2018 -2019 REGION V ELECTIONS HANDBOOK · 2018-03-16 · Region V ©National Society of Black Engineers [email protected]| 3 2018-2019 REGIONAL CANDIDATE HANDBOOK Executive

2018 -2019 REGION V ELECTIONS HANDBOOK March 2018

Version 1.0

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©National Society of Black Engineers [email protected]| 2

2018-2019 REGIONAL CANDIDATE HANDBOOK Region V Executive Board

2018-2019 Regional Elections Handbook

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ 2

Introduction from the Regional Parliamentarian ............................................................................ 3

Senator Requirements .................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Mandatory Sessions For NSBE Senators ........................................................................................ 4

Voting System ................................................................................................................................. 5

Election of the Regional Executive Board ...................................................................................... 5

Region V Executive Board Candidate Information ........................................................................ 6

Any questions concerning this handbook and any information it contains should be directed to

the Regional Parliamentarian at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Introduction from the Region V Parliamentarian

Greetings NSBE Senator,

Thank you for serving this year as your chapter’s repre-

sentative. Serving as a Senator is one of NSBE’s most im-

portant but often overlooked roles. As a student ran organi-

zation it is important that the chapter and student needs are

met and the direction of this organization continues to serve

the student and the mission in the best way possible. This

can only be achieved by assuring that each year’s leader-

ship is equipped and has the best interest of the student at

heart. We can only make appropriate decisions when the

true voice of the membership is heard and as a Senator you

are that voice for your chapter.

National Convention is your time to shine! You will have to

make decisions on National and Regional Leadership as

well as proposals that can change the makeup of our organization. I encourage you

to get well informed about all candidates and all proposals and understand the im-

pact each decision could have on NSBE. Take your role as serious as any other po-

sition in the organization and carry out your duties with integrity and the Mission

at heart. Thank you once again for your service and have a great convention.

With NSBE Love,

Andrew Galloway

2017-18 Region V Parliamentarian

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



Senator Requirements Senators serve as a chartered chapter’s representative to the National Senate. In order to serve

in this position, Senators must meet the following requirements:

Be a paid Member of NSBE and the chartered chapter represented

o Cannot be an affiliate member

Be knowledgeable of the National Constitution, National Bylaws, Regional Bylaws and par-

liamentary procedure (Roberts Rules of Order)

Be aware of the wishes of the chapter and vote accordingly

Be registered as a Senator by March 22, 2018. Registration means that you are listed in our

online NSBE Connect system as a Senator for your chapter and meet the requirements. See your

Chapter President if you are unsure if you are registered.

In order to be counted as present at Convention and able to vote, you must have check-in with a

Parliamentarian by the end of the National Forum on Thursday, March 22nd.

MANDATORY SESSIONS FOR NSBE SENATORS

All Senators are required to attend all ballot related events. Updates can be made regarding elec-

tions at the end of General Sessions or any of the mandatory sessions.

The following sessions are required for all NSBE Senators to attend. Times and locations can be

found in the convention agenda.

All General Sessions and Regional Meetings (Wednesday - Saturday)

Senator Informational Session (Thursday)

National Forum (Thursday)

Regional Voting (Friday)

National Candidates Q&A (Friday)

National Voting (Saturday)



VOTING SYSTEM This year, we will be using an electronic voting system entitled eBallot. EBallot is a secure, elec-

tronic voting system that allows everyone to vote with flexibility as long as they have internet

access. It allows senators to vote via an online voting portal. For more information on the sys-

tem, please visit www.eballot.com

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SENATORS

Regional Voting Instructions

Each senator will cast a vote to select the members of the 2018-2019 Regional Executive Board.

Regional voting will take place on Friday.

After the Regional Meeting, discuss the candidates with your chapter and determine your

Chapter’s vote.

Once Regional Voting opens you will receive an email to the address within your NSBE Con-

nect profile. The email will contain your credentials for the VoteNet system along with the link

to access the system

Go to the VoteNet site using the provided link and log in.

Choose the ballot that you will be voting on (Regional)

Carefully make your selections on your electronic ballot.

Review your electronic ballot to ensure you have marked it appropriately

Cast your vote by hitting “Submit”

Save a copy of your ballot by clicking to download a receipt

Continue to the link provided on the completion page.

