In honor of Black History Month, we reached out to SWE’s African-American Affinity Group to gather some advice and words of wisdom for the next generation of Black engineers.
What’s something you wish someone had told you when you were younger, and/or a piece of advice you’d like to give the next generation of Black engineers?
“It’s important for students to know that struggle does not mean failure.”
-Monica Brown Challenger
“Failure is NOT fatal! You will have time to try again and succeed.”
-Jada D. Lewis
“I wish someone had told me as a kid how much I would miss out on by comfortably self-segregating and not seeking out a more diverse friend group.”
-Shelley Stracener
“Don’t be afraid to be unique or stand out. You are enough and don’t need validation!”
-Adeola Taiwo Diya-Adesoba
“Stay true to your story and purpose. Sometimes the conversations in our heads may yield unnecessary doubts in our ability to reach our goals….. stay the course!”
-Sandra Alridge
“Life is a continuous cycle of correction. Always get back up and try again!”
-Valerie Thomas
“You may be the only one in the room (team, department, etc.), but you have a network of sisters.”
-Alana M. Hill
“Failure is relative, and an opportunity to rebrand, learn, and transform yourself, your organization, and team into something better.”
-Enanga Daisy Fale
Related content:
- Celebrating Black History Month!
- Black History Month: Highlighting African-American Engineers, Pt. 1
- Black History Month: Highlighting African American Engineers, Pt. 2
- Podcast: Empowering Black Professionals in STEM with Kanika Tolver
