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: Wilmer Lambert
Heritage (Nationality or Ethnicity): Dominican
Favorite Black Historical Figure: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Years at EB: 9+
Department: 432
Title/Position at EB: Engineering Specialist
Title/Position in BEC: President
Who is Wilmer Lambert?
I am a Dominican American born and raised in the Bronx as a Mets fan. I graduated from Polytechnic Institute of New York University (Formerly Polytechnic University) in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and in 2015 received a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I’ve been with Electric Boat over nine years and part of the Black Engagement Council for over four years.
I am a true New Yorker — through and through — and growing up I was amazed at all the culture I was exposed to from the different boroughs and neighborhoods. This made me look deeper into my own culture starting from where and how my parents grew up to how far they have made it from their home country of the Dominican Republic. With this knowledge and understanding I gained a deeper love for dancing, eating Dominican food and speaking Spanish with my family and friends. These were not just simple acts, but acts that celebrated my culture.
Why do you like working at Electric Boat?
I like working at EB because it provides the unique opportunity to build the most complex submarines in the world. Being a test engineer at EB I’ve been fortunate enough to go on sea trials and they have been some of the coolest experiences I’ve had. I’ve been on submarines out at sea for a few days at a time running tests, training the crew and helping to solve any problems that may arise.
One of my favorite aspects of EB is the comradery I’ve built through the different clubs. I enjoy sports so I joined teams in dodgeball, softball, basketball, football, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. I also like to focus on self-development, so taking advantage of EB’s continuing education program allowed me to get my Master’s. I also joined Toastmasters where I was able to achieve a Competent Leadership and a Competent Communicator Award with an amazing support system fostered by the No Substitute Club. I was also able to work on my leadership skills with organizations like the Black Engagement Council and the Hispanic Shipbuilders Association.
Why does the BEC matter to you?
The BEC matters to me because it allows me to work with like-minded coworkers to collaborate with and also support our community. We are building connections, learning from other BEC members and community partners, mentoring middle schoolers, and providing scholarships to high school seniors. The commitment to the community is one of my favorite aspects of the BEC and is what initially attracted me to the organization.
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.
