01
Individual Achievement
Honoring a professional whose technical excellence sets the standard in their field.
NSBE NYC Professionals Presents
2026Black Tech HonorsAwards Gala
A look back at an unforgettable evening honoring excellence, innovation, and leadership across the Black and minority STEM community.
Explore the 2026 Honorees→
The gala took place Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Date
- Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Time
- 7:00 PM — 12:00 AM
- Attire
- Black Tie
Lighthouse Rooftop · Long Island City, New York
About the Gala
Voices that often go unrecognized, elevated.
On September 24, 2026, NSBE NYC Professionals hosted the inaugural Black Tech Honors Awards Gala — a celebration of excellence, innovation, and leadership within the Black and minority STEM community.
Through awards, storytelling, and curated programming, the gala honored technical contributions, professional impact, and community leadership shaping the future of STEM — while inspiring the next generation of Black technical talent.
150
Honored Guests
6+
Awards Presented
1st
Annual Gala
5
Hours of Magic
Honors & Awards
Recognizing the engineers of tomorrow.
Seven honors celebrating individuals and partners whose work shapes the future of Black excellence in STEM.
02
Leadership Award
Recognizing exemplary leadership and service within NSBE and the broader STEM community.
03
Community Partner
Celebrating organizations that have made meaningful contributions to Black technical talent.
04
Technologist of the Year
An industry maven whose innovation is shaping the future of technology.
05
Rising Star
An emerging voice whose early career trajectory signals tomorrow's leadership.
06
Lifetime Achievement
Decades of service and extraordinary career accomplishments in STEM.
07
Cultural Impact Award
Recognizing individuals who use engineering and technology to elevate Black culture and community.
Run of Show
The evening.
Thursday, September 24, 2026 · 7:00 PM — 12:00 AM
Five hours of recognition, connection, and celebration took place atop the Lighthouse Rooftop.
"An evening of excellence — where the next generation of Black technologists is recognized, celebrated, and invested in."
— NSBE NYC Professionals
- 7:00 PMDoors & Red Carpet Arrivals
Step onto the rooftop, capture portraits on the gold carpet, and collect your evening program.
- 7:15 PMCocktail Hour & Networking
Signature cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and intentional connection with NSBE NYC members, honorees, and partners.
- 8:00 PMWelcome Remarks
Chapter leadership opens the evening with the why behind Black Tech Honors and a tribute to the night's purpose.
- 9:00 PMAwards Presentation
Seven awards presented across leadership, innovation, allyship, partnership, rising talent, lifetime achievement, and cultural impact — paired with on-stage moments spotlighting each honoree's journey in STEM.
- 10:00 PMAfter Party & Dancing
DJ Commish takes the booth for skyline views and an open floor — the celebration continues until midnight.
- 12:00 AMClosing
An unforgettable evening comes to a close.
The Venue
Lighthouse Rooftop
45-15 37th Street · Long Island City, NY 11101 — skyline views, midsummer air, and an unforgettable backdrop for a night made for honoring.
Black Tie Required◆Cocktail Reception◆Awards & Live Programming
Black Tech Honors
2026 Honorees
Celebrating Excellence. Advancing Representation. Inspiring the Next Generation.
Celebrating eight extraordinary leaders, innovators, and champions of the Black tech community.
The Talent
Meet the Evening’s Host & DJ
Official Event Host
Chanteé Lans
Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist. Reporter and fill-in anchor at WABC-TV Channel 7 Eyewitness News.
Meet Chanteé
Official Event DJ
DJ Commish
With more than 20 years of experience, DJ Commish brings professionalism, versatility, and crowd awareness to the 2026 Black Tech Honors Awards Gala.
Meet DJ Commish
Relive the Gala
An unforgettable first chapter.
The inaugural Black Tech Honors Awards Gala took place on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Lighthouse Rooftop in Long Island City — an evening of recognition, connection, and celebration of Black excellence in technology and engineering.
Partnership
Stand with excellence.
Sponsorship fuels scholarships, community outreach, and core NSBE initiatives — while placing your brand alongside the leaders shaping tomorrow's STEM landscape.
Official Partners & Sponsors
Gold
NSBE NYC Corporate Partner
Gold Sponsor
Silver
Silver Sponsor
Bronze
NSBE NYC Corporate Partner
2027 Gala · Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship Packages
These sponsorship packages will be available for the 2027 Black Tech Honors Awards Gala. Prospective sponsors can express interest below to begin a partnership conversation.
Express Interest
Support the next gala.
Interested in partnering with the Black Tech Honors Awards Gala? Tell us about your organization and we'll be in touch within two business days to explore opportunities for the next celebration.
Prefer email? Reach us at partnership@nsbenyc.org
Presented By
NSBE NYC Professionals
The New York City Professionals chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is dedicated to empowering Black technical professionals across the tri-state area — building a community where engineers, technologists, and STEM leaders can grow, connect, and give back.
Through professional development programming, STEM mixers, mentorship, and community outreach, NSBE NYC advances the Society's mission to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.