Upload a copy of your receipt to the forum accessed by the link from the completion page.

Consequence of Not Voting

Chapters participate in Regional and National business by selecting 2 Senators to cast a vote on

their behalf. When a Senator does not cast a vote, they have not fulfilled their duties and have done

a disservice to their chapter and our national membership as their voice is not heard. In addition,

Senators who do not cast a vote will automatically forfeit the conference discounted registration

rate they received and will be billed the exact conference registration discount (Bylaws Article

XVI F 3).



ELECTION OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Each senator is required to cast their vote for election of the 2017-2018 Regional Executive

Board. The Regional Candidates have provided statements that describe how they will help

NSBE and the Region work towards our strategic goals. These statements are provided in this

handbook.

In order to be considered a Regional Candidate for the Regional Executive Board position each

person had to complete a Declaration of Intent and provide official documentation of their eligi-

bility to serve on the Regional Executive Board. Each candidate will also have to complete all

elements of certification process to remain on the ballot for Convention. These elements include

two recommendation letters and answers to short answer questions specific to their position.

There are 18 elected positions on the Regional Executive Board. Those positions highlighted in

bold have candidates who are currently on the ballot for convention. All open positions will be

filled by the REB-Elect after convention along with the appointed positions mentioned in the

Candidate Handbook.

Regional Executive Officers

Regional Chairperson Missouri Zone Chairperson

Regional Vice-Chairperson C.A.J.U.N. Zone Chairperson

Regional Secretary International Chairperson

Regional Treasurer Finance Chairperson

Regional Programs Chairperson Telecommunications Chairperson

Membership Chairperson PR/Publications Chairperson

Texas Zone Chairperson (Red) Academic Excellence Chairperson

Texas Zone Chairperson (Blue) Pre-College Initiative Chairperson

Oklahoma Zone Chairperson T.O.R.C.H. Chairperson



Region V Executive Board Candidate Information

Regional Chairperson

Nosakhare Eke

Daniel Doyle

Regional Vice-Chairperson

Monica Ogbonnaya

Regional Secretary

Amber Jarrell

Regional Treasurer

Darius Streeter

Regional Programs Chairperson

Aria Lewis

Membership Chairperson

Monica Monconduit

Evelyn Thomas

Texas Zone Chairperson (2)

Brittany Spriggs

Maya Hunter

International Chairperson

Jamelia Reed

Oklahoma Zone Chairperson

Onyinyechi Igwe

Missouri Zone Chairperson

Danae Nash

C.A.J.U.N. Zone Chairperson

Ester Brown

Finance Chairperson

Sheriff Agboola

Morgan Brown

Telecommunications Chairperson

Ashlynne Williams

PR/Publications Chairperson

Courtney Duckett



Pre-College Initiative Chairperson

Ravon Lingard

Brent Gaddis II

T.O.R.C.H. Chairperson

Bethlehem Lulseged



Region V Executive Board Candidate Information

REGIONAL CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Nosakhare Eke

As Regional Chair I want us to "BE LIVE".

[L]ove: Continue to build that family atmosphere that we so dearly

covet. We are underrepresented in our field and because of that we

need to act as family to support each other in all that we do.

[I]nclusivity: We cannot be a family without promoting an inclusive

environment for each other to co-exist. Our society talks about

membership engagement but fails to sit down & listen to our mem-

bers & learn from them. We all have different beliefs so in order

for us to really be a family we need to learn about each other.

[V]isionary: For the longevity of our society we must think about &

planning the future with imagination & wisdom in hopes that we in-

still these values into our next leaders. I challenge us all to act as vi-

sionaries, thinking as innovators, challenging the status quo, and building for the future.

[E]xcellence: Continue to develop & celebrate our leaders. Being in NSBE has exposed me to

some of the dopest people ever. I want to make sure that everyone is attaining excellence and

when they do, we must praise them for it because it is no easy feat.

