BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
Williams has sponsored 12 business management strategy proj- ects focused on reducing variation and understanding the voice of the customer. His other achievements include implementing processes resulting in over $200 million cost savings on materi- als, 20 percent improvements in morale and operating efficiency, and 12 percent for materials and joining technology. Williams is recognized as a leader who empowers his team to develop innovative solutions and provide them with the autonomy to implement. He is credited with directing a global team of 114 engineers, technicians and designers on two continents. Williams was handpicked by Chrysler’s chief operating of-
ficer to lead two cross functional teams in material cost reduction efforts resulting in over $160 million in savings. In Williams’ current role as Unit Responsible for the engineering development and design of all Chrysler interior components, he leads one of the largest organizations throughout all of engineering, compris- ing 456 employees. Beyond the scope of his daily role as unit responsible, he is committed to being a role model. He participates in formal mentoring programs, including the Chrysler African American Network (CAAN) and mentors countless engineers in- ternally and in the community. He serves as Chrysler’s Executive Sponsor for the Howard University MBA program.
N 2013 Terrence S.
Birchette Design Engineer The Boeing Company
G
rowing up in Pennsylva- nia, Terrence Birchette seemed destined for life as an athlete. He played football, rugby and ran track. Birchette loved athletics, but cars were his passion. A professional drag racing team for which he worked won the 1975 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) summer nationals in the Funny Car division. The experience of working on a pro racing team, paired with his love of cars, encouraged him to pursue engineering. Birchette graduated from Arizona State University in 1987
with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics. He returned in 1993 and earned a second bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. During his time as a college student, he worked as a bartender. He had no idea this job would lead to the career of his dreams. A chance meeting between Birchette and his future McDonnell Douglas manager changed his life. Birchette made the best of the networking opportunity.
In 1987, he became a structural test engineer with McDon- nell Douglas Helicopter Company’s structures and dynamics test
www.blackengineer.com
Special Recognition HONOREES
one are more deserving of honors than the 18 men and women in the group of Special Recognition Honorees. Through their scientific and technical education and dedication to careers and employers in business and government, they demonstrate the success of Blacks in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, with a commitment to giving back to their communities.
—by CCG editorial staff,
editors@ccgmag.com
laboratory. Birchette worked on several significant projects. His accomplishments include spectrum endurance testing the Notar fan for the MD520N and MD900 helicopters. He was respon- sible for testing the C-17 wing tip elevator and landing drop tests for the MD600 and MD900 helicopters. Birchette soon graduated into a mechanical designer’s role in the technology department’s rotor dynamics group. McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997, but Birchette’s position was unaffected. He is one of the most accomplished and respected engineers at Boeing. In 2009, he returned to school and earned his master’s in systems architecture and engineering from the University of Southern California.
Aisha Bowe Aerospace Engineer NASA Ames Research Center
O
ne of Aisha Bowe’s focus points is trying to advance aeronautics research for the benefit of society. She does this by working on next genera- tion transportation systems; examining tools that make
USBE&IT I WINTER 2013 33
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