Black Engineer Awards Recognize Role Models
Associate Reggie Smith III receives a top honor: The Community Service award.
In February 2009, the contributions of 12 Booz Allen Hamilton employees were celebrated at the 23rd Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Conference in Baltimore. Of those honored, associate Reggie Smith III also took home the Community Service award.
Recognized as BEYA Modern Day Technology Leaders for their roles in influencing the future of science and technology, the Booz Allen honorees included:
- Latasa Anderson, Senior consultant
- Preston Carter, Senior consultant
- Toni Corbett, Associate
- Chris Hubbard, Associate
- Marcus Johnson, Senior consultant
- Duane Jones, Associate
- Dameon Proctor, Associate
- Ricky Reid, Senior associate
- Phenesia Savoy, Associate
- Tina R. Turner, Associate
- Russell Williams, Associate
Booz Allen was a platinum-level sponsor of the BEYA Conference.
In his acceptance speech, Smith said, “Receiving this award for supporting these groups would not be possible without the unwavering support of Booz Allen.”
Reggie Smith
Senior vice president Reggie Van Lee introduced Smith at the event gala. “Booz Allen is dedicated to helping clients solve their toughest problems,” Van Lee said in a letter to conference participants. “Our ability to do this hinges on our people, their great minds and passion for making a difference in their communities is key to our success. You share these qualities, values, and our commitment to excellence. At this conference, we celebrate your achievements.”
The first African American to be elected president of the U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA), Smith is program coordinator and organizer of the Patriots Technology Training Center and New Hope Academy in Maryland. In addition, he volunteers for non-profit organizations such as the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Lego League, and the firm has awarded several Volunteer Service Grants to organizations in his name.
The support of Booz Allen’s leadership, Smith says, enabled him to win at the BEYA. “We must not look upon serving others as someone else’s problem,” he says. “It’s out privilege. Starting now, let’s take back our communities and renew our sense of pride in them. This work is all about connecting people to resources to make things happen.”
Since 1986, BEYAs have recognized the achievements of African Americans who are role models in the fields of science, technology, and engineering and demonstrate leadership in their workplaces and communities. Each year, BEYA judges select the nominees from a pool of promising college students, new hires, professionals, managers, executives, and innovators.
The BEYA Community Service honor is given to individuals who demonstrate leadership in technology or science through their volunteer work, contributions, or other activities not included in his or her jobs.
story posted April 7, 2009
