Our Board

Meet the NSBE PRO-PDX Chapter Executive Team

President

GAETAN - DAUPHIN NZOWO

Gaetan-Dauphin Nzowo was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He graduated from Oregon State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Gaetan currently works as construction inspector/designer for David Evans and Associates. He is passionate about Transportation engineering and social justice. Outside of work, Gaetan is a humanitarian and social justice advocate. He is one of the board members for Understanding Racism Foundation (URF), a non-profit organization committed to exposing and eliminating racism in our communities. As an immigrant from the DRC, Gaetan strives to educate individuals and raise awareness about the political and human rights issues in the hope of peace, security and democracy in Africa, particularly in the Congo.

Vice President

SHARI CHIN

Shari C is an entrepreneurial first-generation Jamaican American from South Florida who brings passion and dedication to community service through her work with NSBE Portland Professionals. As Pre-Collegiate Chair from 2022 to 2023, she helped launch and grow NSBE's Little Free Library program, working alongside fellow committee members to expand STEM literacy access for BIPOC children in the community. With a BA in Business Economics from Emory University in Atlanta, Shari has built nearly a decade of experience in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry. Her varied professional experience includes serving as a Project Engineer managing complex construction processes and her current role as a Business Analyst supporting AECO companies with their accounting software needs. Her project portfolio spans mixed-use multi-residential new construction, high-technology commercial developments, and tax reporting software products. Shari finds her greatest fulfillment in actively supporting women and communities of color through fundraising and grant writing initiatives.

Treasurer

J'REYESHA BRANNON, P.E.

J'reyesha Brannon is a born and raised Oregonian and University of Portland alumni (’15), where she graduated with a degree in civil engineering. J'reyesha currently works as a design engineer and project manager. She has managed sewer rehabilitation, treatment plant / pump station facility upgrades, and potable water systems. She is passionate about accessibility and inclusion for communities of color, particularly in STEM fields. Outside of work she is an avid volunteer, holding roles in a variety of community organizations. In her spare time, she manages a small vintage resale business and is an artist. J'reyesha has served as Vice President (2019-2021) and President (2021-2023) for NSBE Portland Professionals. Website: https://www.jreyesha.com/

Secretary

LOLA OYIBO

Lola Oyibo was born in New York City and raised in both the Unites States and Nigeria. She graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor's degree in Physics, then attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology where she received a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is currently a design engineer for Nike where she specializes in Product and Tooling Innovation. Lola is committed to bringing more underrepresented minorities and gender diversity into STEM fields, and creating welcoming spaces where young people can thrive.

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Senior Executive Chair

BRYAN HALL

Bryan Hall, the 386th Lifetime Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), is passionate about diversifying the STEM pipeline while building community among aspiring, developing, and excelling minority engineers. Over his 13-year career in NSBE, Bryan has served in multiple collegiate leadership roles for the University of North Texas and Iowa State University as well as the special events coordinator for Bryan serves as the Finance Chair for the NSBE Portland Professionals Chapter. He aims to fulfill NSBE's mission, which is "to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community." Bryan has over seven years of professional experience in quality assurance, test engineering, and software development and currently works as a Software Quality Engineer at Intel Corporation. He possesses his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of North Texas and his Master of Science in Computer Engineering from Iowa State University. Bryan pursues his Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. He aims to ignite a passionate flame within you to engage, enrich, and empower the community surrounding you. Bryan has served as Treasurer (2019 - 2021) and Vice President (2021-2022) for NSBE Portland Professionals.

Pre-Collegiate Chair

HARLAN CHERNOFF, M.S.

Harlan Chernoff was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Harlan attended Penn State University where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2013. As a student, he was a part of the Multicultural Engineering Program and first joined NSBE in 2009. Harlan currently works as a Field Service Engineer at Tokyo Electron where he is involved in the Black Employee Network and PRIDE Alliance. Harlan recently completed his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University with an additional certificate in Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing. Harlan also volunteers with another organization called Bloom Club - a queer/trans and BIPOC led mutual aid community learning garden rooted in SE Portland, Oregon but growing and blooming together across the city.

Pre-Collegiate Co-Chair

NICOLE BATY

Collegiate Co-Chair (PSU)

WIL BRIDGES

Willenton Bridges was born and raised in Moultrie, GA. He graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering. Willenton currently works as an environmental engineer for Tetra Tech. He enjoys mentoring youth of color and teaching them how to create air quality monitoring sensors. He is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging more youth of color to pursue STEM careers. In his spare time, he likes to watch tv shows and sports.

Collegiate Co-Chair (PSU)

CHARLES GRAHAM

Charles Graham is an electrical engineer based in San Diego, CA. He holds a B.S. from Louisiana State University and an M.S. from Portland State University. Charles is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Outside of work, he enjoys running, anime, and live music.

