our history

On January 26, 2013, nine members of the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. (NSBE Jr.) met at Ledo’s Pizza in Prince Frederick, Maryland to establish a new local chapter. As Founders and Advisors, LEAP Forward President, Rhonda Thomas and Hooked-On-Nero Owner, Shanell Nero Stewart joined forces to expose youth to this new endeavor. 

The new NSBE Jr. chapter was named by the charter members and called CASH (Creative And Striving Hard) to Succeed. Initially, we thought why the name CASH, however the realization is that it takes CASH to get college education and with a STEM career, you can make CASH! What insight from our charter members! 

Shanell Nero, an electrical engineering graduate of Morgan State University and the CEO of Hooked On Nero, a math tutoring company, spearheaded efforts with Rhonda Thomas. Rhonda Thomas and advisor Wilson Ennis Jr., both Electrical Engineering graduates of Tennessee State University and Board Members of LEAP Forward, a local nonprofit that provides educational services to underrepresented youth. Numerous other underrepresented engineering professionals who have roots in Calvert County were eager to participate. It was our pleasure to provide needed inspiration, encouragement, and pride to our youth!

We attended our first National conference in Indianapolis, Indiana with three members. 

Charter members for CASH included our first President, Keisha Capers, currently a Chemical Engineer for the Navy; Vice President, Keontae Campbell; Treasurer, Dorien Minor, currently attending Georgia Tech; Imani Watson, currently attending Johnson and Whales; Secretary, Joey Berry, currently attending Coastal Carolina. Other members included Destiny Dillon, Jocelyn Berry, Kiana Bellemore, and Jahmaya Nero. The chapter chartered with 13 members in 2013.