BEYA STEM Conference: Celebrating Excellence in Engineering and Innovation
The BEYA (Black Engineer of the Year Awards) STEM Conference is one of the largest engineering conferences in the world, attracting over 10,000 attendees each year. This three-day event offers K-12 students, college students, corporate, government, and military professionals an immersive learning experience with a free career fair, networking opportunities, and inspiring lectures from experts in their fields.
In addition to all these amazing features, this year’s conference, the 37th, included a special guest appearance from Leidos Total Health Champion and Olympic silver medalist Raven “Hulk” Saunders for a “Lunch and Learn” session presented by the Leidos Employee Resource Group. As well as being a topic of the event’s “Jeopardy” style game, Saunders sat with Desira Stearns, Strategic Diversity Outreach Director at Leidos for a fun and informative fireside chat.
This session was a personal highlight for me as I watched the gathering of some of the brightest young minds on the planet create memories that will last all of their lives. The catered spread totally OFFICIAL!!! I didn’t take pictures of the food because I was too busy fixing a plate and putting in work, truth be told!
All around, this powerful event was a 5/5 for me, the space was filled with electric energy and youthful energy, inquisitiveness, and confidence borne of diligent study and love for technology and innovation. Their exuberance was matched by seasoned and inspiring professionals whose selfless desire is to ensure a clear pathway to continued success and advancement of precious human resources.
Raven Saunders and the Leidos Employee Resource Group - Lunch and Learn - BEYA 2023 - Jerry Doby
Raven and Desira Stearns, Leidos Strategic Diversity Outreach Director - Fireside Chat - BEYA 2023 - Jerry Doby
Raven Saunders and Leidos ERG Lunch and Learn staff and attendees - BEYA 2023 - Jerry Doby
Read on to learn more about what makes this conference so unique!
BEYA Career Fair & Networking Opportunities
One of the most popular aspects of the BEYA STEM Conference is its career fair. Over 100 exhibitors participate in this annual event which provides participants with access to top employers in their fields who are looking to recruit new talent. Attendees have the opportunity to network with recruiters and business professionals while getting valuable advice on how to stand out among other applicants. Additionally, the many networking events held throughout the conference allow people to meet like-minded individuals with similar interests or goals.
The employers exhibiting at the career fair weren’t there just for show. Attendees who came prepared and ready to put their hats in the arena found tools and resources available to apply, submit resumes, get on-site interviews, and in some cases, receive immediate letters of intent from potential employers to get the ball rolling. Witnessing the caliber of employers actively seeking fresh talent in the STEM space, and providing immediate opportunities was mindblowing.
The game is not played on a local level is all I can say…an amazing happening to experience.
Digital Twin Experience (DTX)
This year’s conference was made even more accessible due to its Digital Twin Experience (DTX). This innovative feature allowed participants to join virtually if they were unable to attend in person. Through DTX, attendees could still take part in lectures, presentations, and network with other virtual attendees from around the world! This is a great way for those who are not able to attend due to travel or health restrictions to still benefit from participating in this wonderful event.
Honoring Outstanding Talent & Achievements
Every year at BEYA STEM Conference culminates with an elegant awards ceremony honoring outstanding talents such as this year’s Black Engineer of the Year, Dr. Colin Parris, and other exceptional individuals who have achieved remarkable success within their respective fields. This ceremony serves as an inspiration for everyone present or streaming.
A statement describing the awards says:
We honor a record number of BEYA honorees this year for their prominence on the global stage of discovery, innovation, and progress, we pay homage to the power of diversity and inclusion. The BEYA awards represent an incomparable value-driven culture of leadership, talent, and accomplishment that stands the test of time within a supportive community whose strength and pride span generations.
You can read the outstanding full coverage of this year’s event in the USBE Vol 47 No 1 Conference Issue which brilliantly features the conference, its impact and opportunities, and includes the full list of honorees, and sponsors.
Whether you are attending virtually or in person, the annual BEYA STEM Conference provides an amazing opportunity for anyone interested in engineering and innovation. With its active career fairs and networking events as well as inspirational talks from experts in their fields – it’s no wonder why this event continues to be so successful year after year!
If you haven’t yet attended a BEYA STEM Conference – consider doing so next year for an unforgettable experience that can set you up for success within your chosen field! Be sure not to miss out on all that this amazing conference has to offer!
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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