Career Achievement in Government Award by Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani Jr., then vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He received the prestigious award in February 2007 from Adm. Mike Mullen, who was then chief of naval operations and later became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

BEAT THE BELTWAY TRAFFIC AND MENTOR WHILE YOU WAIT A few years later, the breakfast evolved into an evening event on the three-day BEYA STEM Conference agenda. Winns and Davis, who had long worked together to guide young naval aviators and naval flight officers, saw a new opportunity to extend that mentorship to high school students. Knowing that many senior officers arrived early due to Washington, D.C.’s notorious traffic, they decided to put that time 28

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

“The Stars and Stripes Committee would benefit greatly from the wisdom and experience of recently retired senior officers and SES personnel who can help us think through current challenges and prepare our youth for the future.”

Dr. Jamie Bracey Green of Temple University, an award-winning educational psychologist and STEM talent expert, played a key role in encouraging students to attend. Her efforts helped expand BEYA’s reach to thousands of students nationwide through programs later replicated across the U.S. Winns recalls receiving letters of support from active-duty

www.blackengineer.com | collinai.com

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

www.blackengineer.com | collinai.com

admirals and general officers—including a former superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy—who personally drove to Philadelphia to take part in the event.

STEADY GROWTH AND SUSTAINED MENTORSHIP By 2012, members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) had also joined as mentors. The committee also continued to grow, adding retired Navy Rear Admirals Dwight Shepherd and Sinclair Harris, as well as retired Marine Corps Major General. Craig Crenshaw, who is now the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs for the Commonwealth of Virginia For 21 years, the BEYA Stars and currently leads the & Stripes program has Mentoring Program.

inspired and motivated young students to pursue STEM careers within public service and the military.

The program expanded to include first- and secondyear college students, such as midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy, cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and students from Virginia Military Institute and Howard University.

Darrell Williams, who is now the president of Hampton University. The foundation awards scholarships to up to four students annually and continues to grow in impact. The organization also sponsors a Government and Military Track Seminar at the BEYA STEM Conference, providing training, education, and mentorship for government civilians and mid-grade military officers advancing in their careers. Winns manages these programs and many others alongside Matt Bowman, chief of staff of the National BEYA Stars & Stripes Committee, and Kwan Hurst, chief operating officer at Career Communications Group, publisher of USBE Magazine and producer of the annual BEYA STEM Conference. Additionally, BEYA Stars & Stripes hosts a monthly Career Day in the STEM City USA metaverse, featuring leaders such as former NASA Administrator and astronaut Charlie Bolden, as well as scientists and engineers who engage virtually with students across the country.

Today, the BEYA Stars & Stripes Mentoring Program typically brings together 500–600 students and 250–300 mentors each year.

THE SUSTAINED MENTORING PROGRAM Because the original mentoring event focused solely on activeduty mentors, Winns and Davis sought ways to involve the retired flag officer community. They turned to Jesse McCurdy, the first African-American SES member of the Naval Air Systems Command, to lead a “spin-off” initiative. McCurdy established the Sustained Mentoring Program, a yearround effort connecting retired admirals, generals, and SES personnel with students from five D.C.-area high schools. A Howard University engineering graduate, McCurdy often emphasized the importance of guidance: “I always recommend having a mentor or two—maybe even three. Different mentors offer different ideas and approaches to life.”

A CALL TO RENEW AND REAFFIRM

The Sustained Mentoring Program allows students to explore real-world interests by working alongside retired professionals from science, engineering, education, and government. Each participating school selects its own students, who then engage in hands-on research and projects under the guidance of expert supervision.

Now, as BEYA approaches its 40th anniversary, Winns is looking toward the future:

BEYA STARS AND STRIPES: MANY HATS, ONE MISSION Beyond mentorship, Winns also established the BEYA Stars & Stripes Scholarship Foundation, chaired by retired Army Lt. Gen. www.blackengineer.com | collinai.com

“We stand on the shoulders of outstanding leaders of our armed forces,” Winns said in closing. “Creating the Stars & Stripes program was challenging to say the least—and we successfully met that challenge.”

