Profile

Currently seeking Sponsors for Free Speaker Events at the following Colleges and Universities.CONFIRMED SPEAKER ENGAGEMENTS: COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY DATE TIME The University of South Carolina Tuesday, October 8, 2019 6:00 - 8:00 am. The Citadel Thursday, October 10, 2019 4:00 -5:30 pm. Norfolk State University Wednesday, October 30, 2019 11:00 am -1:00 pm. University of Virginia Thursday, October 31, 2019 7:00 am - 11:00 am. The University of Maryland, Baltimore Wednesday, Nov 20, 2019 7:00-8:00 am. The University of Maryland, College Park Thursday, Nov 21, 2019 6:00-7:00 am. Cynthia Byrd Conner is the author of the book “Quiet Strong”, the life story of her father, Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Sherman Byrd. He was the first African American Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diver in the United States Armed Forces. He was an expert in disarming conventional bombs, neutralizing chemical and biological threats, and rendering nuclear weapons safe. Cynthia is currently on a two year book tour visiting colleges and universities that have Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), sharing her father's historical naval contributions and leadership skills. Cynthia is uniquely qualified to bring her father’s biography to life. She has over 26 years of experience in ship maintenance and repair, 7 years as a Non-Destructive Test Inspector, 7 years as a Shipbuilding Specialist, and 12 years as a GS-12 Management and Program Analyst which is comparable to a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Recently retired, Cynthia was employed by the Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Southeast Regional Maintenance Center. As the NAVSEA certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt for the Engineering Department, Cynthia obtained extensive Speaker experience, presenting frequently to Admirals, Captains, private industry Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Engineers, Military and Civilian personnel.