A Night to Remember: Reflecting on the Success of the Second "We Are Black History Banquet"
On February 24th, the Denver Professionals Chapter of NSBE hosted the second "We Are Black History Banquet" at the Curtis Hotel in Denver, and what an unforgettable evening it was! We're filled with gratitude and pride as we reflect on the event's tremendous success. It was a night where our community came together to celebrate, inspire, and look forward to the future of Black excellence in engineering and beyond.
First and foremost, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended. Your support and presence made the evening truly special. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were palpable, and it's clear that we're part of an incredible community committed to making a difference.
Dr. Rameesh Madourie- Chapter President (Aug 2022 -Aug 2024)
A special acknowledgment must go to our visionary president, Dr. Rameesh Madourie, whose leadership has propelled our chapter to new heights over the past two years. Under his guidance, we've logged over 300+ hours of community service, witnessed a 70% increase in membership, and established numerous partnerships within our corporate community. Dr. Madourie, your dedication and passion for our mission are truly inspirational.
We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Banquet planning committee: Nia Long, Natasha Wright, and Peta-Gaye Madourie. Your tireless efforts and creativity ensured that the banquet was a success and a memorable experience for all who attended. Thank you for your commitment and hard work.
A round of applause for our corporate liaison, Dr. Arthur Antoine, who played a pivotal role in securing the funding necessary to make this event possible. Your ability to bridge our chapter with the corporate community is invaluable, and we are incredibly thankful for your support.
Relive The Night with us!
For those who wish to relive the night or catch a glimpse of what they missed, we invite you to view photos of the event below. These images capture the spirit, joy, and unity that defined the evening.
Our Speakers
The evening would not have been complete without the profound words of our speakers, Dr. Tanya Ennis and the Honorable Justin Brooks. Your speeches were not only inspirational but also a call to action, reminding us all of the impact we can have on our community and the world. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights with us.
Dr Tanya Davis ENNIS
Dr Tanya Davis ENNIS
Dr. Tanya Davis Ennis, a Louisiana native and valedictorian of Plaquemine High School, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern University, where she was deeply involved in NSBE and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her illustrious career began at AT&T Bell Laboratories before earning a master's in Computer Engineering from USC, leading to significant roles at U S WEST and COVAD Communications. Transitioning to education, Dr. Ennis made impactful contributions at the Denver School of Science and Technology and later at the University of Colorado Boulder as Director of the Engineering GoldShirt Program and BOLD Center Director, earning recognition for her efforts to diversify the engineering field. In 2022, she completed her Ph.D. in Learning Science and Human Development, winning the Outstanding Dissertation Award for her research on Black Engineering students' persistence in their majors. Married for 34 years with a large and loving family, she remains an active community and church member, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to education, diversity, and service.
Honorable Justin Brooks
Honorable Justin Brooks
The Hon. Justin Brooks, Senior Program Manager at Ball Aerospace and the first Black Mayor of Erie, Colorado, has a notable career spanning aerospace, real estate, and public service. A Prairie View A&M University alum, his journey began at Lockheed Martin, leading to significant contributions at Johnson Space Center and the Space Based Infrared Satellite program with the Air Force. Beyond his aerospace achievements, Brooks is a committed real estate investor, community servant as a Chapter President for The 100 Black Men of America, Inc, and a Scoutmaster. Elected to Erie's Town Board of Trustees in 2021, he focuses on equity, BIPOC business development, affordable housing, and sustainable economic growth, striving to build an inclusive community for young professionals.
Incoming President- Nia Long
(Aug 2024- Aug 2026)
It gives us immense pleasure to reveal that our very own Nia Long will take the helm as the new President of the Denver Professionals Chapter of NSBE. Join us in congratulating Nia and offering her our full support as she leads the Denver Professionals Chapter of NSBE into a promising and impactful future.
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Nia Long attended Texas Tech University for undergrad in 2014. Nia served as Finance Chair, Treasurer and was awarded Member of the Year for TTU NSBE. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Engineering, she knew that pursuing a career in data was her passion. Post-grad, Nia began working as a Data Migration Consultant at Syniti, a data services firm. Present day she resides in Denver as a Data Specialist in Legal Technology & Operations at Harbor, a global legal services consulting firm. In her spare time, Nia enjoys mentoring, watching F1 races, volunteering with NSBE and spending time outdoors with friends.
Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to make a lasting impact in our community. Your support is instrumental in empowering the next generation of Engineers. Thank you for being the driving force behind positive change. Our sponsors: Gogo Air, Shrewsberry, Benesch, Kenyatta Computer Service, Actalent & Maxximpact Group.
As we look back on this year's "We Are Black History Banquet," we're reminded of the power of community and the importance of celebrating our achievements while forging ahead to create a brighter future. Let's carry this momentum forward, continuing to make a difference in our communities and the lives of future Black engineers.
Again, thanks to everyone who made the second "We Are Black History Banquet" a resounding success. Here's to many more years of celebration, inspiration, and empowerment.
Until next time,
The Denver Professionals Chapter of NSBE