RightNOWLeaders

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Erica Bailey, an ambitious engineering management major, to discuss the dynamic world of financial engineering. Discover how she transitioned from software engineering to a niche focus on market analysis and corporate finance. This conversation provides practical career advice for college students and recent graduates looking to maximize their internshi...

In this episode, we spotlight Somma Okolo, a driven Mechanical Engineering sophomore at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) who is already making waves in the aerospace sector. This conversation dives deep into the personal motivations behind pursuing a career in engineering, the importance of representation, and how to successfully navigate early career opportunities. You will hear firs...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders with Angelena Edwards, we go on location at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region 1 Fall Regional Conference to speak with industry experts and visionaries. Host Andre Early explores the vital intersection of engineering, career development, and entrepreneurship. You will learn why engineering is an essential pathway for financial independence and...

In this insightful episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre Early sits down with Ceyanna Montague (Cee Cee), a senior Aerospace Engineering student at Rutgers University and active member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Recorded at the NSBE Region 1 Fall Reginal Fall Conference, this conversation dives deep into the realities of engineering internships, the importance of taking in...

In this episode, we sit down with Kamsiyochukwu (Kamsi) Amaechina, a sophomore Biomedical Engineering student at Boston University, to discuss the realities of navigating a demanding STEM academic path. We explore the transition from computer science to biomedical engineering, the importance of networking within professional organizations like NSBE, and the challenges of finding the right internsh...

As a non-traditional, first-generation college student, Christian Elridge shares an authentic blueprint for navigating the complex world of mechanical engineering. Viewers will gain invaluable insights into the importance of joining professional organizations like NSBE to accelerate their careers, build strong networks, and secure internships that lead to full-time job offers. We dive deep into th...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre Early connects with an ambitious computer science student, Andrew Pierre, at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region One Fall Regional Conference. They explore the rapidly evolving intersection of technology, software engineering, and personal development. Andrew shares their journey from a childhood fascination with computers to landing...

We sit down with Satiera Star Caze, the Region 1 Chair, to discuss the critical role NSBE plays in professional development, mentorship, and support for Black students in STEM. Throughout this conversation, we explore how bioengineering is addressing medical disparities, the importance of inclusive design in medical devices, and why representation in engineering fields is vital for community empow...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, we go on location at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region 1 Fall Regional Conference. Host Andre Early sits down with Faith Adams, an ambitious biomedical engineering senior at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, to discuss what it means to be a trailblazer in a field where you are often underrepresented. Throughout this insightful conversat...

Throughout this conversation wit Sean Carswell, we explore the vital importance of accessibility in engineering, the power of collective entrepreneurship, and why it is critical for society to recognize engineering as a key pathway to innovation and wealth creation. We also dive into the future of NSBE, discussing their transition toward a rebranding phase focused on rediscovery and becoming a hou...

In this episode of RightNOWLeaders, host Andre Early goes on location at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Region 1 Conference to bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and the next wave of STEM pioneers. This conversation features an inspiring discussion with a creative professional, Jayson Andrews, about the intersection of performing arts, entrepreneurial spirit, and enginee...

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...