Welcome

CPC Chair Welcome

Dear NSBE Family,

Greetings! My name is Ronald Williford Jr., and I have the honor of serving as the National Society of Black Engineers’ (NSBE’s) 2025 Annual Convention Planning chair. My team and I are thrilled to welcome you back to the Mother Region, Region IV, for an incredible Convention and 50th Anniversary Celebration.

My first experience at a NSBE Convention was at #NSBE39: Honoring Our Past, Driving Our Community Forward, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Little did I know that this Convention would ignite a series of life-changing moments. It elevated me from chapter-level leadership to a regional role, positioned me with advisors from diverse backgrounds and began to develop in me a professional skill set not easily attainable for young engineers in Corporate America. Later, when I had to pause my university studies, it was the support and encouragement from my NSBE family that sustained me, reminding me that true excellence goes beyond academic achievements.

Today, as a graduating senior in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Wayne State University, I am profoundly thankful for all that this organization has contributed to my life. My sincere hope is that every participant departs from our Convention enriched, whether it be through new connections within our extensive network of Black Engineers, new skills to move forward or a renewed motivation to persevere or begin afresh.

I welcome you to our 2025 Annual Convention, from March 5–9, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s theme, “Inspire! Excel! Impact!”, reflects our dedication to our mission and our 50-year legacy as one of the largest student-run organizations in the country. At this year’s Convention, we will focus on building up our members by supporting and strengthening the relationship among all demographics of NSBE. Our members will experience programming centered on:

Inspire!
For 50 years, NSBE members have experienced inspiration, belonging and invaluable networking opportunities at our transformative events.
Excel!
Through workshops, panels and interactive activities, members will experience unparalleled opportunities and be given tools to excel in academia, Corporate America, entrepreneurship and beyond.
Impact!
We will work to transform our community and the world with positive actions. Since 1975, the National Society of Black Engineers has led the charge “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

I am excited to celebrate this beautiful moment in history with you all. Join us in Chicago, Illinois, March 5–9, 2025, for NSBE’s 2025 Annual Convention. We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,
Ron Williford Jr.
2025 Annual Convention Planning Committee Chairperson
National Society of Black Engineers
March 5-9, 2025 | Chicago, IL