Since 1986, the National Black Engineers of the Year (BEYA) Conference has served as an invaluable tool to recognize outstanding achievement of African-Americans in science, technology, engineering and math-related careers in the public and private sectors. The event also offers a forum for the discussion of engineering and science-related issues facing the nation and an opportunity to unite some of the country’s brightest technology minds.

Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson, a regular attendee of the annual BEYA conference for 17 years, was among many senior Raytheon executives who participated in the event. Others included John Harris, Executive Diversity Champion and vice president of Contracts and Supply Chain, Michael Keebaugh, president of Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS), and Keith Peden, senior vice president of Human Resources.

“Raytheon is honored to have a strong association with BEYA that goes back many years, and we are especially proud of the members of our team who were recognized at this year’s conference,” said Swanson. “We are committed to continuing to create a welcoming environment at Raytheon that values diversity and enables us to retain, attract and develop the best technical talent.”

Engineering Excellence Personified
This year, six Raytheon employees received specific recognition during the conference. Two of the top honors were presented to Daisy Jenkins of Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS) and Valecia Maclin of Raytheon IIS.

Jenkins, RMS’ vice president of Human Resources, received the BEYA Diversity Award for her contributions to Raytheon’s welcoming environment that values differences and new ideas. During her 35-year career at Raytheon, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including corporate diversity director, building a state-of-the-art diversity and inclusion program, and service at the vice president level in three Raytheon businesses.  She’s also a founding member of the RMS chapter of the Raytheon Black Employee Network and a source of inspiration to black engineers throughout the defense industry.

Maclin is IIS’ director of Homeland Security and Secure Systems. She received recognition in the Professional Achievement category for distinguishing herself in several critical positions. In her current role, she oversees a nationwide staff of more than 100 professionals and engineers. She previously served as Systems Engineering Director of the Earth Observing Information Data Systems (EOIDS) Program, manager of the US-VISIT program in support of the Department of Homeland Security, and program manager for the development of systems to support the United States Patent and Trade Office. A proven innovator, Maclin provided strategic leadership for Raytheon in support of the National Data Exchange program for law enforcement across the nation.

In addition, four other employees were named Modern Day Technology Leaders at a special BEYA conference event. They were recognized for shaping the future of engineering with the contributions they have made to Raytheon and to industry.

Raytheon Diversity – Leadership in Action
Raytheon’s longstanding commitment to the BEYA Awards manifests itself in many different ways during the annual three-day event. Scores of Raytheon executives and employees participated in various workshops and panel discussions, focusing on a variety of key issues ranging from innovation and technology to career coaching to new sensor technologies. Additionally, members of the Raytheon talent acquisition team were on hand to answer questions for prospective employees at the company’s booth in the BEYA career fair. Raytheon employees were also present to serve as escorts for senior military officials during the event.

Most importantly, however, Raytheon’s strong presence at the conference each year continues to showcase the company’s commitment to showcasing and providing amazing opportunities for talented engineers of color.

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