Introduction
My name is Naomie Seh Abomo and I am a 3A Civil Engineering student. My industry interests include master planning and resilient urban development. In my free time, I partake in leadership roles such as Social Events, Vice President, and President of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) UW chapter and other roles that allow me to affirm and empower particularly black and underrepresented students. I also take great pleasure in singing and dancing, and spending quality time with my dear friends and family.
What does it mean to you to be a Black engineer?
My dad was my first and greatest example of what it is to be a Black engineer. To me, being a Black engineer is to apply your skills and technical abilities in the innovative projects and systems that are progressing our modern-day society. It is to be resilient through the numerous challenges an engineer faces in a typical day's work, while also daring to break down barriers solely by your presence and impeccable work ethic. It is to challenge the existing practices that have long time informed engineering decisions with a unique perspective. It is also to support and empower others like yourself to provide them with the tools and mentorship that you would have appreciated at their stage.
What is your favourite UWaterloo Engineering memory?
My favourite UWaterloo Engineering memory has been the countless moments I have shared with the National Society of Black Engineers community since we launched in 2019. Holding roles such as Social Events Coordinator, Vice President, President, these roles have allowed me to further develop my leadership, networking, and time management skills. It has allowed me to be a mentor and example for younger Black female engineering students like me, a position I take with the highest level of responsibility. I have been able to witness and contribute to the creation of a space for Black engineers to feel heard, understood, supported, and encouraged, and having the utmost pleasure of seeing this community continue to grow. I have also been able to participate in challenging the current state of our department to create a more inclusive space for all. The unity, empowerment and support I have received in participating with NSBE has exponentially enriched my UWaterloo Engineering experience. The bonds and friendships that I have formed from its existence make me eternally grateful.
What changes would you like to see within engineering (either in school or professional spaces) in the next 5-10 years?
Changes I would like to see within engineering in school would be to integrate social and cultural awareness topics as a core element of receiving one’s engineering degree. As the world continues to evolve, the engineering students of today will become the full-time software developers, policy makers/policy enforcers, innovators and resilient infrastructure creators of tomorrow. It is imperative that we start to teach engineering students how to have a holistic approach to engineering that includes the many different human experiences that will be impacted by our technologies. A student body equipped with the history and facts that shape our current society can ensure that the next innovations can be for the betterment of society as a whole. Additionally, in professional spaces, I would like to see more opportunities for Black and other visible minorities to achieve higher rankings in their companies, with more representation in executive and leadership positions.