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

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AAFOUNDATIONAL FOUNDATIONAL PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVEAND AND WORLDVIEW WORLDVIEW By Lango Deen

In February 2026, the BEYA STEM Conference will celebrate its 40th anniversary. Like many American institutions with a history of promoting discussions about access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) jobs, investment, and future preparedness in schools from low-resource communities, the conference aims to emphasize that its “unique environment promotes career achievement, well-being, and economic mobility.” By the 5th annual BEYA event, a television special had garnered national attention for the conference, with celebrities such as Karyn Parsons, co-star of NBC’s “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who played Theo on “The Cosby Show,” and Ossie Davis, the legendary actor, writer, and TV personality, who served as master of ceremonies. Among the award winners in 1991 were Dr. Lydia W. Thomas, who received a Dean’s Award at BEYA for her outstanding technical work at The MITRE Corporation, and NASA astronaut Guy Bluford, named Engineer of the Year. He flew on four Space Shuttle missions between 1983 and 1992. In 1983, as part of the crew of the Orbiter Challenger on the STS-8 mission, he became the first African American in space and the second Black person in space, following Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT Award ceremonies at the BEYA STEM Conference have consistently attracted the largest crowds of African Americans in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), celebrating their achievements.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

Inspired by the success of the milestone 5th anniversary BEYA STEM Conference, Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard—a retired U.S. Army officer who fought in Vietnam and served as chief of engineers, the first African American to hold this position—recommended that Johnnie E. Wilson, a retired U.S. Army four-star general and former commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command from 1996 to 1999, attend BEYA. In 1991, Ballard became the assistant commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School and deputy commanding general of the Engineer Center and Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He served as chief of engineers and commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1996 until his retirement in 2000. Wilson recalled Ballard telling him, “I would like you to put this event on your calendar to make sure you attend this conference.” In 1992, Wilson attended his first BEYA STEM Conference, organized by US Black Engineer Magazine, a publication of Career Communications Group, which hosts the event every February during Black History Month. Wilson’s initial impressions of the BEYA STEM Conference were that it was a well-organized program run by dedicated professionals. He decided to keep the conference on his calendar and attended most events throughout the 1990s. From 1994 to 1996, he served as the deputy chief of staff for logistics for the Department of the Army, responsible for worldwide logistics. Wilson retired in 1999 after 39 years of dedicated service. Post-retirement, he became president and COO of Dimensions International, Inc., served on the Truman Library Institute’s board after being nominated by Colin Powell, and was a member of the Army Scholarship Foundation’s Honorary Advisory Committee. Wilson also spent 10 years on the Morgan State University Board of Regents.

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In fall 2004, Wilson was invited to participate in a career panel hosted by Career Communications Group’s US Black Engineer Magazine at Morgan State University, the location of the very first BEYA STEM Conference. The goal was to share with the audience the work accomplished by individuals like himself, who had served as logistics officers and achieved senior ranks within the military. Other panelists included retired general officers such as Joe Ballard and career officers from the U.S. Air Force, like Lester Lyles and Al Edmonds, who received a top award at BEYA as director of the Defense Information Systems Agency and manager of the National Communications System. Lyles served as vice chief of staff of the United States Air Force and commander of the Air Force Materiel Command. After retiring from the USAF in 2003, he became a company director for General Dynamics, DPL Inc., KBR, Inc., Precision Castparts Corp., MTC Technologies, Battelle Memorial Institute, and USAA. During his remarks at the 2004 town hall, Wilson said he decided to highlight Lt. Col. Stephen Twitty, who served in Iraq as a commander and led the very first unit into the battle’s headquarters. Wilson stated he was impressed not only with Twitty’s qualifications but also with the performance of the combat arms officer he believed would elevate him to the highest levels of the U.S. Army.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT During the town hall at Morgan State University, Wilson recalled discussing not only some of the individuals who worked hard but also ensuring that the audience understood how Career Communications Group’s professional development program worked. It offered seminars on tracks for career advancement, not just for people in the military, but also for civilians: people in the federal Senior Executive Service (SES), local government, state government, and corporate America.