Daniel Doyle

My Position Platform can be divided into three separate,

but connected segments: Capitalizing Chapter Values- Our

Chapters are our "ground-zero" for reaching out to mem-

bership, and creating programs that live up to our mission

statement. At the same time, our Chapters are close-knit,

and are more at the local level. I would like to bring that

type of atmosphere to our Regional level, and bring the

Regional level closer to the Chapter level, by being even

more involved, and visible to our Chapters to help foster a

healthy, supportive environment for our Chapters to grow

and thrive. Promoting Customer Service & Organization

Efficiency - At the end of the day, the Regional Executive

Board, and more specifically, the Chair's job is to serve the membership. Our membership is our

organizations' customers. It is important to get their feedback and implement the programs and

processes they want to see, not just the programs the Regional Executive Board thinks they want

to see. It is also very important to keep the customer and employer (our membership) first when-

ever we do anything. It is also very important that we improve our efficiency and back-end pro-

cesses in order to have a better impact on our members. Advocating for You - I would be mem-

bership's biggest advocate as Region 5 Chair. As Region 5 Chair, I would be our Region's voice

and representative to the National Executive Board. Each and every day I will fight for change



our membership wants to see done and improved each and every day, while upholding our or-

ganization's mission statement. It will also be very important to maintain transparency, and also

giving our members who feel voiceless, a voice.

REGIONAL VICE-CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Monica Ogbonnaya

As a potential Vice Chair of the Region 5 Executive Board,

I have crafted a 3 Point Plan focused on further Building

up our membership, Bonding the NSBE Family together, &

Sustaining the Mission. When speaking of “Building”,

some may assume it is in reference to quantity. As the

words of our mission state, we want to “increase the num-

ber”. However, as Vice President and Leader of the Mem-

bership Zone I intend to also focus on how our chapters are

offering their members building blocks for their futures. I

will survey the membership to see how chapters are enrich-

ing their membership’s academic and professional experi-

ence. I will strengthen Chapters by creating an online Re-

gion Wide Hub of Real Life Resources where Chapters can

share programming information, past fundraising events,

and more. Beyond the vision to build up the Vanguard Region is my goal to Strengthen the Bond

of our Region 5 NSBE Family. Friendship is the ultimate glue that has kept NSBE thriving since

1975. To accomplish this goal, I plan to implement visits made by Chapters, whether virtually or

in-person, as well as team building exercises for Executive Board Members during the Spring

Zone Meetings. Once we have built up our membership, bonded with our officers and peers, we

must not forget to sustain the NSBE Mission. I will work in tandem with the Region 5 Parlia-

mentarian and the Zone Chairs to ensure continuity of leadership by succeeding to implement

Transition Documents for every Top 5 position in every Chapter.

REGIONAL SECRETARY CANDIDATES

Amber Jarrell

Being the secretary, I would be the leader of the

communications of the region to the chapters. My

platform consists of 3 main points 1.Em-

body 2. Engage and 3. Experience. I want to em-

body not only the mission statement of NSBE but

also my President's platform. I want members to

know what his vision for NSBE is, over the next

year, and act upon it. Secondly, I want to en-

gage with the secretary of each chapter. Communi-

cation is key and I would like to be that bridge that

connects communication between the collegiate chapters and the regional board. I want regional



minutes to be available to every chapter so that they know we are working hard to ensure a suc-

cessful year. These minutes will be concise and coherent. I want the chapters to know the initia-

tives from the NEB and help the chapter achieve them. And lastly, I would like to show

off the experience of RLC, FRC, and National Convention. To do this I want to use our social

media to illustrate the experience of conference. Because we can tell members all day how great

conference is but i believe if we show them then this will increase attendance. REGIONAL TREASURE CANDIDATES

Darius Streeter

As Region 5 Treasurer, I want to focus on making travel

to RLC, FRC and Nationals more convenient for more

chapters. I believe it is important to get as many chapters

to these events as possible because it is their main con-

nection to the rest of the region. Keeping that connection

with as many chapters as possible will help foster

growth which would help with NSBE's goal of graduat-

ing 10k black engineers by 2025. Using my experience

as a Treasurer in previous years, as Regional Treasurer I

plan to maintain the budget given to me by the previous

Treasurer.

REGIONAL PROGRAMS CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Aria Lewis

I am applying for the Programs Chair of Region V because I be-

lieve that programs are the primary stage that NSBE has to reach

and benefit members. I want to assure that proper programming is

taken place in every chapter in Region V to reach current and fu-

ture members. In addition to this, I would like to see the number

of members grow in Region V so that in turn the number of suc-

cessful black engineers can grow. Fostering the culture of support

and excellence that NSBE has always upheld is my primary goal

if elected into this position, and if elected I would accomplish my

goals by:

1. Generating new ways of communication between chap-

ters.

