She reminded the Board of the ongoing effort in ASME to recognize outstanding members through Fellow nominations and challenged the Board to nominate two members between the SAM and the 1999 Congress. Global Alliance for Diversifying the Workforce in Science and Engineering Carolyn Meyers spoke about the newly formed Global Alliance and its first organizational meeting in Anaheim in January. Meyers stated that the Alliance seeks to involve the ASME and that more details are forthcoming on plans for an international conference. Sonya Engle reported on her attendance and participation at the 1999 national convention of the National Society of Black Engineers. She stated that the conference drew almost 9,000 attendees, with over 300 companies, universities, government agencies and other groups exhibiting at the two-day Career Fair.
Plans are to continue participating in the conference in the future.
ASME staff will keep track of the Commission and will look for opportunities for ASME to provide input. Carolyn Meyers noted that she attended the first Commission meeting and that Wanda Ward is the appropriate contact at the National Science Foundation. It was suggested that BMW members might follow up with their members of Congress once the Commission's report is published and available. She noted that while NAE had sought funding for the May 1999 conference and the development of its Celebration of Women in Engineering website, there is currently no funding for a follow-up conference. Meyers noted that ASME is seen as a leader in terms of programs to encourage diversity and the participation of women in engineering.