successful BEYA STEM Conference. As he headed to breakfast that Sunday, he noticed a longer line of people than usual trying to get into the ballroom. Once he entered, the conversation shifted to forming a standing veterans’ committee to increase involvement during the BEYA STEM Conference. That’s how the BEYA Stars & Stripes Committee was established. Veterans of the U.S. military, who were longtime attendees of the conference, gathered to establish a plan for an annual breakfast event. This event would reflect the service-oriented mission of the BEYA STEM Conference: to inspire young people to explore career opportunities in STEM fields. Enter retired Vice Adm. Anthony L. Winns, the first officer from his Naval Academy class to be selected for flag rank. Winns assumed duties as the 37th Naval inspector general in 2007 and served until his retirement in 2011. Winns joined with a group of Navy colleagues who provided significant support in establishing a mentoring program with local high school students. Military personnel known for always being punctual often arrived at the BEYA Stars & Stripes award dinner an hour early to avoid the notorious traffic in the Washington-Maryland-Virginia Beltway. Using that time to meet high school students interested in STEM careers and military opportunities was a win-win way to make good use of their time. Over the following years, the mentoring roundtables attracted more general officers, SES members, and hundreds of local high school and college students, including those from military academies. “The students who come, whether high school or college, are all impressive,” Wilson said. “These youngsters want to speak to reputable people in the world of work whom they didn’t have the opportunity to meet. BEYA Stars & Stripes created a way for young Americans to meet mentors, who were active-duty officers, veterans, C-level executives from defense contractors, and members of the federal Senior Executive Service,” he added.

“WE ARE BUILDING THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION TODAY. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT AT BEYA.” GEN. JOHNNIE E. WILSON

Wilson stated that Career Communications Group events, such as the annual BEYA STEM Conference, are also designed for veterans and civilians who attend every year to help ensure America reaches its full potential by sharing their talents and engaging with attendees.

Wilson mentioned that he participated in many of the 90 events during the three-day BEYA STEM Conference, including seminars, workshops, networking events, job fairs, and award ceremonies. He always looks forward to the Exhibition Hall, where attendees can see advanced technology displayed by the military, defense contractors, and research and development laboratories. Wilson noted that these exhibitions are crucial for talented students excelling in computer science, computer technology, and engineering. They provide students with the opportunity to learn about the work of military and defense contractors and to apply for jobs within these organizations. Wilson highlighted that this exposure is vital for students.

Among the notable SES members at BEYA were William Brown, a retired international engineer and architect, who served as a deputy director of military programs at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He retired from the Corps in 2003. There is also Jesse McCurdy, who spent 37 years at the Naval Air Systems Command and retired as deputy assistant commander for research and engineering. After retiring, he volunteered as the director and coordinator of the BEYA Stars & Stripes Sustained Mentoring Program because the committee believed students need more than a one-time annual meeting with mentors.

Fast forward to 2005: Wilson recollected attending another

Instead of waiting to see young people only at the yearly BEYA events, the mentors—mainly retired military personnel and civilians—visit the students during the school year. McCurdy said the mentors share insights about working in STEM careers, the challenges they faced, salary details, college courses to take, ways to finance college, and more.

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USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

The mentors also organize speakers at schools and frequently participate in career or STEM day activities. Students from schools in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as two schools in Philadelphia, PA, have gone on to earn degrees in STEM. Wilson noted that the work of the engineering deans is also essential. Each year, about 30 engineering deans, including those from HBCUs with ABET-accredited engineering programs, attend the conference. He also praised the efforts of Dr. Eugene DeLoatch. DeLoatch’s career in engineering education aimed to expose historically marginalized communities to careers in STEM. He founded the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. School of Engineering at Morgan State University, where he served as a professor and dean from 1984 to 2016. DeLoatch is responsible for increasing the percentage of African-American engineers in the United States from less than 1 percent in 1959 to 5 percent. Wilson is confident that the work of the BEYA Stars & Stripes will reach even more young people, extending beyond the pre-dinner mentoring roundtable session held during the conference and the year-round mentoring program.