2. Working with the Zone Chairs to plan and implement pro-

grams.

3. Periodically checking with each chapter in Region V on the response of their members to

programs and their plans of implementation of future events.



REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Evelyn Thomas

As Membership Chair, I would fulfill the traditional duties of

chartering new chapters, re-activating inactive chapters, collabo-

rating with NEB, REB, and CEB officers, and keeping track of

membership data. Outside of the traditional duties, as a potential

Membership Chair, I would like to work the Zone Chairs to part-

ner large collegiate chapters nearby smaller and/or newer ones.

This would give smaller/newer chapters another resource they can

use and better connect chapters. I would also like to highlight

Membership Recruitment and Retention Months and create re-

sources for chapters to use. It would be nice to have social media

challenges during August/September to encourage chapters to post

their recruitment efforts. I would also like to strengthen the rela-

tionship between the REB Membership Chair and CEB counter-

parts. Strengthening ties between REB Membership Chair and

CEB counterparts will help CEB officers grow in effectiveness and create a smoother process for

getting membership data. CEB Membership Chairs would have access to templates designed to

help track their chapter metrics easier. Chapters that are doing very well and chapters that are im-

proving in membership statistics, will be highlighted at FRC. There would also be a Chapter of

the Month displayed on social media and the website, as determined in-tandem Membership

Chair as well as Programs Chair and Zone Chairs, if needed.

Monica Monconduit

As Region 5 membership chair, I would like to propose a more uni-

form method for taking attendance for the chapters to use at their

events and meetings. During convention time, many chapters are

gathering information to be uploaded in a certain manner to the Re-

gion Executive Board. It would be ideal for me to give chapters ac-

cess to these files at the beginning of the semester, so the process

will go smoother for things such as activity reports. More data is

also a focus I will have. We have been given our goal to graduate

10,000 black engineers yearly by the year of 2025. Our chapters

have a direct connection to that. All chapters should be tracking re-

tention levels at every grade level. Now, I know not every chapter

has the means or the numbers to pursue a mentorship program. For

those who do, I want it to become a focus. Those bonds help in-

crease retention and that family atmosphere. I have seen the difference a strong program working

can make to the younger members of the National Society of Black Engineers. It helps them feel

included and a party of the NSBE family we all know and love. Finally, I want to encourage be-

coming national members as well and stress the benefits members can gain from it.



REGIONAL PR/PUBLICATIONS CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Courtney Duckett

My name is Courtney and I hope to be your next Re-

gion V Publications chair. My platform is to use the

power of information and communication to unite the

region, and show others what NSBE is all about. To

reach our goal of graduating 10,000 black engineers

by 2025, it is important to make sure that NSBE

member and NSBE allies know what that goal is. As

publications chair, I would send out newsletters to our

NSBE family, corporate partners and the general pub-

lic alike to exhibit the incredible things that you, the

members, do for this organization because I truly believe that the beauty of NSBE is in the spirit

of our members. Specifically, I’d like to highlight the efforts of each of our chapters throughout the year in a way

that would catch the attention of NSBE members and NSBE allies alike. I plan to make sure that

chapter publications within the region also adhere to national guidelines that way we all collec-

tively show the world who we are in the best light possible. Lastly, I’d like to incorporate in peri-

odical publications, #ForTheCulture where we highlight and publicize the efforts of black entre-

preneurs, black professionals and other black organizations to support success within our culture.

My prior experience in writing and publications will allow me to create publications that portray

the image of NSBE well, and keep our members informed about all things NSBE!

REGIONAL TEXAS ZONE CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Brittany Spriggs

If selected as one of the Zone Chairs, I would use the feed-

back given at this year’s Spring Zone Meeting to directly cater

to my fellow NSBE member’s needs. After attending SZM for

two years in a row, I can understand the need to continue

making improvements since it is runs throughout the day.

