Winter 2002 Vol. 11 No. 1

EDITORIAL COMMENTS

Diversity and Beyond

This issue marks a milestone in the ten-year history of the MAES National Magazine. The Magazine's original editorial content was focused on highlighting and celebrating the successes of Mexican Americans in the fields of Engineering and Science. This past year, the GVR Public Relations Agency Inc., founder and publisher of the MAES National Magazine announced the expansion of its editorial content, highlighting a wider base of diversity initiatives from across the Engineering, Science, Technology and Mathematics fields for all minorities.

This year marks the beginning of a brighter future for the MAES National Magazine with the addition of our newly expanded editorial content. The Magazine's format now includes ten standard editorial departments, ranging from Diversity Initiatives, University Leadership, Communications Forefront, Armed Forces, Technology Advancements, Scientific Outlook, Research Laboratories, Federal Agencies, Automotive Innovations, and Networking. With this expanded scope in each issue, the magazine will generate a vast but concise resource of information on careers and news in these fields and also reports on future developments. These new departments and features are only a few examples of the many different areas that you can look forward to reading about in this issue and future issues of the MAES National Magazine.

This issue's Cover story features the DuPont Company and their long-term goal for "Winning the Talent Race" (see page 17). With over two hundred years in business, DuPont has a clear direction for success, and with highly motivated leaders like Sandi Bowe, DuPont's Global Director of Diversity and Worklife, they are clearly outlining a true success story. This issue also features "Careers in Space"(see page 14), where each year the NASA-Johnson Space Center recognizes its top team members for their commitment to the safety of NASA flights. In 2001, Rudolpho Gonzalez, Operation Lead for the SIGI Orbital Attitude Readiness (SOAR) Detailed Test Objective (DTO) was among the awardees. Each NASA team member awarded received the "Silver Snoopy Award" which honors those individuals whose job performance directly impacted and ensured the safety of NASA flights. You will also find in this issue, "College Financial Aid"(see page 42), which highlights the many opportunities that await future and present college students. This very important department will be featured in each issue as we attempt to bring a greater awareness to minority students of the financial aid that is available to those who prepare themselves academically, but may need assistance to continue their studies. On page 38, we include a feature in "Starting your own Business" that covers the basic steps for setting up your own business and includes opportunities that the Small Business Administration provides, including the proper procedures to insure success for your business.

Later this year, MAES National Magazine will introduce the 1st Annual Minority Americans in Engineering & Science Diversity Awards Gala. The event will celebrate the power of diversity and will recognize top companies who remain competitive by integrating diversity into their corporate strategies. Recognizing that "Diversity is All of Us" the program will include recognition awards in several categories. An awards committee will be established to work with the magazine in planning and implementing this exciting event. Awards will include: Best Diversity Practices by a Fortune 500 Company; Best Diversity Practices by a Fortune 1000 Company; Best Diversity Practices Among the Top 200 Federal Contractors; Best Diversity Practices and Outstanding MEP Program; as well as recognition awards for Diversity leaders in the science, engineering and technologies industries. Invitations and nomination forms will be sent in February and the event is being planned for December 5-7, 2002. If you want your company to receive an invitation please be sure to contact us. If you would like to volunteer to work on this exciting initiative please contact the magazine office at 281.992-9639.

The MAES National Magazine is a minority owned and minority managed publication. This year, the magazine will acknowledge our advertisers with a framed Certificate of Participation. Companies profiled in our Diversity Cover series will receive both the Certificate and the Magazine Cover, which may be prominently displayed in your company headquarters. Additionally, the web site will provide a link to our advertisers at no additional cost. To participate in the Diversity Cover series please contact me at 281.992-9639. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your past and future support of Minority Americans in Engineering and Science National Magazine. We are very excited about the opportunities in the future and we look forward to highlighting the successes of Minority Americans and the companies they work for as we all strive for diversity and beyond.

Steven Gonzalez | Executive EDITOR