Eleven U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command personnel, from headquarters, White Sands Missile Range, Redstone Test Center and Yuma Proving Ground, traveled to this year's MAES (Latinos in Engineering and Science) Symposium and MAES Science Extravaganza, October 16-18, in San Diego, California.
The MAES (Latinos in Science and Engineering) event brings hundreds of students and professionals seeking employment and advancement opportunities in STEM career fields. The symposium marked MAES's 40th year, reflected in this year's theme, "MAES Strong for 40 Years." During the symposium, professionals, student and recruiters come together to participate in a variety of educational workshops, training series, interview opportunities for internships and full time positions, networking and learn about grants and scholarships in the STEM related career fields.
Two ATEC personnel were recognized during the MAES Bravo Awards during this year's event for their contributions to STEM outreach in MAES.
Julio Dominquez, Yuma Proving Ground, was awarded this year's Comandante Award, designated to recognize Department of Defense civil servants and military personnel for demonstrating service to their country and communities and for excellence in management and leadership; technology advancement in the areas of procurement, research and development; or leadership in increasing diversity among the technical disciplines.
Dominguez first heard about MAES as an undergraduate in the early 1980s, even though there was no active chapter at his university. Asked by ATEC to participate as a professional mentor at a MAES leadership seminar at the University of Texas at El Paso early this year, he was surprised at, what he described as, the high caliber of leadership instruction and interactions the seminar provided the students. One of the attendees there was Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala, one of only a few Hispanic Marines who have achieved a rank at that high level.
Reflecting on his recent award, Dominguez states "I've enjoyed mentoring young people in Yuma schools for years. Being nominated and selected for the Comandante Award and recognition as a role model are both gratifying and humbling."
Juan (Manny) Elizarraras, Yuma Proving Ground, was awarded the Virtuoso Award for exemplary capabilities in management and leadership; technology advancement in the areas of procurement; research and development; or leadership in increasing diversity among the technical disciplines.
Team ATEC served as mentors and facilitators during the event and hosted four speed-networking tables, served as research poster contest judges, and mentored four college decathlon teams in which they had to mentor and guide, a group of five students, through a rigorous set of projects and exams during the event.
During the symposium, ATEC conducted two workshops entitled, 'Difference Generations in the Workplace,' led by Redstone Test Center's Ric Rivera; and 'Project Management Phases,' led by Alfredo Ramirez of White Sands Missile Range and Iris Espinosa from YPG. ATEC representatives also assisted in the workshop to help generate lively discussions on the acquisition lifecylcle process and the complexity of cradle to theater cycles, according to Christina Bryant, ATEC's STEM outreach coordinator.
Master Sgt. Sheila Sango, ATEC career counselor from Aberdeen Proving Ground, served as the keynote speaker for the Speed Networking Breakfast, where she shared her personal journey as she worked towards achieving career successes.
While there, she spoke with students one-on-one to answer questions about her personal story and what opportunities the Army has to offer STEM professionals, whether in the service or as a federal civilian.
"ATEC personnel were exceptionally motivated during this event," said Bryant. "Regardless of our site location we all came together as a team to successfully execute this event."
Next year's event will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 22-23, 2015. To learn more about MAES, visit http://mymaes.org.
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