Courtesy Photo | Seneca Callaham, an information systems security specialist with Software Engineering...... read more read more
FORT LEE, Va. (Jan. 26, 2018) -- A Fort Lee cybersecurity specialist who climbed to success from juvenile delinquency was recently announced as a recipient of a prestigious national award.
Seneca Callaham, once confronted with the choice of jail or military service during his youth, has earned honors as the 2018 Black Engineer of the Year Award STEM recipient for Community Service.
The Software Engineering Center – Fort Lee employee is one of roughly 100 people from across the country identified as BEYA STEM outstanding achievement award winners, recognized for his work helping area youth carve out career pathways. His deeds will be duly acknowledged at the BEYA STEM Global Competitive Conference Feb. 8-10 in Washington, D.C.
The 37-year-old former Sailor, noting he typically shuns the limelight, said the recognition can best be described as a delightful discomfort.
“I was actually taken aback,” said the Philadelphia native. “I was surprised I was selected. I’m a behind-the-scenes guy. What I do, I don’t do for recognition or glory. It’s just me paying it forward and giving back because I was once a recipient of a charitable act, and somebody saved my life, so I’m obligated to do the same.”
To those who know him, the honor is aligned with Callaham’s character as an individual. Kendra Evans, his co-worker and a fellow volunteer, said her colleague is a dedicated family man, friend and employee who is driven by compassion and understanding.
“He is willing to do anything for anybody,” she said. “They couldn’t have picked anyone better to win this award.”
The product of a single-parent household and tough inner-city environment, Callaham reeled from the pressures of his circumstances as a young man. His future came to a head when he committed a crime, went before a judge and had his fate sealed when he chose Navy blue over prison orange, he said.
While military service helped him to escape his difficult surroundings, it was merely a foundation for adulthood. He was shaped, molded and built from the ground floor by one Petty Officer Christopher Edwards, a fellow Philadelphian who often saw himself in Callaham.
“He showed me ways to be resourceful and how to maneuver (through difficult situations),” said Callaham. “He said life is a game, and you have to know people, the rules and the players involved in the game. I’m eternally grateful for the information he equipped me with.”
Callaham spent four years in the Navy, worked for a short time as a contractor and has served as a federal employee ever since. He has logged 10 years with SEC-Lee.
Having survived a childhood in which he sometimes “didn’t know where his next meal would come from,” Callaham said he is grateful someone laid a path leading him to self-realization and prosperity. His journey would later be the impetus do the same for young people in the surrounding communities. He realized his dream in 2013 when he and his wife Karla began the framework for the U Can Make It Too Foundation.
“I wanted people to know that, hey, you can come from a disadvantaged or impoverished situation and still overcome the odds because I did it,” said Callaham. “That’s really the only thing I can speak to – my truth, the things I’ve experienced.”
UCMIT exposes underprivileged youth to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education with the intent of cultivating future leaders, said Callaham, noting he wants to give kids options.
“Even though the focus is on STEM education and training, we actually offer curriculum training that covers more than 30 different occupations,” he said. “I’ll admit I’m trying to convert every young man or woman I come across to an engineer or scientist, and I’m not as successful as I would like. With that said, you have to keep an open mind and link them with people and occupations they’re interested in.”
Last year, UCMIT touched the lives of roughly 60-80 kids, said Callaham.
The nonprofit program, he added, has the ultimate goals of securing a facility, getting an accreditation and becoming a school of excellence.
Editor’s note: Callaham thanked his wife, the UCMIT board members and the SEC-FL family for their support.
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 01.25.2018 11:23 |
| Story ID: | 263227 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 150 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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