RightNOWLeaders

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we dive deep into the real-world experiences of early-career professionals and students navigating the engineering field. Maniyah Dixon shares her journey from technical high school to the verge of graduation, focusing on the power of confidence, overcoming workplace adversity, and the critical importance of mentorship. You will learn actionable strategies for n...

In Episode 13 of RightNOWLeaders, I sat down with Keeron Cunningham, a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Management Information Systems (MIS), at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Regional Conference. Keeron keeps it real about switching from cybersecurity to supply chain management, landing a logistics & procurement internship at Atlas Air Worldwide, working part-time at Aldo Group,...

In this RightNOWLeaders interview at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Regional Conference, Jayden Senior breaks down what actually matters: starting LinkedIn early, taking freshman year seriously, stepping outside your comfort zone, and mastering time management before it's too late.

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre Early sits down with Bionka Barryer, a mechanical engineer, supply chain professional, and the National Treasurer for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Recorded at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Regional Conference, Bionka shares her incredible career journey from her undergraduate studies to landing a role at PepsiCo, navigating a layoff, and n...

In this RightNOWLeaders interview at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Regional Conference, Jamel Usen shares his journey navigating predominantly white institutions (PWIs), finding his community, and building a career in IoT, 5G technology, and machine learning, all while inspiring the next generation of Black engineers.

Jaia Ruffin is breaking barriers as a Water Resource Engineer and showing us what's possible when you stay curious and authentic. From recycling bins in Cleveland to leading the Rochester NSBE chapter, her story is proof that your passion can become your career.

Meet Darian Parker. At 22, Darian is a senior electrical and computer engineering student at the University of Rochester, NSBE Region 1 Communications Chair, Division III football player, and already has a job offer in hand. But his journey started with a simple dream in 2nd grade, building a machine that turns pollution into clean energy.

Onyekachi Akubue, whose name means "No one is stronger than God", is a senior Electrical and Computer Engineering student at New York Institute of Technology. In this powerful interview at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Regional Conference, she reveals why she's pivoting from embedded systems engineering to technical product management, her eye-opening experience developing bombs at Boeing, and her PhD am...

Meet Zachary Arthus, a senior electrical engineering student at Rutgers University who's about to graduate with a full-time job offer in hand. In this inspiring interview at NSBE Region 1 Conference 2025, Zach shares his journey from building his first computer during COVID to landing internships and navigating the corporate world.

Join Andre Early from RightNOWLeaders as he sits down with Torrence Traynham, Founder & Chief Talent Officer of D9 Resume Exchange, at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Regional Conference. This interview is PACKED with game-changing insights for engineering students, STEM professionals, and anyone serious about leveling up their career.

In this RightNOWLeaders interview, Sally Mangassa discusses her research on African-American participation in STEM, revealing that middle school is the biggest indicator of future STEM involvement. She also shares how NSBE helped her land 3 job offers at her first career fair! Perfect for: aspiring engineers, Black students exploring STEM, parents & educators, NSBE members, and anyone interest...

A first-generation, low-income student from Las Vegas shares her journey to becoming a computer engineering student at Northeastern University and why the conversation around AI, wealth building, and STEM access matters now more than ever. In this powerful interview Rebecca Haile from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region 1 Fall Regional Conference, we explore what it really takes...

A former National Chair of the National Society of Black Engineers shares her journey from learning math through cooking with her mom to leading military aerospace programs and delivers a bold message about what comes next after corporate DEI programs disappear. Niasia Williams, an 8-year aerospace industry veteran and configuration board manager for a major jet engine company sits down with Right...

Fresh out of college, cybersecurity professional Jonathan Rosemond breaks down why AI is actually creating MORE opportunities for Black engineers, not fewer. Speaking at the National Society of Black Engineers conference, he reveals the truth about AI in cybersecurity that most people get wrong. In this exclusive interview, discover why companies are desperately seeking diverse talent in cybersecu...

Watch how Janelle Gnoumou transformed from a scared engineering student to a confident leader ready to change the industry! In this powerful interview at the NSBE Regional Conference, chemical engineering senior Janelle shares her incredible journey from battling imposter syndrome to finding her voice in male-dominated spaces. Her story will inspire every young woman in STEM!

In this insightful episode of RightNOWLeaders, we go behind the scenes of the 2026 My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Symposium held at the Westchester County Center. Host sits down with Ernest McFadden, Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, to discuss the powerful impact of convening young men of color for a day of leadership development, character building, and community connection....

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with Dr. Margie Daniels, Director of Inclusive Practices and Access for the Peekskill City School District, to discuss the transformative impact of the 2026 My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Symposium. This conversation dives deep into how dedicated mentors, superintendents, and elected officials are coming together to provide vital resources and guidance to...

In this inspiring episode of RightNOWLeaders, we dive deep into the impact of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) symposium held at the Westchester County Center. We are joined by community volunteer Derrick Mack, who shares his firsthand experience working with students in the Newburgh Central School District and beyond. The conversation focuses on the critical need for robust support systems for young...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with Dr. Natasha Freeman-Mack, Assistant Superintendent of the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, to pull back the curtain on the transformative 2026 My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Symposium. Held at the Westchester County Center, this event brought together superintendents, elected officials, and young men from across the Hudson Valley to foster lea...

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Judge Jared Rice to explore the historical context and profound community impact of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) challenge. Since its inception in 2014, MBK has served as a critical framework for empowering youth and fostering systemic change. This video highlights the two-pronged approach, integrating city government and school districts, that est...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with Jaden Samuel, a standout MBK (My Brother's Keeper) Fellow from the Greenburgh Central School District. Fresh from the 2026 MBK symposium, Jaden shares powerful insights on what it means to be a leader in today's digital age. We dive into the importance of personal branding, how to navigate teen relationships with healthy boundaries, and why it i...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre Early sits down with Amir Jackson, an inspiring MBK fellow from the Greenburgh Central School District. Together, they reflect on the impact of the 2026 MBK Symposium held at the Westchester County Center. This conversation delves deep into the importance of brotherhood, the power of faith in leadership, and navigating the transitions from high school...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we sit down with a dedicated Newburgh Board of Education member, Phillip Howard, to discuss the critical role of local leadership and the transformative impact of the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative. The conversation dives deep into the systemic challenges facing students of color and how school board governance serves as the most influential tool for drivi...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we dive deep into the heart of the 2026 MBK (My Brother's Keeper) symposium at the Westchester County Center. Commissioner Terrance V. Jackson sits down with Andre G. Early, representing the Department of Community Resources at the Theodore D. Young Community Center, to discuss the critical intersection of education, community advocacy, and youth development. Th...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we go inside the 2026 MBK Symposium at the Westchester County Center to discuss the transformative power of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) program. We sit down with an experienced educator with 49 years of service, Ms. Mary Fox-Alter, to explore the vital role of superintendents, elected officials, and mentors in shaping the lives of young men. This conversation...