Reflecting on my experience so far, being an engineer, I have worked on some of the world’s most challenging drilling problems when I was a drilling engineer at ExxonMobil in Sakhalin, Russia. I was determining the best way to extract hydrocarbons to fuel vehicles. I witnessed massive equipment structures and the work it takes to produce oil, put me in awe of engineering. I was proud that I chose to study this field and the amazing projects I was able to work on it because of it.

However, being a Black Engineer comes with its own realm of difficulties. Including micro- aggressions, or when you always have to remind yourself to not increase your tone when someone is combative, so you are not labeled as the “angry black woman.” In most situations you are the only one in the room that looks like you. I found that being a Black Engineer can be exhausting and wondered if it was worth it.

Prior to starting my graduate program at Purdue, I thought of leaving the career of engineering. It seemed that all the accomplishments, I had achieved up till then was not enough to be seen and respected as an engineer. I then was reminded of how my love of engineering started when I joined the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). My fire for the field was relit and I continued to pursue engineering.

If Purdue Engineering truly wants to ensure that their Black Boilermakers thrive, some necessary steps must be taken:

1. Recognize that representation matters, I have attended two semester of seminar (~16- 20 presentations) and not one speaker was an African American professor. Invite and included Black professors to speak about their research.

2. Always follow through! With the nation’s current climate, the lack of awareness can no longer be the excuse moving forward. This year has shown us many of the injustices that our Black students face in America and at Purdue. Black Boilermakers have shared their stories (@blackatpurdue). Going forward Purdue Engineering must turn their words into actions. “Be true to what you said on paper.” (Excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr., April 3, 1968)

3. Continually support the organizations and partnerships that are helping your Black engineering students such as NSBE and MEP!

As a Black Engineer I will continue to do my part to be open and share my story. I will use my ability and voice to get involved in roles that will help bring the change I wish to see. I alone cannot change Purdue Engineering; we all need to be involved in this process. As I continue to do my part, while becoming a Black Scholar, I hope Purdue Engineering will do the same. As Nelson Mandela reminds us, “Fools multiply when wise men are silent.”