Zone Chairs are a crucial lifeline between the REB and Chap-

ters across the zone, so I would like to use my term to empha-

size its importance and be more diligent about relaying infor-

mation to Chapters. I intend of making sure that Chapter Pres-

idents and other members across the Region know how help-

ful Zone Chairs can be, and bridge any gaps created in the past to ensure their personal and chap-

ter ventures are successful as possible. At the beginning of my term, I plan on reaching out to

each of the chapters during the summer to see what information they will need, as well as present

any advice needed to smaller chapters as a previous member of CEB of a larger chapter. I will be

creating a spreadsheet with all chapter contact information within the Zone and update it with in-

formation regarding any grievances they may have at the beginning of the term so that I can



monitor its status and how I will help them over time. Additionally, I will be sending out a Doo-

dle poll to all Chapter Presidents (no later than at the start of the fall semester) of when they will

be handling NSBE affairs on their respective campuses to ensure that I can relay Regional infor-

mation in advance.

Maya Hunter

My platform for the position as the Texas Zone Chair for the up-

coming academic school year will be geared towards building

the confidence in our members. My goal is to get all information

to chapter presidents in a timely manner so that they may get in-

formation to their members in a efficient and understandable

manner. I believe that the better prepared you are then the more

confident you are. I believe that as Texas Zone Chair I am a liai-

son between the regional board and the chapter within our zone

and region. My goal is to provide every chapter with the infor-

mation they need to be great. During my term as the Texas Zone

Chair, the members of my zone can expect to receive the up-

most urgency and understanding that they deserve when it

comes to finding out about all things pertaining to our amazing

organization. Members can expect to feel as though they are my one and only concern. I plan on

getting information to my zone members as fast as possible while also being able to receive

speedy answers when it comes to contacting me about things for regional conferences, national

conventions, deadlines, scholarships and just anything about NSBE that either cannot be an-

swered within their chapter or things that they may need extra insight on. I plan to bring the

chapter presidents within my region closer when given the time for conference calls and any con-

ferences that we may have together. My purpose as the zone chair is to continue to contribute to

NSBE's family atmosphere and in my opinion this starts with the presidents. I plan on accom-

plishing the goal of bringing our chapters closer to the chapters that they physically close to for

the purpose of better networking purposes. I plan on giving ideas and challenges to chapters so

that these bonding and networking opportunities may continue to flourish and help our organiza-

tion grow on a external and internal platform.



REGIONAL OKLAHOMA CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Onyinyechi Igwe

My main goal if elected as the Region V Oklahoma Zone Chair is to

create a strong community between the Oklahoma Zone chapters.

This will be done by bridging the gap between individual chapters,

and establishing better communication between zone chair and zone

chapters. I plan on achieving these goals by organizing networking

activities and programs between chapters in the same state. I believe

that the relationship between nearby chapters is very important be-

cause they can keep each other accountable, and share ideas on how

to do things more effectively to achieve their chapter goals. This

would also provide an opportunity for larger chapters to reach out to

newer and smaller chapters who may be having problems with set-

ting up their chapter, membership retention, and programing. Facili-

tating the interaction of professional, collegiate, and NSBE Junior

members in the Oklahoma Zone is also a goal of mine. This will help to create an opportunity for

members to meet up and share advice and ideas on how to achieve their professional goals and

positively impact the community. This can be done through meetings, social programs, and even

community service events.

If elected into this position, I plan on being a transparent leader and making myself available not

only to the chapter officers but also to its members. I will do this by sending out periodic news-

letters that will update them on zone matters and inform them about upcoming events and oppor-

tunities that would be beneficial to the members. Ensuring that every chapter making progress

and assisting in any way I can with will be a priority of mine if given the opportunity to serve as

the Oklahoma Zone Chair. Thank you for considering me for this position.

REGIONAL INTERNATIONAL CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Jamelia Reed

My name is Jamelia Reed, I am currently a Biomedical Engineer-

ing student at the University of Oklahoma. The number of inter-

national members in our Region is constantly rising. Like many

other members they come to conferences hoping and aspiring to

receive internships and jobs to further develop their career. Yet,

the challenge of their citizenship holds them back from achieving

their goals and dreams. As International Zone Chair, I will make

it a priority to connect companies that sponsor student’s visas or

citizenships with international membership, this is a major prob-

lem that international students face. We as a family can no longer

ignore the needs of our fellow kinfolk. Other efforts include,

workshops and networking events to build community and under-

standing translation through cultures. I will continue efforts to maintain and reactivate interna-

tional chapters keeping a clear, concise and flexible communication between the region and

chapters. We are a family here at National Society of Black Engineers and everyone deserves a



seat at the table no matter your country of origin. I humbly ask that you vote for me to become

your International Zone Chair. Thank you for the opportunity.

