Guest blog post by Steven Hall, Electronics Specialist, National Reconditioning Center, National Weather Service

I am an Electronics Specialist at the National Reconditioning Center of NOAA’s National Weather Service in Grandview, Missouri. My responsibilities include conducting acceptance inspections, tests, and evaluations on Automated Surface Observation Systems such as the Radiosonde Tracking System in which electronic sensors detect and measure wind, temperature, moisture, cloud height, and the pressure of the upper atmosphere. I ensure weather electronics and equipment are suitable for operation and supply serviceable parts to airports and Weather Forecast Offices. The information from this national network of sensors helps the National Weather Service accurately measure the current state of the atmosphere which helps produce the best possible future forecasts.

I grew up in Rockville, Maryland and attended college at Howard University in Washington, D.C. I am a military veteran of the U.S. Army where I served as a Biomedical Engineering Specialist on active duty in support of Desert Storm at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. Upon my return, I worked at the Veterans Affairs hospital where I joined the Diversity Committee and was appointed to Special Emphasis Program Manager. 

In July 2019, Kenneth Bailey, NOAA’s Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights Director, appointed me to serve as a sitting member of the NOAA African American Employee Resource Group where I currently serve as co-chair. It has been an honor to have organized and coordinated several diversity programs in recognition of Black History month, National Hispanic Heritage month, LGBTQ (Pride) month, and National Disability Employment Awareness month.

I am also a member of the Allies for Racial Justice, Optimist International, Missouri Yacht Club, Church of the Resurrection and a Success Mentor in Kansas City Public Schools.

For those reading this feature, I would like to share a favorite quote of mine from Nelson Mandela in honor of African American History Month:

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." 

I encourage today's youth to continue being curious, develop a passion for learning, and pursue their dreams. Be optimistic because optimism can put you on the path to success and hard work is what will keep you moving forward.

Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce African Americans during Black History Month.