NSBE City-Wide Meet-Up Connects Milwaukee’s STEM Talent with Career Opportunities and Industry Leaders
The NSBE City-Wide Meet-Up returned to Marquette University on Saturday, February 22, bringing together STEM students, professionals, and industry leaders for a day of networking, professional development, and career exploration. The bi-annual event, hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Milwaukee Area Chapter, has become a cornerstone for fostering diverse talent pipelines and preparing local professionals for the NSBE Annual National Convention later this year.
Companies Seek STEM Talent at the Recruitment Fair
The Recruitment Fair provided attendees with direct access to leading corporations and hiring managers looking to recruit talent across engineering, technology, and science fields. With a focus on expanding career opportunities for underrepresented professionals, the fair included representatives from nationally known companies.
Many employers emphasized the growing need for STEM professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, software development, and engineering. Recruiters actively engaged with students and professionals to discuss career pathways, internship programs, and leadership development initiatives.
“As a representative of the city of Milwaukee and partner with NSBE I'm always amazed at the high-level of integrity, passion and intelligence of the members of NSBE. I'm not an engineer but I am going to be an official member in the next two weeks. I want to be able to support this group in whatever way I can " - Korbena-Marcus Diversity Recruiter for City of Milwaukee
Academic Tech Building Professional Brands Through LinkedIn Optimization
A feature of this year’s event was the LinkedIn Optimization Workshop, led by Nadiyah Johnson, founder of the Milky Way Tech Hub. Johnson, a prominent advocate for diversity in tech, shared actionable strategies for professionals to enhance their digital presence and career visibility in an increasingly competitive job market.
The session covered best practices for profile optimization, strategic networking, and content creation to attract recruiters and industry connections. Attendees learned the importance of crafting stronger headlines, leveraging keywords, and refining their professional narratives.
“In today’s workforce, your LinkedIn profile is your digital handshake,” Johnson said during the workshop. “A strong online presence can open doors to job opportunities, business partnerships, and professional collaborations.”
Bowl Tests STEM Knowledge
Adding an element of competition to the event, the Academic Tech Bowl brought together teams of students and professionals for a fast-paced, trivia-style contest covering topics in engineering, coding, and emerging technologies. Participants showcased their knowledge in a dynamic and engaging format, reinforcing the importance of STEM education and continuous learning.
The energy in the room was high as teams worked together to solve complex questions, with the winning group earning recognition and prizes. The event highlighted the intellectual depth of the NSBE community while fostering a spirit of teamwork.
Strengthening Milwaukee’s STEM Ecosystem
The NSBE City-Wide Meet-Up continues to be a catalyst for workforce development and professional advancement in Milwaukee’s tech ecosystem.
As Milky Way Tech Hub continues to grow the Midwest tech ecosystem, the momentum generated by NSBE’s event underscores the importance of sustained investment in diverse STEM talent. Industry leaders and community organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of collaborative initiatives that promote career growth, mentorship, and inclusive economic development.
“Milwaukee has an incredible pool of talent,” Johnson said. “By creating spaces like this, we ensure that Black and Brown professionals have the resources, networks, and opportunities to thrive in STEM careers.” Nadiyah Johnson CEO Milky Way Tech Hub
