In honor of Black History Month (BHM), we will be introducing you to Black Engagement Council (BEC) Executive Board members throughout the month of February. More information about Black History Month and the 2021 BEC BHM Celebration is included at the end of this Member Profile
I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. Upon graduation, I worked at Telephonics Corp in Farmingdale, NY as a Quality Engineer where I earned a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification.
I was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. I moved to the United States at the age of 17. While finishing high school I also learned a new language. Through hard work and dedication I became the first generation college graduate in my family. For the past three years, I’ve volunteered as a youth leader at my local church. In this role, I guide Haitian teens through mentorship and spirituality through life.
I currently work in the production phase of Ship Control where we produce deliverables for the Virginia Class Program. The team performs engineering tasks related to initial hardware production, shipboard installation, test, delivery and at-sea testing of Ship Control components and other Combat Weapons Systems aboard nuclear submarines. Also, I am currently the Treasurer of BEC.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I really like working at EB because of the workforce development programs EB has established for employee growth. Unlike many other companies, EB has a rotation program which enables employees to learn multiple aspects of the company. I also like the flexibility for work hours and paid time off, which helps employees to balance their work-life.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The first time I heard of the BEC, I quickly thought it was just a social club where all the Black Engineers hung out. However, after a conversation with a member, I realized this organization was about something much bigger. BEC matters to me because they are about serving and giving back to the local community. It is a great deal for me to be part of this organization in order to help in what they do best, such as mentoring high school kids, doing community service and even giving out scholarships.
Black History Month is an annual celebration, originating in the United States, where a specific time is set aside to recognize and acknowledge the many accomplishments and contributions African Americans have made to the scientific, educational and social justice fabric of our country. Globally, it is a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Black History Month began in 1926 as a week-long event encouraging the coordinated teaching of the history of Black Americans in the nation’s public schools. A specific week in February was chosen because it coincided with the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and of Frederick Douglass on February 14; both of which are dates Black communities had celebrated together since the late 19th century. After initial lukewarm response, the celebration grew to a month-long celebration in February–44 years later. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio in 1970.
The Black Engagement Council (BEC) is celebrating BHM with a series of events and information posted to Homeport. Check the Homeport Calendar and EB Community News to learn more about Black History and upcoming events. For more information, contact EB_BEC@gdeb.com.
