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: Oluseye Awodele
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): African American
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Jackie Robinson
Years at EB: 5
Department: 641
Title/Position at EB: Test Engineer
Title/Position in BEC: Director of Membership
Who is Oluseye Awodele?
Prior to coming to Electric Boat, I worked at Bath Iron Works as a designer. I started my career at Electric Boat in 2017 as a Lab Manager Engineer in D448. I am currently a Test Engineer in D461. I value the experiences that I’ve gained. These experiences have allowed me to develop professionally.
In my spare time, I’m involved in community service through the BEC, churches, non-profit organizations, as well as coaching soccer. I’m an avid soccer fan (Arsenal and Real Madrid), enjoy working out and going on adventures. I’m currently enrolled in a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering Program at the University of Bridgeport.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I enjoy finding solutions to the challenging opportunities that Electric Boat offers within my cognizance. Through the support and encouragement of mentors, coaches and coworkers, I am able to be successful and grow in my career.
Electric Boat fosters personal and professional growth and that’s one of the reasons I like working here.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
It is the BEC! The BEC embodies EB’s core values and promotes positive engagement with the community at large. The BEC and the other Employee Organizations continually bolster EB’s image positively in the community and to potential new hires/onboarding new hires.
Most importantly, the BEC showcases the growing diversity within EB’s workforce, promotes a continuous avenue for unheard voices to be heard and provides a unique perspective in a changing world.
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.
