NSBE Boston Announces Community Partnership with Autodesk Research Community to support Equity & Inclusion in STEM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 11/06/2024

NSBE Boston Announces Community Partnership with Autodesk Research Community to support Equity & Inclusion in STEM

Boston, MA– NSBE Boston is pleased to announce a year-long partnership with the Autodesk Research Community (ARC). The partnership will focus on three core areas:

Actively inviting Black and minority engineers to participate in research feedback opportunities to identify and address product and industry challenges.
Highlighting the achievements of members, particularly Black professionals in senior engineering roles, to inspire and support future leaders.
Providing Black and minority engineers with skills and knowledge to advance their careers by sharing digital intelligence, including licenses to the AEC Collection and multiple training opportunities.

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Autodesk is committed to fostering diversity and addressing the underrepresentation of minority engineers in STEM. This partnership with NSBE Boston aligns with Autodesk’s mission to amplify diverse voices and ensure their experiences shape the future of technology and innovation. Through inclusive feedback from engineers of all backgrounds, Autodesk aims to develop solutions that serve a global, diverse customer base.When asked about the partnership, JoAnna Cook, Vice President of Architecture, Engineering and Construction at Autodesk, stated:

"Diversity is not just a goal at Autodesk; it is central to our innovation. As a customer-focused company, engaging and listening to diverse perspectives helps us drive better product development and industry solutions, meeting the needs of all our customers worldwide. This partnership with NSBE Boston is an exciting opportunity to highlight and elevate Black and minority engineers, ensuring their experiences shape our industry. We're excited about the potential for impactful outcomes and a more inclusive and equitable future."

Mekides Mezgebu, President of NSBE Boston, added:

“We are thrilled to embark on this meaningful collaboration with Autodesk Research Community. This partnership represents a critical step forward in amplifying the voices and contributions of Black engineers in shaping the future of technology. By working together, we can drive innovation that reflects the diversity of thought, experience, and talent within our community while empowering our members with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s evolving industry.”

With more than 30 years of providing channels of opportunity for academic and career advancement to the Black/African American communities in Massachusetts, NSBE Boston has a membership of Black professionals spanning the New England area.To kick off this partnership, Autodesk has committed to supporting NSBE Boston with professional development programs and access to industry-leading software tools.For more information on this Autodesk Research Community and NSBE Boston partnership, please contact O’Dane White - partnership@nsbeboston.org.About Autodesk Research CommunityAutodesk supports customers with their business and industry challenges through focusing on insight driven product development and innovation. Listening, learning, and working together with our users helps support these goals.Autodesk Research Community (ARC) receives valuable data about how users feel and think, and what users do from real-world situations to identify the opportunities and priorities for designing the technology our customers use every day.If you’d like to join the Autodesk Research Community and be invited to contribute to research that will help shape and influence your Autodesk experience, please sign up here.For media inquiries, please contact:Anushca-Mai DunkleyPublic Relations Chair- NSBE Bostonpr@nsbeboston.org