REGIONAL C.A.J.U.N. CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Ester Brown

I am running for the Region Cajun Zone Chair. If granted the

opportunity I will exceed expectations to meet the needs of the

membership. I am an efficient administrated leader committed

to positively impacting the Region through analytical program-

ming and discussion that will provide our members with funda-

mental insight of opportunities granted through NSBE. I would

like to merge the bridge between REB, executive board mem-

bers, as well as general members in the proper, professional,

and positive way of doing so. I vow to be fully committed to

this position and perform to the best of my ability.

REGIONAL MISSOURI CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Danae Nash

I would like to make sure, that I am personally contacting

each chapter in the Missouri Zone once a month to discuss

how chapters are doing, what are the current goals they have

as a whole, what steps they are taking to get to these goals,

what could be improved and how I can help in any way. I

want to be able to visit each of these chapters once each se-

mester and I also want to be to make sure when we all get

together, we find a way to connect and really be able to learn

from each other as well as gain contacts and really bond as a

unit cause although we all come from different schools, we

all say that same mission statement. I'm really big on mak-

ing sure everyone really realizes that NSBE is not just an or-

ganization, but that it is your family as well so I want the

people in the Missouri Zone chapters to really feel like they can come to me and contact me

whenever they need whether on a professional, academic or even a personal level because if it

wasn't for the support I get from NSBE, I wouldn't continue an academic career at least in engi-

neering at all. I want my family to know I and the rest of the upcoming board got them just like

my chapter did and does for me.

I feel I am good person for role because, I am really all about making sure my NSBE family is

on one accord and that we all are aware of what's going on and finding ways to improve each

other continuously because growth never ends. I want to make sure that the Missouri Zone chap-

ters can really get to know each other and gain insight from each other since we are a family and

all have the same goal. To learn from each other can only make us stronger as a unit and I feel it

could really improve so much with each chapter with the right time and efforts. I plan to make

sure I am contacting each chapter once a month about what goals we have for our chapter, the



deadlines for these goals, how we plan to achieve these goals and how I can help in any way as

well as making sure any issues, concerns and any miscommunications are figured out and

cleared. I want the chapters in the Missouri Zone to really feel the family aspect and love as well

as the business and professional aspects from us as a board and I want them to feel comfortable

contacting me whenever they need anything because for me personally if it wasn't for the support

I get from both my chapter and on a regional level, I wouldn't know how I would have kept go-

ing forward.

REGIONAL FINANCE CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Sheriff Agboola

If granted the opportunity to serve as the Finance chair of NSBE Re-

gion V. My goal with be to assist chapters within the region with ac-

cess to funding. Having served on the executive board of many organi-

zations. I am aware of the fact that the major thing that can prevent an

organization from attaining its goals is funding. As the finance chair I

will be looking to refine and customize solicitation strategies for chap-

ters in need. As the Regional finance chair I hope to work with chap-

ters in developing their solicitation packets and also providing re-

sources such as contacts with corporate sponsors and other resources

that can provide financial support for the chapter. I hope to be direct

contact in providing such resources for chapters in the region.

Morgan Brown

In this position I intend to provide exceptional income for the

region. I want to make it so that no other position has to worry

about money. Every conference and plan proposed should

never have a component that requires worry about money. I

plan to increase the revenue of the region by 5%. My intent for

the position is to be the backbone of the region financially.

Money should never be the concern of the board in regards to

planning for conferences. It is my job and my intent to provide

my best efforts as finance chair. I must create a proper flow of

income for the region. I will make sure that the financial con-

cerns of the region are fully alleviated.

REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES



Ashlynne Williams

Communication is a skill that rules the entire nation. Now living in this

day in age, telecommunication may be a more efficient way of connect-

ing this generation to the people around them. I can’t look at this as a

fault, but rather a new opportunity to present information to my fellow

peers. The NSBE family deserves to receive information and links to ac-

cess certain pages with little to no struggle. My plan is to increase more

websites among the Region 5 chapters. I believe that a web page is a

great addition to social media as it is a great way to give information. An-

other phase of my plan is to integrate the app functionalities to carry out

similar functions made on the actual website, in order to increase the us-

age of what seems to be an obsolete app among peers. I want Region 5 to

have more presence on the app since we are the largest region and the

best region. I believe we should use the app to connect with others and

build relationships. Now, communication is not only a one-sided affair, I have made it an objec-

tive to hear to more user input on issues/feedback regarding the website. I hope for your constant

support as we strive to communicate our best ideas through this Internet platform to create a bet-

ter NSBE for you and I.

REGIONAL PRE-COLLEGE INITIATIVE CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Ravon Lingard

My platform is simple: Building Great Engineering Students

Starts Prior to the First Day of College. We must invest in

students early, regularly, and help students create a clear

roadmap for the future. My goal is to accomplish this

through a 3 phase approach. Step One: Collaborating and

Connecting. There are many NSBE Jr chapters that engag-

ing in great activities. My goal is to be a better resource for

NSBE Jr chapters by highlighting the wonderful activities

that are already taking place. I would like to create a file

system and Eblast for chapters, so chapters can have further

insight into successful PCI activities and events. The goal of

this phase is to offer additional support for PCI chapters, as well as, offer them additional access

to vital content. Step two: Representation. Interacting with an Engineer early is important to en-

suring that students stay on track. My goal is to ensure that NSBE collegiate chapters are actively

connected to their PCI chapter. Lastly, phase three is empowering. I want to offer tools, so that

we can share information and empower each other. I would like to create Google Classroom (vir-

tual) sessions for NSBE Collegiate chapters can engage with students who may not be directly in

their city. For example, students from Missouri S&T could advise students about college, create

tutorials on vital topics, and mentor students hundreds of miles away. I believe this approach

would help strengthen the relationships between different NSBE Jr. Chapter, NSBE Collegiate

Chapters and the Region V as a whole.



Brent Gaddis II

I want to add emphasis on chapters near each other to collabo-

rate on different events whether they are pre-collegiate or com-

munity service to make a larger impact on the communities in

the surrounding areas. It is very beneficial in my experience this

year to have those relationships with other chapter you are near

to. Also having more than one chapter especially for smaller

chapters that are near, to co-mentor pre collegiate chapter would

be very beneficial.

Three main Focus Areas:

1. Community involvement

2. Chapter collaboration

3. Chapter mentoring

REGIONAL T.O.R.C.H. CHAIRPERSON CANDIDATES

Bethlehem Lulseged

Since I was a kid, I can remember my keen interest in all

of my math and science courses. I was intrigued by so

much and was always so inquisitive. Growing up I never

noticed the educational background differences between

my peers and I, but as I got exposed to more it was very

apparent my foundation was not as strong as it could have

been. In elementary school/middle school, I was always

doing homework, snacking, or a fun physical activity as I

waited for my mother to pick me up from my after school

programs. These programs were usually for low-income

families to have a place where their kids waited until their

parents could get off from work to pick them up. While I

made many memories at these after school programs, I

wish now that I had been exposed to more exciting STEM

activities in my youth. Income should not limit these after

school programs to the type of day to day activity they do with these kids. Being the child in the

after school programs and going back as an adult to volunteer at places like the Boys & Girls

Club has opened my mind for NSBE to become extremely involved with the children as these

clubs. If I get elected into my said position, I would like for NSBE chapters to come up with ex-

citing STEM curriculums for the children in these programs. I want them to be challenged, to

learn, and to know all the fascinating things STEM has to offer regardless of their family’s eco-

nomic background. It is important these children get extra exposure outside of their school cur-

riculums to become prepared for challenges in STEM. I believe NSBE can offer all of this and

really make an impact on these children.



During my time as the T.O.R.C.H chair, I plan to bring more awareness to local chapters as to

what the torch means in NSBE. With my unique innovative ideas I plan to leave an unforgettable

mark within the region 5. NSBE deserves 110% from me in all that I do serving my time on the

regional board. This organization has done so much for and I plan to do so much for it back in

return.