President’s Message: February 2025

Greetings to All,

We have made it through the month of January. I hope this message finds you safe and healthy. These last few weeks have proven to be some of the most stressful for many of our members. My heart aches for those affected by the devastating fires; however, please know we are here to help. We are such an amazing country that in times of catastrophes, we find ways to organize food distributions and collect other necessities to assist those affected by the disaster and help rebuild their lives. I am amazed at the outpouring of support from all over this great country. It ignites humanity and humility. As divided as the US seems, witnessing everyone come together as Americans is truly incredible.

As I have stated in my January President’s message, being President of the Florida Engineering Society is by far the most humbling and rewarding honor of my professional career and I always want to express my gratitude to the FES & ACEC Florida members, as well as our headquarters’ administration and staff. As Valentine’s Day approaches in a few weeks, we are reminded how important it is to stop, pause, and appreciate others, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, family, etc. I invite you to join me in focusing on what matters – in the moment, in our community, and in how you interact with the world.

We commemorate Black History Month, Engineers Week (February 16-22), and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (February 20) in February. Why is it crucial to honor engineers and female engineers in the same way we honor African Americans’ contributions? These commemorations in February are essential because they enable us to acknowledge and value the accomplishments, contributions, and influence of African Americans, female engineers, and engineers in our society. Through creative problem-solving and technological breakthroughs, engineers significantly contribute to the molding of our environment. Many kids, especially young females and people from other ethnic backgrounds, might not think engineering is a career opportunity for them. We may encourage future generations to choose engineering careers and keep pushing the envelope by highlighting the efforts of all engineering disciplines.

Our FES Chapters are organizing events across the state and influencing local governments to adopt resolutions honoring engineers’ contributions to society. Additionally, some chapters will be working on E-Week project(s) that involves community service. Check for your local chapter to find out the date(s) and specifics of your E-Week celebration(s).

Additional ideas to celebrate how engineers influence our world include:

• Recognizing the accomplishments of specific engineers, whether in person or online, and nominating them for an award.
• Requesting a motivational speaker to give a live or virtual talk during Engineer Week.
• Offering to visit a classroom and speak with the students because they enjoy having interactive demonstrations.
• Use #Eweek2025 on social media platforms with photos of E-week activities.

Are you ready to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators? The 2025 MATHCOUNTS® Chapter Competitions have begun! Join us in supporting STEM education and future engineers by donating or cheering on participants at a local competition.

FES Chapter Competition Dates:

• February 1: Daytona Beach, Forest, Ridge
• February 7: North Central
• February 8: Big Bend, Central Florida, Calusa, Emerald Coast, Indian River
• February 9: Palm Beach
• February 14: Myakka, Treasure Coast
• February 15: Northwest Florida, Pinellas|Tampa
• February 16: Miami
• February 21: Gulf Coast, Northeast Florida
• February 22: Broward

The 2025 Florida MATHCOUNTS State Competition will be held on March 14, 2025, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and hosted by the Florida Engineering Foundation.

There are many ways to help!

1. Click here for a detailed scheduled and competition locations.
2. Click here to donate to a MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition.
3. Click here to sponsor or donate to the Florida MATHCOUNTS State Competition.
4. Click here to volunteer at the Florida MATHCOUNTS State Competition.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to all the members for their support of the Florida Engineering Society and for their pride in belonging to such a prestigious organization. The strength of the organization comes from you.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the FES Professional Engineers Legislative Days, on March 18-19, 2025 in Tallahassee, where you will have the opportunity to meet with state legislators to advocate for issues that affect the engineering industry.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Davis, Ph.D., SSGB | Associate Professor
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | davisc14@erau.edu