Moving forward, Wilson expressed his desire for more people to recognize that the BEYA STEM Conference, held during Black History Month, is just as inclusive as HBCUs. Building on his point, in 2022, non-Black students accounted for 24 percent of HBCU students. This is an increase from 15 percent in 1976. In fact, some HBCUs have much higher White student populations, and the share of Hispanic or Latino students has also grown in HBCUs located in areas with rising Latino populations. Enrollments of Asian-American students at HBCUs increased by 60 percent between 2001 and 2011. Black history, Hispanic history, Native American history, Italian history, and Irish history are all essential parts of the American experience. Wilson stresses that BEYA and one of its essential pillars, the BEYA Stars & Stripes Mentoring Program, is open to people of all races and ethnicities. The increasing participation of mentors has always been seen as a positive development that strengthens institutions and fosters appreciation for all Americans among a broader population.

GROWING THE PIPELINE To this end, Wilson highlights the work of Kwantrice Hurst in engaging more young people in the BEYA STEM Career Day program, organized by high school and college students. Hurst, who has been chief operating officer at Career Communications Group since 2022, spent over a decade as a webmaster for the National Naval Officers Association.

“BEYA STARS & STRIPES CREATED A WAY FOR YOUNG AMERICANS TO MEET MENTORS—ACTIVE-DUTY OFFICERS, VETERANS, C-LEVEL EXECUTIVES, AND SES LEADERS.”

Wilson’s own college-aged grandchildren have not only attended the BEYA STEM Conference multiple times, but they have also taken part in the BEYA STEM Career Day, which is hosted online each month through the STEM City Metaverse, accessible anywhere and at any time. Wilson is pleased that students like his grandchildren at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the University of Georgia, and at a community college in Columbia, MD, can access the wealth of information and knowledge shared by professionals in STEM careers during the career day events on Saturdays, monthly gatherings, and at the annual BEYA STEM Conference. Notable people who have given online STEM talks during the BEYA STEM Career Day include Charles Bolden, a former NASA administrator, retired United States Marine Corps major general, and former astronaut who flew on four Space Shuttle missions. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1968. Bolden became a Marine aviator and test pilot. He was the deputy commandant of midshipmen at the Naval Academy. Over the years, many young people have taken the stage during the BEYA Stars & Stripes dinner to share how mentoring sessions held during the BEYA STEM Conference and throughout the year in select schools in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia have helped them secure scholarships, internships, and jobs. 36

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

The 2025 BEYA Gala celebrated excellence, hard work, and the future of the event, which will mark its 40th anniversary in February 2026.

One of the first speakers at the 2025 event was Chad Koele, president of Actalent. He stated that the company has supported BEYA for 20 years because the conference’s goals align with its mission and reflect its vision to make a positive impact. BEYA enables this global leader in engineering, science services, and talent solutions to connect with top talent. “It is people who make groundbreaking work possible,” Koele remarked. The 2025 theme, “Journey to the Future: Reflect, Celebrate, and Forge Ahead,” paid tribute to BEYA’s nearly 40 years of being a force for change. Edmond Hughes, chief human resources officer at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), highlighted the importance of advancing the mission and setting a standard for others to follow. He pointed out that the event is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to connect with others. HII’s workforce includes engineers and skilled tradespeople. Jim Taiclet, chairman, president, and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation, appeared on video to support BEYA’s efforts to promote STEM to young people. He also congratulated Edwardo Tillison, stating, “Technology is securing the future of the U.S. and our allies, and BEYA is a great place to start your career in technology.” Tillison was the 2025 President’s Award winner. Winns, the national chairman of the BEYA Stars & Stripes, emphasized the importance of mentoring during the 39th annual BEYA STEM Conference, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the Stars & Stripes Committee and its 15 years of mentoring students. www.blackengineer.com | collinai.com

