As a part of the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, Newport News Shipbuilding takes pride in celebrating employees’ successes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through participation in national conventions and award conferences.

NNS supports six major STEM diversity conferences each year: Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA), Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), STEP (science, technology, engineering and production) Ahead, and Women of Color Awards and Conference (WOC).

Twice per year, NNS’ Diversity and Inclusion Office requests nominations of employees who are making significant contributions to the company to be recognized during these diversity conferences. Nominations for the conferences listed below will be open from March 1 until April 30.

Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA): Founded in 1986, the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) is a globally-recognized event that celebrates the achievements of people who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Each year, the BEYA Conference brings professionals and students together for three days of networking, professional development and celebrating excellence.

STEP Ahead: The Manufacturing Institute launched the STEP Ahead awards as an initiative to recognize women in science, technology, engineering and production careers whether they are running the company, designing the next big product, or testing innovations on the shop floor. Each year, the Institute recognizes 100 women and 30 emerging leaders, a category to honor women under the age of 30 who have achieved unique accomplishments at the start of their careers.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE): The Society of Women Engineers strives to recognize the successes of SWE members and individuals who enhance the engineering profession and advocate for women in engineering through contributions to industry, education and the community. SWE seeks to recognize individuals who support the organization’s core values: integrity, inclusive environment, mutual support, professional excellence and trust.

If you would like to learn more about nominating an employee, please visit the Diversity Conference and Awards website on MyNNS.