Student Profile – Dhruv Varshney

Dhruv Varshney is a senior at San José State University majoring in Computer Engineering, and on track to graduate in May 2025. He was born and raised in India but moved to the U.S. shortly after. As an immigrant student, his determination to excel is fueled by the sacrifices and the support his family made for his academic pursuit and passion.

Dhruv’s interest in technology began early in life, inspired by its transformative potential. His first DIY robotics project in high school sparked his passion for engineering. “The experience of assembling and programming my first robot was transformative—it gave me a sense of purpose and creativity,” he reflects. This laid the foundation for his academic pursuits and shaped his focus on embedded systems, robotics, and machine learning.

This past summer Dhruv completed his internship at UL Solutions, a global safety science company that offers a range of services to help customers with product innovation, business growth, and sustainability, where he contributed to Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular devices. He also designed graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for data analysis, gaining valuable technical skills in data visualization and wireless communication testing. This experience offered  Dhruv a firsthand look into the semiconductor industry.

Dhruv landed his internship on Handshake, the SJSU career portal, and by networking at industry events. He emphasizes starting early and being proactive when it comes to securing an internship. “Network actively and leverage platforms like LinkedIn,” he advises. He believes that students should tailor their resumes for specific roles and highlight relevant projects to stand out in the pool of applicants.

When first coming into the country Dhruv faced doubts about adapting to a new culture and academic system, but he rose to the occasion by seeking support from peers and joining student organizations. “Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and seek help when needed,” he advises.

As a senior reflecting on his journey, Dhruv advises his younger self to embrace hands-on projects, actively collaborate with peers, and develop strong time management skills—not only to excel academically but also to engage in extracurricular activities for a well-rounded college experience.

After graduation, Dhruv plans to pursue a master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on AI, robotics, and computer vision. His ultimate goal is to become a leader in the tech industry, driving innovation in autonomous systems and embedded technologies.

PCB Hackathon recap

On Saturday, December 7 engineering students from SJSU, Florida Polytechnic University, Chicago Computer Systems Institute, West Valley Mission College, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Kansas, University of Colorado at Boulder, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, University of Cincinnati, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, Brigham Young University, Grossmont College, University of Minnesota, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Clarkson University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, UC Santa Cruz, California State University San Marcos, California State University Chico and Cal Poly Pomona, competed in a printed circuit board (PCB) hackathon.

Students were judged on eleven different categories including: project originality, technical complexity, functionality, design efficiency, documentation, and, as a bonus, additional creativity. Making up the judging panel were: Amit Bahl, Chief Revenue Officer at Sierra Circuits, Avery Brock, PCB Design Engineer at NASA, Allan Knox, Senior PCB Design Engineer at Sierra Circuits, Atar Mittal, General Manager of Product Development at Sierra Circuits and Jagdip Singh, Director of Manufacturing at Sierra Circuits.

SJSU College of Engineering students, Jose Lopez-Vergara, Willow Herron, Katherine Sarna, and Tarik Fawal were among the winners. Other winners included participants from Solano Community College, the University of Minnesota, and Clarkson University. Congratulations to all the participants!

Mechanical Engineering Senior Projects Presentations

As the semester comes to a close, mechanical engineering seniors had an opportunity to present to alumni, family, friends, and faculty. The presentations gave students a taste of what it would be like to pitch their efforts in a real-world scenario. Along with advisors, students also had a mentor to guide them through the oral and communications process to identify challenges as well as solutions and impact.

Mechanical engineering students had some guiding principles in choosing their projects which included: Social, economic, cultural, public health and safety, and inclusion when thinking about how the solution would be accessible to those with disabilities.

The Engineering 185 course that created the genesis of the presentation was one of the final pit stops for students reaching for their degree. The culmination of accepting the project and doing the presentation was another pivotal hands-on learning experience the College of Engineering is so well known for.

These presentations are an important part of the student’s education, where improving their skills in public speaking, gaining acceptance for their ideas, and having their solutions to challenges considered by the general public is the tassel to symbolize their graduation status.

CMPE@Connect 2024

On December 6, as part of the Department of Computer Engineering’s social gatherings, students attended CMPE@Connect 2024. Along with students presenting their various internship experiences with companies such as NXP and Tesla, technical talks and an engaging panel discussion were also in the mix.

The purpose of the event was to enable students to share valuable experiences they gained through internships, provide insights into career advancement through mentorship, and foster a greater connection between faculty and students. Professor Young Park and Professor Magdalini Eirinaki hosted the event. Don’t miss the next CMPE social gathering!

Day of Giving

We’re excited to announce that applications are open to participate in SJSU’s Day of Giving 2025! This virtual event will run for 1857 minutes from March 11-12, 2025, honoring our founding year, 1857. It invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and family to join in collective generosity to support SJSU.

What is the Day of Giving?