“Our Stars & Stripes Mentoring Program is touching lives, changing lives, and turning promise into purpose,” said the retired U.S. Navy vice admiral. Peter Mellado, executive director of Great Minds in STEM (GMiS), awarded Adero Paige, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office. As a child, Paige visited his father, who served in the Air Force for 22 years. He was unaware at the time how that experience with aircraft would shape his future career in surveillance and reconnaissance. Kelly Miller Smith III, a principal at Deloitte and the son of a preacher from Nashville, TN, also works on protecting citizens and soldiers. “To all the young people out there, dream big!” encouraged a BEYA winner featured in one of the archival videos shown throughout the evening. One of the highlights was an archive video of Ossie Davis reiterating the significance of the BEYA mission. Linda Gooden, retired executive vice president of Lockheed Martin, presented the career achievement award to Dr. Markeeva Morgan from Boeing, the inaugural manager of a nuclear propulsion program. Beyond his technical accomplishments, Morgan has mentored early-career professionals and young people interested in STEM fields. Dr. Jimmie Lee Davis, a subject matter expert in GPS from MITRE, was recognized as a project lead and engineer specializing in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems, which are used in many industries, including transportation, communication, and defense.

Stephanie Hill, president of Lockheed Martin Rotary Systems, honored Gillison as a shining example of boundless potential in STEM. Gillison was born in Vietnam during the war, raised by his Buddhist mother, and attended Catholic school. He eventually graduated from Drexel University and has risen through the ranks at Lockheed Martin since 1999, working with his team to create job opportunities for the next generation. The 2024 Black Engineer of the Year, Dr. Ken Washington, reflected on the significance of the honor. “This impactful event and all the activities sponsored represent hope, inspiration, imagination, and the possibilities that the honored individuals will bring to our future,” said Washington, who retired as Medtronic’s VP and chief technology and innovation officer in the fall of 2025. He passed the torch to Dr. Ron Johnson of the Georgia Institute of Technology. In every role Johnson has held, he has dedicated his time to ensuring that future generations inherit a better world. Johnson retired from the U.S. Army in April 2008 at the rank of major general after serving 32 years. He has served as a professor at the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. His active-duty career included tours as deputy commanding general and deputy chief of engineers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, from 2005 to 2008, and as commanding general and director, U.S. Army IMA, from 2004 to 2005. Upon retiring from active duty, he was hired as the firstever senior vice president of referee operations for the National Basketball Association, a position he held from 2008 to 2013, before joining the faculty at the Georgia Tech. USBE

“At MITRE, I tackle some of the most challenging problems to bring solutions to the world’s issues,” he commented. “Be yourself, stay true, and love what you do.”

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USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

LCDR (RET.) MATTHEW BOWMAN

Founder, Leading Edge Solutions LLC; Chief of Staff, BEYA Stars & Stripes

FROM SEA DUTY TO CIVILIAN SUCCESS: Matt Bowman’s Blueprint for Transitioning Veterans

Launched in 2017, Leading Voices is US Black Engineer & Information Technology Magazine’s platform for insight, commentary, and big-picture thinking across STEM. Each issue features perspectives from inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policy influencers who examine the most pressing challenges in engineering and technology—including artificial intelligence, bioengineering, sustainability, workforce development, and infrastructure. The department explores the National Academy of Engineering’s grand challenges while highlighting emerging disruptions that shape industry and society. From smart cities and climate resilience to the expanding role of AI, Leading Voices delivers informed viewpoints that spark conversation, question assumptions, and look toward the future of innovation. Available in print and online at www.blackengineer.com.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS LCDR (RET.) MATTHEW BOWMAN Founder, Leading Edge Solutions LLC Chief of Staff, BEYA Stars & Stripes VADM (RET.) WALTER J. DAVIS Co-Founder EvoNexus

