Pitt’s National Society of Black Engineers chapter won big at a recent conference

The University of Pittsburgh’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) didn’t just attend this year’s national convention in Baltimore — the students made history.

Competing among more than 12,000 attendees from across the country, Pitt’s chapter earned both National Small Chapter of the Year and Regional Small Chapter of the Year, a rare double honor at a single conference. Senior Leilani Cruz, who serves as president of the chapter, earned an individual Chairperson’s Award for her leadership. Also, the chapter took home the Regional Executive Board’s Chant Choice Award to round out a performance that bonds the engineers-in-training and highlights their goals.

For staff advisor Yvette Moore, who has worked with NSBE students for more than a decade, the moment was overwhelming.

“When they called ‘University of Pittsburgh,’ it was this huge rush,” she said. “I know all the work that the scholars put in — the way they built their community, how they carried themselves. It was just an honor to watch.”

That work extends far beyond competition.

Founded in 1975, NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically and positively impact their communities. At Pitt, that mission is lived out daily through study sessions, mentorship, outreach and professional development.

Students host weekly “study jams,” reserving rooms across campus where peers can collaborate and support each other in demanding courses like calculus, chemistry and physics. During finals week, those sessions expand into large-scale reviews that can draw up to 80 or 90 students.

“Technical ability is important, but we also focus on communication and community,” said Cruz, the chapter president, who is studying mechanical engineering in the Swanson School of Engineering. “We really try to support each other in every way.”

That emphasis on connection has been central to the chapter’s recent success. With roughly 70 active members and a 25-person executive board, Cruz said the group made a deliberate effort this year to strengthen internal communication and build deeper relationships.

One initiative she introduced was a monthly recognition program highlighting executive board members and their contributions.

“It gave people something to work toward and made sure everyone felt seen,” she said. “We all have the common goal of getting to know one another on a personal level so we can run the organization better. It really feels like a family.”

Cruz’s own journey reflects that growth. She joined NSBE as a first-year student in 2022 and rose through the ranks — from fundraising chair to vice president to chapter president.

Under her leadership, the chapter has also expanded its reach in the broader Pittsburgh community. A cornerstone of that work is NSBE Jr., a program that connects Pitt students with middle school and high school students interested in STEM. This year, the chapter coached nine local students for national competitions, meeting every Saturday for months to prepare.

“They’ve been working with these students from September all the way through March,” Moore said. “To see them not only teach, but mentor and build confidence, it was incredible.”

The high school team competed in NSBE’s Try-Math-A-Lon, placing second in its heat during its first national appearance. Meanwhile, younger students participated in the Ten80 racing challenge, learning to build, troubleshoot and race miniature cars.

For many of those students, the experience was transformative.

“Some had never left Pittsburgh before,” Moore said. “To see them in that environment — 12,000 people, college fairs, competitions — and then run on stage with the Pitt chapter when they won … it was beautiful.”

That commitment to outreach is part of a broader chapter culture that balances academic rigor with service and professional growth. Members regularly host resume workshops, mock interviews and networking events, often bringing in industry partners and alumni to guide students.

The Swanson School plays a key role in supporting those efforts, providing funding for conference travel and connecting students with professional opportunities.

“They make sure our students are seen and supported,” Moore said. “It’s very much a partnership.”

Even with national recognition, both Moore and Cruz emphasize that the chapter is far from finished.

“There’s a legacy here,” Moore said, referencing NSBE’s deep roots at Pitt. “But they’re not complacent. They know there’s more to do.”

Cruz agreed. For her and her peers, the wins in Baltimore are not an endpoint.

“They’re motivation,” she said, “for thinking about how we can grow and do even more.”

Photography courtesy of Pitt’s National Society of Black Engineers chapter