On Friday, August 5, 2011, Raytheon Expeditionary Warfare Center hosted 35 student leaders and 11 industry professionals for the 2011-2012 San Diego Region Joint Planning Conference for Engineering and Science Student Chapters at Raytheon Company in San Diego, California.
The purpose of the annual event was to provide a forum for the leaders of various student and professional organizations including:
- American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
- Black Student Science Organization (BSSO)
- Biology Club
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Pacific Asian Society of Engineers (PASE)
- Science Club
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
In addition, the following schools were represented:
- Universities: San Diego State University, University of California – San Diego
- Community Colleges: San Diego City College, Southwestern
Raytheon Company’s Mission Center Executive Randy Brandenburg welcomed attendees and Human Resources Talent Acquisition Vikki Wright provided an overview of the company and its opportunities. In ‘Diversity Theatre,’ Raytheon Company staff played the roles of student organization members and addressed the issues of ethics, jealousy, diversity, inclusion, and authority.
[ Download sample ‘Diversity Theatre’ script (2010 version) ]
MESA staff and industry professionals facilitated student chapter breakout sessions where members presented highlights from previous years, expectations for 2011-2012, and worked towards developing a regional master calendar.
Guest speaker Wendy Martinez shared her first-hand experience of her struggles to become an engineer. Martinez is a 2010 recipient of the prestigious HENAAC Luminary Award presented at the 22nd HENAAC Conference and she was featured as a Great Minds in STEM “Role Model of the Week” in February 2011. Among other lists of achievements, Martinez is an alumnus of the MESA Engineering Program and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at San Diego State University.
A former student leader alumni panel consisting of Kevin Askew, Brianna Lutes, Jane Odero, and Brenda Salumbides. Panel topics included: Empowering Others; Responsibilities of Officers; Balance school, work, position and life; Conflict resolution; and Using your adviser.
The conference culminated in leaders and industry professionals collaborating to improve chapter effectiveness and communication between stakeholders and to promote leadership development and a social/industry/professional networking experience.
Following the conference, MESA staff compiled a ‘2011-2012 Who’s Who Officer Contact Listing’ and add calendar events compiled from the joint planning to the San Diego MESA Alliance Google Calendar.
RAYTHEON COMPANY, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.
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Photo gallery courtesy Raytheon Company.
