By Kristine Pascual, Feb. 25, 2025
Civil engineering student and National Society of Black Engineers President Samuel Kala realized oftentimes he was the only Black student in his engineering courses. It wasn’t until this spring semester, three years after he transferred from Pasadena City College, that Kala finally had a Black professor.
“At first it didn’t really bother me until I started noticing that I was the only Black student,” Kala said. “There’s nothing wrong with it, but sometimes you feel like you resonate more or better with somebody that looks like you.”
According to Kala, the NSBE’s mission is to increase the number of Black engineers who have successful careers and make a positive impact within their communities. At Cal Poly Pomona NSBE is building a community of support for Black students in STEM offering guidance, mentorship and a sense of belonging through a network of opportunities including information sessions with engineering companies and themed social nights such as “Tech Squid Games.”
Since NSBE was dormant last year, Kala worked with the E-board to revive the club and make it more active. The chapter hosted a multitude of academic and leisure events last semester, including information sessions, robotics tours, socials and game nights.
Oftentimes, they’ll also invite industry professionals and company representatives to host facilitations and professional workshops as a way to network and get their foot in the door.
“I enjoy the cause behind (NSBE) and being able to help other students, especially Black engineering students, knowing that we’re a very small minority,” said Britney Collier, computer science student and public relations chair. “It’s not only about academics; it’s also about helping and inspiring another person.”
Kala and his fellow board members have helped revive NSBE, even reaching beyond CPP’s student body. The chapter is working on a collaborative meeting with chapters at USC, Cal State LA and UC Riverside.
They are also working with kids. NSBE is planning an outreach event for roughly 60 middle schoolers where they come to campus and learn about potential careers within the STEM field. The event will include guest speakers and activities for the kids such as building a circuit with pieces of paper and a tour at BioTrek.
“It’s important to let kids know that there’s so much you can do out there,” Kala said. “You just got to be able to put in the work. I think with kids, especially minorities, showing them what we do is going to help inspire them, so maybe when they make that decision, they’re going to be able to know that they can also become an engineer.”
The chapter at CPP also often collaborates with the professional NSBE chapter. Many NSBE members are mentored by an NSBE professional. With their mentors, students are able to meet on a regular basis and seek industry advice from a professional member who’s been through similar experiences.
“The fact that the mentors look like us is actually a plus because whatever experiences or advice they share with us will resonate even stronger because we know they’ve been through a similar situation,” Kala said. “My mentor pushed me to speak to people and create connections, to be more outgoing and talk to people.”
NSBE also hosts joint meetings with other campus clubs under the Black Resource Center. The club collaborated with the BRC at the beginning of last semester to host a “Freshman and Friends” pool party. Attendees were encouraged to get to know one another over food, music and games with all class levels welcome.
Joel Mwathi, a civil engineering student and fundraising chair, said organizations like NSBE are important to be a part of in college. Having a club like NSBE allows students to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are in the same boat toward getting a degree.
“It’s been my dream to be able to be part of an organization like this, and it’s had such an impact on myself,” Mwathi said. “NSBE is a safe space for Black and African students in STEM, but it’s also a place for them to thrive and be comfortable in their own major.”
For Britney Collier, computer science student and public relations chair for NSBE, being a good role model for future generations is a motivator in obtaining her computer science degree. Collier strives to be a role model for younger generations and more importantly, to be a pillar of financial support for her family. She wants to be able to give thanks and give back to the community who always stood behind her with support.
“One of my motivators is knowing that I have people watching,” Collier said. “Being in a leadership position, there’s a lot of students who do look up to us, and I’ve been able to give advice and mentor younger students.”
Kala and his fellow board members attested to meeting their closest friends from being E-board members of NSBE. As Kala wraps up his final semester at CPP, he looks back on the fond memories he’s made with the club. He urges students from any majors to get involved and to expose themselves to “different environments.” Prior to being president of NSBE, Kala was hesitant to jump into the role. With encouragement from his mentors, Kala found the needed confidence to step into a leadership role.
“As president, one of the biggest rewards is seeing the members grow and become successful in their careers,” Kala said. “We want to increase the number of Black people that are successful in everything they do. The fact that I’m able to impact other people’s lives is rewarding in itself.”
Feature image courtesy of National Society of Black Engineers Club
