BEYA STEM DTX™ 2025: Forging the Future for Black Engineers
– A Legacy of Excellence Continues in Baltimore
The 2025 BEYA STEM DTX™ Conference returned to Baltimore, Maryland from February 13– 15, 2025, bringing together thousands of Black engineers, technologists, students, and corporate leaders to celebrate achievement, share knowledge, and create life-changing opportunities. The 39th annual BEYA STEM DTX™ Conference drew thousands of Black students, engineers, and STEM professionals for three days of inspiration and opportunity. The event, known formally as the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Conference, remains a pillar of professional and educational growth for Black STEM professionals across the country.
As industries and institutions face mounting challenges in maintaining diversity initiatives, BEYA 2025 provided a space for Black engineers to connect, strategize, and showcase their expertise in an environment that thrives on excellence. With a hybrid format incorporating both in-person and digital twin experiences (DTX™), this year’s conference was an interactive and immersive celebration of innovation, leadership, and career mobility in STEM.
From AI-driven discussions to fireside chats with Fortune 500 executives, BEYA 2025 was more than just an event—it was a call to action for Black engineers to take their place at the forefront of technological advancement.
Navigating the Changing Landscape of STEM
This year’s theme, “Journey to the Future: Reflect, Celebrate, and Forge Ahead,” was especially timely given the shifting corporate and political landscapes in America. As many companies reassess their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, BEYA provided an unwavering platform to champion Black engineers and technologists who continue to drive innovation across industries.
“BEYA continues to prove that Black excellence in STEM is not an exception but an expectation,” remarked a keynote speaker during the opening ceremony. “As some institutions waver in their commitment to DEI, this conference reminds us that talent and innovation know no racial boundaries.”
Workshops and panel discussions highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity advancements, quantum computing, and aerospace innovation. One particularly dynamic session focused on AI-driven business solutions, where panelists emphasized how AI could level the playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Another conversation on engineering leadership in corporate America examined strategies for career advancement in industries where representation remains limited.
The energy was palpable, as attendees—from students and early-career professionals to Csuite executives—exchanged ideas, gained career insights, and reinforced professional networks that will shape the future of STEM.
A Career Fair Like No Other: Top Companies Seek Black STEM Talent
One of the biggest draws of BEYA STEM DTX™ has always been its career fair, and this year’s was nothing short of extraordinary. With major companies actively recruiting top Black engineering talent, the career expo hall was a hub of opportunity, where résumés turned into job interviews and handshakes into long-term professional relationships.
Among the companies aggressively seeking talent this year were:
- Medtronic – Hiring for roles in biomedical engineering, healthcare technology, and research & development
- Lockheed Martin – Recruiting aerospace engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity specialists
- Northrop Grumman – Seeking talent in defense technology, robotics, and AI
- Amazon – Expanding its workforce in cloud computing, AI, logistics, and automation
- Leidos – Hiring for national security, data science, and engineering solutions
Government agencies, including NASA, the National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also had a strong presence, offering internships, fellowships, and full-time positions for engineers eager to serve in public sector roles.
Many companies conducted on-the-spot interviews, with several attendees walking away with job offers before the conference even ended.
“This is the best place to find Black STEM talent—no question,” said a senior recruiter from a leading aerospace firm. “The energy, the passion, and the technical expertise in this room are unmatched.”
For young engineers just entering the workforce, BEYA’s career fair wasn’t just about landing a job—it was about discovering a career path filled with mentorship, growth, and support from a community that understands their journey.
Building Bridges: The Role of Universities & NSBE
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was an integral presence at BEYA 2025, reinforcing its mission to support the academic and professional success of Black engineering students.
NSBE members — ranging from high school NSBE Jr. students to university chapter leaders— engaged in panel discussions, networking mixers, and leadership development programs designed to position them for success in competitive STEM fields.
HBCUs and major universities also had a strong presence, with engineering deans from Howard University, North Carolina A&T, Morgan State University, Tuskegee University, MIT, and Virginia Tech leading discussions on STEM education, research opportunities, and scholarship programs for underrepresented students.
One session, led by a panel of HBCU engineering deans, highlighted the critical role that HBCUs play in producing Black engineers.
“Our institutions are not just creating engineers—we are shaping industry leaders,” a university representative said. “We continue to be at the forefront of producing top-tier talent that is redefining innovation in STEM.”
For students and early-career professionals, the conference provided invaluable insights into graduate school opportunities, fellowship programs, and scholarships aimed at increasing Black representation in engineering and technology.
Honoring Excellence: The BEYA Gala & Awards Ceremony
No BEYA Conference would be complete without its Gala Awards Ceremony, an evening that celebrated trailblazing Black engineers and technologists who have made significant contributions to their fields.
The 2025 Black Engineer of the Year Award was presented to an industry leader whose career exemplifies innovation, leadership, and service. The honoree, a retired military general turned STEM executive, reflected on the significance of BEYA as a platform for breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
“This award is not just for me, but for every young engineer out there who needs to see that success is possible,” the recipient said during an emotional acceptance speech. “We must continue to lift as we climb.”
Other awards included:
- Most Promising Engineer Awards – Recognizing rising stars in engineering and technology
- Professional Achievement Awards – Celebrating engineers making a difference in industry and academia
- Educational Leadership Awards – Honoring educators and mentors shaping the next generation of STEM leaders
The awards ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact Black engineers continue to have on shaping technological innovation across industries.
A Lasting Impact on the Future of STEM
As the 2025 BEYA STEM DTX™ Conference came to a close, the sense of empowerment and purpose among attendees was undeniable. Engineers, executives, students, and recruiters left Baltimore with new connections, career prospects, and an even stronger resolve to push forward.
The conference underscored a key truth: Black engineers and technologists are not waiting for opportunities—they are creating them. And as BEYA approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, its role in shaping the future of STEM remains more vital than ever.
One attendee summed it up best: “BEYA isn’t just a conference. It’s a movement. It’s a family. And it’s proof that we belong in every room where decisions are made and technology is created.”
With that, BEYA 2025 ended as it began—with a renewed commitment to excellence, empowerment, and the limitless potential of Black engineers leading the way into the future.
Rodney L. Williams
Director of Technical Development
National Society of Black Engineers – NYC Professionals Chapter