ieutenant Commander (Ret.) Matt Bowman is the founder of Leading Edge Solutions LLC. It is a nongovernmental organization tailored to show transitioning veterans that what they learned in service can set them on a solid path to civilian success. Approximately 200,000 U.S. military personnel undergo the military-to-civilian transition process each year. Some go to school. Some retire. Bowman says mentorship is vital for veterans. Fortunately, it begins when they are on active duty and extends through their career. Bowman says, “The goal of BEYA Stars & Stripes is to be a kindergarten-to-grave STEM mentorship pipeline.” Veteran mentorship takes various forms. Historically, in the Navy, an informal mentor is referred to as a “sea daddy” or “sea mama.” That person guides vets through the process, which is mainly hands-on learning. Key assistance also comes from the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. Veterans have utilized the Transition Assistance Programs provided by the active-duty military services to facilitate their transition. In the 12 to 24 months preceding a veteran’s departure from active-duty service, they are offered a class designed to assist them with resume writing, interview skills, and lessons learned from previous veterans on how to make a

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

“THE GOAL OF BEYA STARS & STRIPES IS TO BE A KINDERGARTENTO-GRAVE STEM MENTORSHIP PIPELINE.” successful transition into the civilian world. Transition assistance should be a supportive activity conducted days before a person leaves the military and joins a new organization. Unlike their forebears, current veterans may stay in a given job for three to five years, not 30 years, and transition assistance must be available to support and inform them, either through the Veterans Administration or nonprofits, to ensure that those who serve our country have the support they need. Bowman lists five steps he tells vets to make before discharge. 1. Plan 24–36 months before transition. 2. Be an expert on your skill set and maintain a “continuous resume.” 3. Prepare to have six months’ savings and an emergency fund. 4. Thoroughly investigate where you want to live and work. A significant challenge for newly discharged veterans is that there is no comprehensive guide or “master playbook” for transition. There are, however, many playbooks to peruse.

entering the workforce. One of the most intense is finding that the civilian workforce is composed of teams that may not share the same core values as the veteran or other team members. This plays into two of the most challenging aspects that departing veterans face: the loss of camaraderie and the loss of shared core values. BEYA Stars & Stripes provides an ecosystem for vets to experience firsthand workplace lessons learned by earlier veterans in the workplace. This applies to both veterans who are STEMskilled and those who are not. Bowman says his company provides all-year support. This type of “persistent care” is the secret sauce of the 2-D Metaverse STEM CITY and links to live actual mentors. An intangible plus that contemporary vets have, and their predecessors did not, is that they are more familiar with what life is like as civilian employees. These vets know that they can do more than take orders; they only need a chance to perform. Bowman says that “today’s vets have experts in testing and skills assessment, skills translation, and other tools that can help them decide what is the best career path for them after they leave the service.” USBE

A veteran leaving the structured environment of the U.S. military encounters dramatic change when

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VADM (RET.) WALTER J. DAVIS Co-Founder, EvoNexus

WALTER J. DAVIS STAYS TRUE TO MISSION Opening doors for engineers and innovators

uring Vice Admiral Walter J. Davis’ 38-year career in the U.S. Navy, he was engaged in assignments that were both exhilarating and rewarding. He was a fighter pilot, a test pilot, a Navy engineer for the F-14 airplane, a fighter squadron commanding officer, an aircraft carrier commanding officer, and a battle group commander. He retired in 1997 as deputy chief of naval operations for space, information warfare, command and control, where he directed the Navy’s IT budget. However, the electrical engineering graduate from Ohio State University had long recognized the importance of using his experiences and foresight to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). He became aware of BEYA, where he met other flag and general officers who shared the same goal. Throughout his military and private industry careers, Davis has mentored sailors, soldiers, airmen, civilians, and students, delivering a message that opportunities are boundless if one is prepared, focused, supported, and undeterred. In 2010, Davis worked with experienced entrepreneur Rory Moore to cofound EvoNexus. This technology incubator attracts applications from early-stage technology seeking benefit from EvoNexus’ strategic advisors and capital connections. EvoNexus is financially supported by

