My Wakanda is National Society of Black Engineers National Convention.

Michele Heyward with University of North Dakota collegiate NSBE members

You maybe one of the few who don’t know what Wakanda is nor its significance. So before you read any further I’ll highly recommend you see the movie “Black Panther.” Once you my words will make more sense to you.

I want to introduce to some and remind others about my Wakanda. My Wakanda is the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) National Convention. It occurs annually but the location changes each year.

Are you saying “Oh it’s an African American event. This is why it’s Michele’s Wakanda.” Then you would partly be correct. Here’s the part you’ll not see on television, social media viral post or any national publication.

National Society of Black Engineers was founded at Purdue University in 1975. Yes not a historically black college and university (HBCU) but a PWI, predominantly white institution. No it isn’t brand new or a trendy social group.

What issues and problems can black engineers solve?

We (the members) are melanin, brilliant, vibrant and charging forward with changing the world. We are also protectors of our people and our brilliance.

In my Wakanda, we educate, support, invigorate and energize each other. The mission of NSBE is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.

My time at the NSBE was greatly impactful although I’ve been a member over 20 years.

One solution for a problem black engineers can solve.

The Wakandans matters

I walked around the career fair talking to recruiters, students and other professional members. If it was their first time at a NSBE National Convention, I said “Welcome to Wakanda.”

They would laugh. Then do the Wakanda sign. Next their expression would change. They realized this was the closest we may ever get to Wakanda.

It would be the only place your degree or major in STEM would not be questioned.

It would be the only time your resume of engineering, calculus and physics classes wouldn’t be questioned.

It would be the only time you didn’t have to co-switch because you were among your own people, Wakandans.

It was so funny I was talking to a student member who goes to college in North Dakota. Yes North Dakota. Him and 3 members from his chapter drove 18 hours to attend NSBE National Convention #NSBE44. It was there very first time attending.

They learned about NSBE from an engineer who relocated from Minnesota to North Dakota.

As I was talking to them, I shared my experiences, they shared their triumphs.

I made jokes. They LOL.

As I asked questions, they kindly responded.

I gave pointers on being professional with

1) having business cards (you don’t need a business or a job) because you are your own brand.

2) saying your name as though you own the world

3) leading with authority.

A young lady sitting next to us commented with “Yes I’ve been broken down and built back up at a NSBE convention. It was one of my best experiences.”

While NSBE Convention means different things to different people, to me it’s a time to belong. I spoke to many people and never asked their names.

Why? We are all family. We are all Wakandans.

We are here to encourage, support, grow, teach and learn

I then told these new members “Welcome to NSBE! This is NSBE Luv.”

NSBE is My Wakanda!

What is your Wakanda?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michele Heywerd is a professional engineer by profession and she’s the lead founder of the STEM movement. She coaches young and adult professionals who wants to gain successful careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

You can follow Michele on her various social media accounts below:

Facebook groups:

STEM Women Professionals https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMWomenProfessionals/
PositiveHire Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/PositiveHireCommunity/

My Wakanda – National Society of Black Engineers National Convention

My Wakanda is National Society of Black Engineers National Convention.

The Wakandans matters

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