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.
Name: Tolulope “Tolu” Fayanjuola
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): Nigerian American
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Funmilayo Ransome Kuti
Years at EB: 13.5
Department: D476 (On Loan)
Title/Position at EB: CMC UK Kit Engineering Onsite Engineer
Title/Position in BEC: President Emeritus
Who is Tolulope “Tolu” Fayanjuola?
I am first generation Nigerian American born and raised in Providence, RI. I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering from Bucknell University. I started at Electric Boat in 2007 and did software engineering in Combat & Weapon Systems for nine years. I transitioned out of software in 2016 when I was selected as the Engineering & Design Liaison (EDL). The EDL position is a year-long rotation working directly for the VP and Directors of Engineering & Design as a liaison to EB supporting organizations. Following my rotation I was accepted into the Career Development Program Cohort 22 from August 2018 to September 2020 where I trained as a Pipe Operations Supervisor. I am currently on loan to D476 Engineering working with CMC UK Kits.
My family emigrated from Nigeria because my Dad was selected to pursue a doctorate degree in mathematics at Brown University; as a result learning and education are very important to my family. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering with the BEC and other local organizations. Before COVID-19, I enjoyed social dancing different dance styles such as kizomba, konpa, salsa, bachata and more.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I really enjoy learning about and contributing to the different organizations within Electric Boat that are all needed to develop and build such a complex product. Over my time at EB, I have had the opportunity to work in different areas and every area presented different challenges to face and new aspects of the business to understand. There’s always a new area, organization or aspect of the business to learn about that keeps me challenged and engaged.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The BEC matters to me because it has been a place I’ve discovered friends, mentors, future coworkers and so much more. Joining the BEC was one of the first things I did when I started at EB and I am very glad I did. The people I have met and relationships that have been fostered are some of the most integral parts of my personal and professional network. I would not be in my current position if it had not been for the advice, help and venting sessions from fellow BEC members and advisors.
Also, the work that this organization does from the BEC BHM celebration to the BEC Mentoring Program to the Turkey Voucher collection are some of the most fulfilling tasks I have helped plan and implement. These initiatives support and engage our community – from BEC members to EB employees and the New London residents. The best part about the BEC is that the same opportunities I have earned and benefited from I am now able to help create for others. Paying it forward is baked into the framework of this organization and the work we do.
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.