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corporate partners that are “some of the largest multinational technology corporations in the world,” according to its website. With two locations in California—San Diego and Irvine—EvoNexus incubators empower entrepreneurs to transform their innovative ideas into fundable, commercially viable companies. The program receives a vast number of applications, but through a selection committee, less than one in 10 who apply are chosen. It currently has 20 startups at various stages of its two-year incubation process. EvoNexus’ numbers are revealing: • 276 startups incubated • 8,000-plus applications since 2010 • $5.1 billion in funding and outcomes • 58 acquisitions Davis said among the most successful technologies that EvoNexus has helped shepherd along are: • Computer chips on glass instead of silicon that can be used in car windshields, making it easier to see objects such as deer in the road at night. He added that this technology is less expensive to produce on glass than on silicon and is likely to appear in consumer products in a few years. • 3D manufacturing using metal has been “more

successful than they expected to be” for the team that developed it. • An underwater camera that can be used in the deepest parts of the ocean has turned into a business that is up and running.

“INNOVATION IS NOT ONLY ALIVE AND WELL; IT’S WHERE THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE FOR YOUTH.” —WALT DAVIS According to Davis, timing and the team are primary factors in determining whether an idea will succeed or not. “Timing you can’t control,” said Davis, “so we look very carefully at the team. Do they have the right team members to make it happen? Or can they draw the right people? Do their skills complement each other?” In some cases, teams can’t get it together or can’t convince others of the viability of their technology, Davis pointed out. Davis said he likes being involved in helping talented, outside-the-box thinkers advance their innovative ideas. “I love it,” he said enthusiastically. Davis is also a cofounder of BEYA’s Stars & Stripes Mentoring Program, an initiative created in 2011 to support military service members, national defense, and mentor the next generation of STEM professionals.

He has worked and advocated for students as young as elementary school age to be exposed to STEM projects and careers and understand that the potential to pursue these is within their reach. Davis knows the power of exposure, mentorship, and encouragement, recalling being a child who dreamed of becoming a pilot. His high school math teacher in the 1950s advised that he study engineering, adding that “One day they will need engineers bad enough that it won’t matter what color you are.” He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical and aeronautical engineering, as well as a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering. He became a fighter pilot and test pilot, an aircraft carrier commanding officer, a battle group commander, and, after his military retirement, cofounder of the startup E-fire. Davis understands that achievement begins with sparking a fire in young people with talent. They may have doubts about their abilities and directions and need support, guidance, and encouragement. Sometimes, they need reminders that the future holds great potential. “Innovation is not only alive and well; it’s where the opportunities are for youth,” said Davis. USBE

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

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JOB HORIZON

by Lango Deen editors@ccgmag.com

FROM SERVICE TO SUCCESS: Top Career Paths for America’s Veterans

rejoining the military. He interviewed with all four branches before selecting the Marine Corps.

Ronald S. Coleman is the second African American in the U.S. Marine Corps to attain a three-star rank. After high school, he joined the

Stephen W. Rochon started his career in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1970, rising through the enlisted ranks before retiring as a rear admiral on his last day of active duty in 2007.

hen Johnnie E. Wilson joined the U.S. Army in 1961, he never imagined he would retire as a four-star general.

Joining the armed forces provides individuals with skills that are highly valued, opening the door to future success and opportunities. The military acts as a significant career booster, offering training, discipline, and leadership experiences that readily transfer to civilian careers. Different career paths keep enlisted members engaged, skilled, and employable, making sure they are never “NEET” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). There are over 200 specialties in military careers, many of which directly translate into civilian jobs in areas such as cyber security, IT, aviation, logistics, healthcare, energy, and engineering.

“THE MILITARY ACTS AS A SIGNIFICANT CAREER BOOSTER, OFFERING TRAINING, DISCIPLINE, AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES THAT READILY TRANSFER TO CIVILIAN CAREERS.” Current job growth trends in the top 5 to 10 specialties for veterans demonstrate how military experience translates into valuable certifications, degrees, and civilian careers. Many veterans have successfully transitioned from military roles into highdemand STEM jobs in the civilian sector.

