The University of Pittsburgh’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers was recognized on Apr. 9 for its achievements at the recent national convention in Baltimore, where it received several awards including National Small Chapter of the Year and Regional Small Chapter of the Year.
The recognition highlights both academic excellence and community engagement among Pitt’s engineering students. With over 12,000 attendees from across the country, earning these distinctions is a significant accomplishment for the group.
Senior Leilani Cruz, president of Pitt’s NSBE chapter, also received an individual Chairperson’s Award for her leadership. The chapter further won the Regional Executive Board’s Chant Choice Award. Staff advisor Yvette Moore said, “When they called ‘University of Pittsburgh,’ it was this huge rush. 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.”
NSBE was founded in 1975 with a mission to increase culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically and impact their communities positively. At Pitt, this mission is reflected through activities such as weekly study sessions known as “study jams,” mentorship programs, outreach efforts like NSBE Jr., and professional development events including resume workshops and networking sessions.
Cruz said about their approach: “Technical ability is important, but we also focus on communication and community… We really try to support each other in every way.” She introduced a monthly recognition program for executive board members to strengthen internal relationships within their roughly 70-member organization.
Under Cruz’s leadership, outreach has expanded into local schools through NSBE Jr., coaching nine students for national competitions this year. Moore noted that seeing these younger students participate nationally—many leaving Pittsburgh for the first time—was impactful: “To see them not only teach, but mentor and build confidence, it was incredible.” The high school team placed second in Try-Math-A-Lon during its first appearance at nationals.
Moore emphasized ongoing commitment: “There’s a legacy here… But they’re not complacent. They know there’s more to do.” Cruz added that recent wins serve as motivation: “They’re motivation…for thinking about how we can grow and do even more.”
