CMU graduate selected for 2022 Black engineer of the year award


desmond-walker
Desmond Walker

Central Michigan University graduate and Navy Commander, Desmond Walker, was selected for the “Career Achievement in Government Award” during the 2022 Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM conference. 

According to a press release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach, the Black Engineer of the Year Awards is a worldwide event that recognizes and celebrates the hard-work and success of those that haven’t received recognition for their outstanding achievements, specifically those in STEM.

The overall goal of this conference is not only to celebrate and recognize these students, but to also assist in building connections with STEM professionals and educators for the future, the release said.

Walker joined the Navy in 1996 after graduating from high school.

“Although I felt prepared for college, I did not know what I really wanted to do and the Navy provided a great opportunity,” Walker said.

Walker decided that after a few years of service he would pursue higher education. In 2005, Walker earned his Bachelors of Science in electronics technology from Norfolk State University and afterwards transferred to Old Dominion University to receive his Master of Engineering Management in 2012. To further his education even more, Walker earned his Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 2020.

Currently, Walker is in the prospective commanding officers training pipeline for Surface Warfare Officers. Next, he will serve as the executive officer of USS Bainbridge.

"The best part of this opportunity is that I will get to work with some of the finest Americans that made military service their career of choice," Walker said. "Under the leadership of the current commanding officer, I look forward to embracing their vision toward effectively and efficiently executing the ship’s mission at home and abroad.”

For Walker, being part of the Navy has served as a gateway of opportunities for Walker and has strengthened him further through vigorous training and endless responsibilities.

“I have had a great career while maintaining a loving and supportive family dynamic,” Walker said. “After 24 years of marriage, through the highs and the lows, we have faced every challenge together and I’m grateful. Being selected for command was another proud moment. When I enlisted, I planned to serve on one ship and learn a trade. Now, I’m on the cusp of commanding my own ship.”

Walker said that after gaining more experience in the Navy and having guidance from mentors to assist him on his journey, he wants to be able to help people achieve the goals they set for themselves. He said that people should never stray away from their dreams in order to achieve what others think they should have. This will be detrimental to one’s own well-being and happiness. 

“At this point in my career, serving in the Navy means I have the opportunity to be an example of leadership for the officers and sailors that are coming up the ranks behind me,” Walker said. “I did not see a lot of Black officers when I was enlisted, but I believed it was possible. Now, as a senior officer, I’m in a position to help anyone, regardless of their demographic, become the best version of themselves as part of the world’s greatest Navy.”

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