One of the top 10 jobs for veterans utilizing their skills developed in the military is a cyber security analyst.

U.S. Navy in 1968. After two years of service, he returned to Pennsylvania to work as a part-time police officer while attending Cheyney State University. He graduated in 1973. He then taught and coached in Darby, PA, before

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

In 1971, Larry O. Spencer walked into a recruiting office in Suitland, MD, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In 2012, he was officially promoted to four-star general and took over as vice chief of staff of the Air Force on the same day.

The top 10 jobs for veterans utilize skills commonly developed in the military, including leadership, technical expertise, and operational planning. 1. Project or operations manager 2. Cyber security analyst 3. Logistics and supply chain manager

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Among the best career paths for veterans, law enforcement positions rank in the top 10 for utilizing military-honed skills.

4. Construction and skilled trades 5. Federal government employee 6. Health care provider 7. Law enforcement officer 8. Software developer 9. Management consultant 10. Commercial airline pilot The U.S. military trains its personnel in over 200 job specialties through various programs, including: 1. Initial entry training 2. Specialized skill training 3. Advanced schooling

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4. On-the-job experience 5. Optional civilian credentialing programs All recruits undergo foundational military training that encompasses basic customs, discipline, physical fitness, and survival skills. Basic Combat Training (Army): Often referred to as “Basic Training,” this program teaches recruits the fundamentals of soldiering before they move on to their specific job training.

Recruit Training (Marine Corps): Conducted at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or San Diego, this is the first phase of becoming a Marine. Boot Camp (Navy and Coast Guard): Here, recruits learn seamanship and military standards to prepare for life aboard ships and other duties.

“WHETHER IN COMBAT OR LOGISTICS, SERVICE MEMBERS DEVELOP DECISION-MAKING AND TEAMWORK SKILLS THAT DRIVE SUCCESS IN EVERY INDUSTRY.”

Basic Military Training (Air Force and Space Force): New service members learn the basics of military life in this training. USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

JOB HORIZON

The DOD SkillBridge Program offers transitioning service members civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during their final 180 days of service. The Army Career Skills Program offers soldiers the opportunity to participate in career training during their final 180 days of service, partnering with thousands of employers to provide skills training that often results in job offers in the civilian sector. Many advanced military courses and training programs are also certified for college credit by the American Council on Education, enabling service members to apply their training toward a degree.

Commercial airline pilot stands out as one of the top 10 roles where veterans can directly leverage their military-developed expertise.

After initial entry training, service members attend specialized skill training. This phase focuses on the specific skills and technical knowledge required for their military occupational specialty (MOS). For example, a construction and engineering specialist may train on heavy equipment, such as bulldozers, while an aircraft mechanic works directly on airplanes. Technical jobs, such as intelligence analysts, IT specialists, and finance personnel, are often taught in a classroom setting, like vocational schools. “A” School (Navy): This program offers hundreds of technical courses for various job specialties, including information systems technician, air traffic controller, and electronics technician. Once Marines complete their initial training, they proceed to their specific MOS school to become proficient in their designated roles.

USBE & Information Technology | SERVICE TO NATION EDITION 2025 | 49 Years and Counting

Beyond initial training, the military provides numerous avenues for career advancement and specialization. For example, the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC) equips junior leaders with the skills needed for promotion to staff sergeant. Ranger School (Army) is an elite leadership course that develops combat arms-related skills and expertise. Additional skill identifiers (ASIs) in the Army further specialize in a service member’s MOS, including airborne, special forces, or court reporter.

Whether in combat situations or logistical operations, service members frequently find themselves in scenarios that require quick decisionmaking, strategic thinking, and effective team coordination. These skills are highly sought after in industries such as management, healthcare, and technology, where effective leadership can have a significant impact on organizational success. USBE

The military’s training system also prepares service members for civilian careers. The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program allows service members to earn a nationally recognized certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor after completing a registered apprenticeship.

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