As always, the College and Career Fair, with over 160 booths and access to one-on-one chats with recruiters, was a popular resource. In the research presentations, students from pre-college to PhD track took advantage of opportunities to polish their presentation skills, grow their networks, and discuss their projects with judges as well as visiting professionals and other attendees.

At the closing ceremony AISES showcased the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of the winners of this year’s Professional Awards via evocative videos developed by AISES. Although the award ceremony looked a bit different this year, it successfully celebrated the impact these leaders are making in their respective STEM careers. Professional of the Year Kathleen Jolivette (Rosebud Sioux), who oversees 4,000-plus employees at The Boeing Company, is responsible for the Apache and Little Bird helicopter programs. Dr. Serra Hoagland (Laguna Pueblo), the Most Promising Engineer or Scientist, is involved in the first-of-its-kind tribal assessment that will guide future U.S. Forest Service research. The Technical Excellence winner, Laura Smith-Velazquez (Eastern Woodland Cherokee), has helped implement an improved wave propagation algorithm that can be incorporated into a modern flight deck allowing pilots to plan and modify where (or even if) sonic booms hit the ground. Blazing Flame recipient Frances Dupris (Lakota and Arapaho) does exactly what her grandmother taught her: she gives back and provides encouragement to those who need it in her role as a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. She provides specialized intelligence support to the Northern American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. Indigenous Excellence winner Sandra Begay (Navajo Nation) created the Indian Energy Program, which includes an internship program, at the Sandia National Laboratories. A civil engineer, Begay has mentored more than 40 Native college students. Executive Excellence winner Brendan Kinkade (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) uses his role as an IBM executive and leader to foster a culture of inclusion and strong collaboration. To read the full profiles of these thought leaders visit woc.aises.org.