By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
The 39th annual BEYA STEM Conference will again return to the Baltimore Convention Center Feb. 13-15, after making its homecoming last year for the first time in nearly a decade.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Career Communications Group
The event, established and produced by Baltimore-based Career Communications Group (CCG), brings together thousands of students, professionals and industry and government leaders to celebrate achievements and explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Tyrone Taborn, CEO and publisher of CCG, said this year’s conference will take an in-depth look at artificial intelligence (AI).
“We have a very significant track on AI. How do you bring AI into your organization? What is AI really? What is the metaverse?’ said Taborn. “CCG plans to be a national leader in talking about the implementation of metaverse and AI strategies for the economic development of underrepresented communities, and that’s what you’re going to see at BEYA this year.”
CCG itself leverages AI and the metaverse, a virtual, 3D world, to offer a digital twin experience for attendees.This enables people to attend the conference remotely on Taborn’s platform, STEM City USA.
Programming for the event will include workshops and panels covering emerging technologies, potential career pathways and measures for boosting diversity in STEM. It will also hold a career fair to help attendees make connections with top employers across the country.
Taborn noted that BEYA’s spotlight on the talent of Black and Brown communities in STEM fields has become even more critical in light of the political assaults on diversity, equity and inclusion and affirmative action.
“BEYA being here continues to showcase to our nation, more so now than ever, the excellence of people of color,” said Taborn. “There’s nothing that stops you from getting an award at BEYA based on gender, religion or race. We will continue to show that.”
One highlight of the gathering is the bestowing of the Black Engineer of the Year Award. The prestigious honor is given to a person who is dedicated to advancing technology and engineering while supporting the next generation of STEM leaders. This year’s champion is Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Johnson, a former deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Credit: Photo courtesy of Ronald L. Johnson
Johnson retired from the defense organization in 2008 after 32 years of military service and became the NBA’s first senior vice president of referee operations, using data and technology to improve the integrity of the sport. Prior to that role, he served as director of the U.S. Army Installation Management Agency, which is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the nation’s army facilities across the globe. Today, he serves as senior vice president of strategic initiatives and chief of staff at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
This will be his 22nd year attending the conference, and he said being selected for the award is one of the greatest honors of his life.
“It represents my journey and the collective achievements of so many who paved the way for me and others to succeed. This recognition is a testament to the power of resilience, the strength of community and the importance of representation in STEM,” said Johnson. “It’s a call to action to continue mentoring, innovating and creating opportunities for the next generation. It reaffirms that when we break barriers, we don’t just break them for ourselves but for everyone who comes after us.”
Despite his illustrious career, he said his biggest accomplishment has been becoming a father who has a close relationship with his sons.
He hopes that this year’s conference will leave people feeling inspired, empowered and connected to a community that authentically supports their growth. He wants students to understand the opportunities available to them, professionals to have a renewed purpose and sense of belonging and industry and government leaders to forge a stronger commitment to STEM.
“The message I want people to take away is this: You are capable, you are needed and you have a community that supports you,” said Johnson. “Each of us has the power to make a difference– whether by excelling in our careers, mentoring the next generation or challenging systems that need to evolve. Together, we can redefine the future of STEM and create a space where everyone, regardless of their background, can thrive.”
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