As DEI programs face federal pushback, NSBE expects record-breaking attendance for its upcoming event in Chicago
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Society of Black Engineers ® (NSBE®), one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the U.S., is excited to announce its 2025 Annual Convention ("NSBE 2025"). Taking place from March 5–9 at Chicago's McCormick Place, North America's top convention center, NSBE's largest convening is centered on the theme "Inspire! Excel! Impact!" this year, which reflects the organization's mission "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community."
Last year's convention saw roughly 17,000 attendees, and the organization is looking to attract even more in 2025 as they celebrate "Five Decades of Black Excellence Engineered." Through workshops, panel discussions and interactive activities, attendees will experience unparalleled opportunities and be given tools to excel in academia, Corporate America, entrepreneurship and beyond. Event sponsors, including Microsoft, will be on-site, ready to engage with young professionals and foster meaningful relationships.
The 2025 Annual Convention is a four-day event with an anticipated 400-plus Career Fair exhibitors and more than 20,000 attendees participating in scores of activities, including the Opening, General and Closing Sessions. During the Annual Convention, the Society conducts organizational business, elects national and regional leaders, holds technical, scientific and math competitions and provides professional and personal development, networking and celebratory activities.
A standout feature of the Annual Convention is the Pre-College Initiative (PCI) Conference, designed to support the next generation of engineers, featuring motivational speakers and accomplished leaders sharing their journeys and insights. Youth participants can also compete in educational activities and events like the Ten80 NSBE National STEM Challenge, a racing competition featuring radio-controlled cars; the VEX IQ Competition, a robot engineering challenge; and the KidWind Competition, which works to make renewable energy widely accessible.
Members can visit the NSBE Legacy Museum, which will have artifacts and exhibitions from the organization's storied history, and a newly released coffee table book chronicling the Society's background and growth. NSBE's founders and key stakeholders will be present to highlight the organization's legacy and the transformative impact it has made on the field of engineering and beyond. The organization's signature recognition event, the NSBE Golden Torch Awards, honors the best and brightest in STEM, with categories highlighting corporate diversity, academic success, community impact and more.
"As we celebrate 50 years of NSBE, this year's Annual Convention is more than just a gathering; it's a testament to the resilience, brilliance and impact of Black engineers across generations," said Janeen Uzzell, NSBE's CEO. "Together, we are building on five decades of excellence to drive meaningful change in our industry and communities while empowering the next wave of innovators who will continue shaping the future of STEM."
NSBE was formed in 1975 as a response to the lack of representation and success of Black people in higher education engineering programs and, thus, in the workforce. Diversity and inclusion are strategic imperatives that foster better output, smarter solutions and greater innovation. NSBE is committed to addressing the needs and disparities that exist today for Blacks in STEM through initiatives and actionable support around aligned diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
NSBE 2025 continues the legacy of fostering equality, professional growth and abundant opportunities for Black students and professionals pursuing engineering and other STEM careers. To register and learn more, visit convention.nsbe.org. Designated on-site media registration will be available with media kits and spokesperson information. Visit NSBE 2025 Press Pass Registration to access press information.
About NSBE®
Founded in 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. With more than 22,000 members and more than 800 chapters in the U.S. and abroad, NSBE supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology. NSBE's mission is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community." For more information, visit www.nsbe.org.
Media Contact:
Geo Lawrence
773.453.2444
390181@email4pr.com
View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-society-of-black-engineers-celebrates-milestone-50th-anniversary-during-2025-annual-convention-302375581.html
SOURCE The National Society of Black Engineers® (NSBE®)