Collegiate Co-Chair (OSU)

CHIMDI CHIKEZIE

Chimdi is originally from Imo State Nigeria. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Nigeria and decided to focus on user experience design. To help solve more problems that users face while using software, Chimdi decided to pursue a master's degree in Computer Science from Oregon State University. His studies focused on human-computer interaction. Chimdi is passionate about identifying inclusivity biases that arise when users use software, finding solutions to fix those biases, and making recommendations on how they can be avoided in the future. Currently, Chimdi is working as a Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant. When Chimdi is not working on academics, he volunteers for organizations on his University's campus. Chimdi helps to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. Art, creative photography serves as a form of motivation and relaxation for him.

Programs Chair

JARIN JOYNER

Jarin Joyner, Ph.D. is a Research Chemist/Engineer at Intel. Trained as an organic chemist, he later became a semiconductor R&D specialist. He holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Oberlin College, an M.S. from Georgia State University, and a Ph.D. from Rice University. With over four years in semiconductor R&D, Jarin applies his fundamental chemistry expertise to the material and process challenges of a fast-moving industry. His academic research has garnered more than 2,000 citations. Outside of work, Jarin is a classical violinist, community organizer, and mid-to-long distance runner. He's also an avid reader with interests spanning global politics, classic literature, and fiction.

Communications Chair

DR. YOANNE CLOVIS, Ph.D.

Yoanne is a scientific narrative strategist and founder of Yoanne Clovis LLC. Originally from Martinique, FWI, she holds a PhD in Neurobiology and Molecular Biology, with additional training in Cognitive Neuroscience. After over a decade in research, startups, and commercial roles, Yoanne now helps Phase II-III biotech teams protect their valuations by eliminating narrative fragmentation (i.e. the costly misalignment between what Clinical, Medical, Regulatory, and Commercial say about the science). Her work sits at the intersection of scientific rigor and strategic communication. She specializes in building the "Truth Architecture" that ensures everyone tells the same defensible story before advisory boards, partner due diligence, or Series C conversations.

Membership Chair

KENT MERTILIEN

Kent is a first generation Haitian-American, originally from Miami, FL. He attended the University of Central Florida and Arizona State University for his degree in Electrical Engineering. Kent Has over eight years of electrical engineering experience throughout different industries, including copper mining, space launch ground support design, and semiconductors. Kent is a product development engineer at Intel where he creates and tests complex hardware solutions ensuring optimal product quality.

Board Member - At Large

MUJIDAT SAAKA

Mujidat has 10+ years of industry experience in K-12 education, specializing in data-driven instructional strategies, designing, and implementing academic/behavior intervention processes, automating administrative tasks, and developing analytical research to support strategic planning. She earned her B.S. in Natural Science from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.S. in Advanced Data Analytics from the University of North Texas. In her current position as Data Analyst with Tahn Analytics LLC., Mujidat leads a team in providing insights and AI-based solutions to school districts in Oregon. Mujidat is active in the community. She volunteers with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) as a member of the African American Black Student Success Advisory Board. She is on the Board of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, doing her part to enhance opportunities for diverse populations to engage in the arts. She is also a civic leader and serves as Vice President of the City of Hillsboro Planning Commission. Mujidat champions inclusion and believes in the beauty of diversity. She works to close the gaps between the privileged and the underserved. By employing her skills, she waters the growth and development of the voiceless and provides insights that propel BIPOC communities forward. website: ww.tahnanalytics.com

Senior Executive Advisor

DR. COREY FRAZIER, P.E.

Corey Frazier, Ph.D., PE is a proud “Air Force Brat” whose experiences as a youth influenced his career trajectory in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Applied Arts, Mathematics) advocacy, systems-thinking, and leadership roles. He currently works for Intel Corporation as a Technical Marketing Strategist and Operations Manager for artificial intelligence products. He has had multiple roles in engineering management, design team leadership, innovation coaching, and business development in areas such as supercomputer hardware development, quality systems management, and startup portfolio management and incubation.

Prior to Intel, he worked for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program for 7 years in Houston, Texas as a trajectory design lead. He has a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. In the community, Corey serves on the Oregon Innovation Council and a board member on the State Plumbing Board. He serves on the Advisory Board for the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida, is a board member for iUrban Teen, and is on the executive board of directors at the Urban League of Portland (ULPDX). In his spare time, Corey has translated his creative passions into content creation across Twitch and YouTube. In partnership with ULPDX, he has piloted the CreatorSpace, a program offering creative camps and seminars for youth of color to express themselves and see themselves in the media they consume (comics, digital and traditional art, writing, online content creation, and gaming).

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