AECOM and Merck headline a distinguished group of industry partners supporting the celebration of Black excellence in technology, engineering and STEM
NEW YORK, NY — September 4th, 2026 — The National Society of Black Engineers New York City Professionals Chapter (NSBE NYC Professionals) is proud to announce the inaugural sponsors of the 2026 Black Tech Honors Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments, leadership, innovation, and community impact of Black professionals across technology, engineering and STEM.
The inaugural Black Tech Honors Awards Gala will take place on September 24, 2026, at Lighthouse Rooftop in Long Island City, New York. The event will bring together technology and engineering professionals, corporate and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates to recognize individuals whose contributions are helping shape the future of their industries and communities.
NSBE NYC Professionals is honored to welcome AECOM and Merck as Gold Sponsors, Smalls Electrical Construction, Inc. as a Silver Sponsor, and Brooklyn Navy Yard as a Bronze Sponsor.
“It is with great enthusiasm and humble appreciation that we welcome the support of our sponsors for the inaugural Black Tech Honors Awards Gala,” said Markell Lambright, President of NSBE NYC Professionals. “Their support demonstrates the tremendous value our community and industry partners place on recognizing Black excellence in technology and engineering.”
Gold Sponsors:
AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm providing professional services across the project lifecycle, including engineering, design, construction management, transportation, buildings, energy, water, and environmental markets. The company emphasizes technical excellence and digital innovation as key components of its work, while its stated purpose centers on the belief that infrastructure can create opportunity for everyone.
As the Gold Sponsor of Black Tech Honors, AECOM’s support reflects the important connection between technical excellence, innovation, infrastructure, and the people whose expertise drives progress across these fields.
Merck
Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, is a global research-intensive biopharmaceutical company focused on using leading-edge science to develop innovative health solutions. Innovation and scientific excellence are among the company’s core values, and Merck has increasingly incorporated data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning into its research and development efforts.
Merck also emphasizes inclusion, belonging and the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation. Its global diversity and inclusion efforts include employee business resource groups representing approximately 25,000 members worldwide.
As a Gold Sponsor, Merck’s support reinforces the connection between scientific innovation, technology and the diverse talent needed to advance the next generation of breakthroughs.
Silver Sponsor: Smalls Electrical Construction, Inc.
Smalls Electrical Construction, Inc. is a New York City-based electrical contracting firm serving private builders and municipalities throughout the region, with expertise spanning electrical construction, transportation infrastructure, engineering, drafting, project management, and pre-construction planning.
The company’s history is particularly meaningful within the context of Black Tech Honors. The Smalls family’s involvement in construction spans more than 70 years, beginning with Samuel Smalls in the late 1940s. In 1997, Jeffrey Smalls established Smalls Electrical Construction, continuing a three-generation family tradition of entrepreneurship and technical excellence in New York City’s construction industry.
As a Silver Sponsor, Smalls Electrical Construction’s support represents the importance of Black entrepreneurship, skilled trades, engineering, and technical leadership in building New York City’s future.
Bronze Sponsor: Brooklyn Navy Yard
The Brooklyn Navy Yard is a mission-driven industrial park that serves as a hub for modern industry, innovation, and economic opportunity in New York City. The Yard is home to more than 550 businesses employing more than 13,000 people and supports a diverse ecosystem spanning manufacturing, technology, design, production, and other industries.
The Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation’s mission includes creating and preserving quality jobs, growing New York City’s modern industrial sector, and connecting local communities with economic opportunities and resources. Its workforce initiatives include career development, training, internships, and partnerships designed to strengthen local talent pipelines.
As a Bronze Sponsor, the Brooklyn Navy Yard joins NSBE NYC Professionals in supporting an event that highlights the people and ideas driving innovation and opportunity throughout New York City’s technology and engineering ecosystem.
Celebrating Black Excellence in STEM
The inaugural Black Tech Honors Awards Gala is designed to shine a spotlight on professionals whose achievements extend beyond individual success. The event celebrates those who are innovating within their fields, leading organizations and teams, creating opportunities for others, and making meaningful contributions to their communities.
NSBE NYC Professionals extends its sincere appreciation to AECOM, Merck, Smalls Electrical Construction, Inc., and Brooklyn Navy Yard for investing in the vision of Black Tech Honors and helping establish a platform dedicated to recognizing Black excellence in technology, engineering, and STEM.
2026 Black Tech Honors Awards Gala
September 24, 2026
7:00 PM – Midnight
Lighthouse Rooftop, 45-15 37th Street Long Island City, NY 11101
Black Tie Required
For additional information about Black Tech Honors, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and the 2026 honorees, visit Black Tech Honors.
About NSBE NYC Professionals
The National Society of Black Engineers New York City Professionals Chapter (NSBE NYC Professionals) is committed to advancing the professional development, leadership, and representation of Black engineers and technology professionals while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement with the broader STEM community.
Through professional development, networking, mentorship, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, NSBE NYC Professionals works to empower its members and strengthen the pipeline of Black talent across engineering, technology, and related disciplines.
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