Six exceptional service members will be honored at this year’s Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Conference. The conference, which will be held from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, recognizes outstanding achievements in the STEM industry and armed forces each year. The Coast Guard is proud to highlight the professional achievement and personal aptitude of the following members, who will be honored at this year’s conference:
- Second Class Cadet Katharine Stroh: Winner of the Modern Day Technology Leader, currently studying at the Coast Guard Academy.
- LCDR Kimberly Young-McLear: Winner of the Modern Day Technology Leader Award, currently detailed to the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
- Officer Trainee Nicholas Walker: Winner of the Student Military Leadership Award, currently studying at Florida A&M University
- Ensign Brandon White: Winner of the Student Military Leadership Award, currently aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone, a National Security Cutter
- Dr. Richard Freeman: Winner of the Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award, currently teaching at the Coast Guard Academy
- Capt. Warren Judge: Winner of Stars & Stripes Award, currently serving as the Engineering Service Division (ESD) Division Chief at the Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber and Intelligence Service Center (C5ISC)
In addition to honoring exceptional leaders of all ages, ranks, and ratings within the STEM field, the BEYA STEM conference provides educational opportunities, career development guidance, mentoring opportunities, as well as, professional networking opportunities, all of which enhances a Coast Guard employee's career.
If you would like to attend the conference, please email your request, with the the subject “BEYA 2021 STEM Conference Attendee”, and the following information for each participant:
- Full Name
- Rank/Civilian Pay Grade
- Job Title
- Unit/Office/Division
- Current PDS Location
- Previous Attendee (Y/N)
Commanding officers are encouraged to support the professional development of the people they lead. However, the registration fees for the BEYA STEM conference that are held online will be at the unit’s expense. Fees range from $75 to $950 depending on how much of the conference you plan to attend. For military members, permissive orders are authorized. For civilian employees, attendance is considered work time.
For more information on the conference, please refer to ALCOAST 031/21 and visit BEYA’s website. Commands with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Katheryn King via email or at 443-463-2444.