BACKGROUND

In 2008 the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) established a signature event that would be held during the annual convention to honor and recognize professionals that have made significant sacrifices and contributions to the industry as leaders or pioneers. The inaugural event, held in Miami, Florida, included recognition of the original founders of OBAP.

This year we will recognize the tenth class of honorees, individuals who represent various disciplines within the aerospace industry, during the OBAP Founders and Pioneers Breakfast on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at the 44th Annual Convention and Career Exposition in Phoenix, AZ.  We enlist your support in identifying and nominating our 2020 honorees based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA

The nominator individual should/will be:

A member of OBAP.

The nominated individual should/will be:

An individual that has made a significant contribution(s) to or in aerospace and/or to OBAP in the following areas for more than five years and has had an impact on:

• Aviation/aerospace innovation, invention, education, research and development, operations, safety, and training. This includes aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, flight crews, pilots, maintenance professionals, and other industry professionals. 
• An individual that has been recognized for, or is recognized for, setting high standards of conduct, character, and courage. 
• A pioneer in his/her field evident by the official roles and responsibilities nominated by an active OBAP member.

Who is a Pioneer?  Here are some examples are taken from the, "Seven Key Attributes of a Pioneer." (source WAI) (Please use the examples as a guide only, with the understanding that it may not fully define all Pioneers.

• Pioneers have faced difficult circumstances with great determination and courage. Despite the odds, they have triumphed and made lasting contributions.
• Pioneers always press forward into tomorrow - into the unknown. And they do it with style and class and uncommon grace.
• Pioneers definitely proceed with NO fear, or at least it is so well hidden that no one else ever sees it.
• Pioneers seize the opportunity and make the most of it as it is presented, and in some cases, if necessary, they make your own opportunity.
• Pioneers are bold risk takers with great vision.
• Pioneers never, ever take NO for an answer, nor do they let someone get away with that age-old excuse "because we have always done it this way."
• Finally, Pioneers have always been willing to help others to get to the same point and to make the road easier for the next group coming after them. They are mentors and encourages. They give back and pay forward. They are indeed the heroes we should treasure and emulate.

Know individuals who meet the above criteria and are deserving of this distinguished recognition? We invite you to nominate them now. The deadline to receive all nominations is March 31, 2020, so don't delay, nominate today! Click here to complete a nomination form. You must be an OBAP member to nominate.

Thank you for your support and if you have any questions please contact us at: pioneersawards@obap.org.