[NSC] February Chapter Meeting - Joint Meeting with NSBE

Joint Meeting with National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) - Diversity in Action

Joint Meeting with National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) - Diversity in Action

In celebration of Engineers Week and Black History month, the North Star Chapter of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) are hosting a joint meeting.

NSBE/NSC Agenda, Wednesday February 19th, 2020.

6:00pm Networking

6:30pm Welcome, NSBE Mission Statement, Ice Breaker

6:45 Host Appreciation/Human Resources Presentation: Cummins

7:00 INCOSE/NSBE connect

• NSBE Intro: Raymond Smith-Byrd, President
• INCOSE/NSC Intro: Roz Dolid, President

7:15 Featured Speaker: Love & Engineering - Alex Merritt

7:45 Adjourn

Raymond Smith-Byrd, President of NSBE Twin Cities Chapter

Raymond is an alumnus of the University of Michigan College of Engineering where he earned a B.S.E. in Industrial and Operations Engineering. He has work experience in Packaging Research and Development as he leads packaging for Nature Valley established businesses.

Raymond is a goal-oriented, optimistic leader with enthusiasm that is unmatched. The value that he brings is in the inspiration that he is able to provide and the results that he drives. Raymond seeks opportunities that allow him to hone his leadership skills and learn business operations that will translate into future success in his professional career.

Roz Dolid, 2020 President of the North Star Chapter of INCOSE

Roz was born and raised in Minneapolis, has BSME and MSME degrees and a PMP®. She has managed engineering projects for at MTS Systems Corp, North Star Imaging Inc, and DIGI International where she is currently the Engineering Services Manager. Roz is excited to tackle the position of President of the INCOSE North Star Chapter to continue to build on the successes of 2019 and expand the initiatives for more diversity.

Alex Merritt of General Mills and NSBE

Alex Merritt is currently the Agriculture Operations Business Manager in General Mills Natural & Organic operating unit – 3BOU. In her role she is responsible for Supply Chain execution for Cascadian Farms Frozen Fruit & Vegetables and Muir Glen products

Prior to her current role she was the External Supply Chain Manager for the Big G cereal platform. During her 16 years with General Mills she has held roles of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, quality and regulatory operations, continuous improvement, & sourcing.

Alex is also an entrepreneur who is affectionately known as ‘The Love Engineer’, her company Dessert & Discussion® and The War On Love card games she developed specializes in, strengthening gender relations, and equipping people with the tools and skills needed to effectively communicate, connect and build trust in relationships.

Alex graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) where she received a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an inventor, author, community servant, philanthropist and mentor. She is a lifetime member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the advisor for the NSBE Twin Cities Professional Chapter. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Jungle Theater. She’s is the immediate past Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Annex Teen Clinic in Minnesota. She also serves on the Missouri S&T Chancellor’s Advisory Board for African American Retention and Recruitment.

Alex has received numerous awards and honors, some of her most notable ones are: Outstanding Member of the Year, Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (2018), Fearless Commerce Inaugural Honor for Women Entrepreneurs (2017), Member, Alexis De Tocqueville Society United Way (2010-2015), General Mills CI Champion of the Year (2014), BCN Nourishing Lives Award (2012), 30 under 30 Sacramento Observer (2010), 30 under 30 Missouri S&T Magazine(2010), Outstanding Alumni -Matthew Dickey’s Boys & Girls Club (2006), US Patent-Mandrel & Accessory, 2006.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, blowing bubbles, world travel and hanging out with her friends.