SJSU’s Day of Giving unites the Spartan community to raise funds for impactful campus initiatives, including special projects, student organizations, academic initiatives, and athletics. This annual event spotlights the programs that make a difference and empowers groups to create crowdfunding campaigns that elevate visibility and support for the causes that matter most to them and to the university. Join us in making a lasting impact!

Ready to Apply?

If you’re part of a department, student group, or campus initiative, this is your chance to inspire support from alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends!

To get started, gather your details for the 2025 Application Form and submit it by December 16. First-time participants, feel free to explore 2024 projects for ideas and inspiration.

Application Deadline: December 16, 2024
Event Dates: March 11-12, 2025

Let’s make an impact together for SJSU students, faculty, and staff!
Questions? Contact crowdfunding@sjsu.edu.

Biocomputers Harnessing Biology for Computing Power by Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Step into the future of computing with biocomputers, a revolutionary technology that uses DNA, proteins, and living cells to process information. Unlike traditional silicon-based machines or quantum computers, biocomputers leverage the complexity of biological systems, offering unparalleled scalability and energy efficiency. Discover how this emerging field could transform industries like healthcare, environmental monitoring, and biomanufacturing—while tackling challenges like integration and ethical concerns. Read the full article now!

Student Profile – Khin San

Khin Kyawt Kyawt San is a senior majoring in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Computer Network System Management and a minor in Business. Khin and her family immigrated to the United States from Yangon, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma)  nearly five years ago, a move that morphed her life journey.

Her father, an electronics engineer, and her mother, a mechanical engineer, inspired her to explore the field. “Becoming an engineer has always been my dream,” she shares. Encouraged by her parents to understand how things work, she developed an early curiosity for technology that has only grown since then.

As the first in her family to attend an American university, she led by example, and not only navigated her own application process but also guided her younger sister to explore college majors and prepare for AP courses.

Khin’s first internship was with Straight Up Technologies as a Cisco Network Academy Dream Team intern, where she participated in the Trailblazer TDX Salesforce event. Thanks to this opportunity and lecturer Richard Grogetut’s support, she made valuable connections and now works as a Network Technician on major events like Knowledge 2024, Dreamforce 2024, and Salesforce Company Kickoff 2024. Her role involves setting up and configuring network devices, troubleshooting with senior engineers, and ensuring smooth event operations. Khin was also a Technical Support Engineer Intern at Verkada, where she addressed complex customer environments, collaborated with engineers to resolve bugs, and provided feedback for product improvements.

On campus, she is the president of the Network Engineering Technology Society, a student organization that provides her with a supportive community and valuable industry connections. “Networking and making connections have been key to my growth,” she says, encouraging students to engage with peers, professors, and professional networks.

Since she started college as a freshman during the pandemic, Khin struggled to connect with others and stay focused on online classes. By joining student organizations and attending virtual events, she has built a support network that helped her overcome these hurdles. “Reach out and get involved! Connections make all the difference,” advice she shares with similar strugglers.

For internship advice, Khin emphasizes the importance of curiosity and persistence, crediting much of her success to this factor. Khin’s hard work has already paid off: she will join Verkada full-time as a Technical Support Engineer after graduation, a role she secured after excelling as an intern. “I’m truly grateful for this opportunity,” she says.

As Khin Kyawt Kyawt San prepares to close this chapter of her life, a new chapter is waiting for her to explore, and no doubt she will persevere through hard work, dedication, and being the community for people as she found her community here at San José State University.

Day of Giving

We’re excited to announce that applications are open to participate in SJSU’s Day of Giving 2025! This virtual event will run for 1857 minutes from March 11-12, 2025, honoring our founding year, 1857. It invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and family to join in collective generosity to support SJSU.

What is the Day of Giving?

SJSU’s Day of Giving unites the Spartan community to raise funds for impactful campus initiatives, including special projects, student organizations, academic initiatives, and athletics. This annual event spotlights the programs that make a difference and empowers groups to create crowdfunding campaigns that elevate visibility and support for the causes that matter most to them and to the university. Join us in making a lasting impact!

Ready to Apply?

If you’re part of a department, student group, or campus initiative, this is your chance to inspire support from alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends!

To get started, gather your details for the 2025 Application Form and submit it by December 16. First-time participants, feel free to explore 2024 projects for ideas and inspiration.

Application Deadline: December 16, 2024
Event Dates: March 11-12, 2025

Let’s make an impact together for SJSU students, faculty, and staff!
Questions? Contact crowdfunding@sjsu.edu.

December Holidays

While Christmas is widely celebrated in December, many other holidays bring people together during the season. Across different cultures, religions, and traditions, people around the world observe a variety of holidays that reflect their unique histories and values at the end of the year. Exploring these traditions offers a richer understanding of how communities celebrate and connect.

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, commemorates the Maccabean revolt against the Greek-Syrian empire and the rededication of the Jewish Holy Temple. Celebrated over eight days, beginning on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, featuring the lighting of a special menorah called a Hanukiah. Traditions include eating oil-based foods like latkes and sufganiyot, exchanging gifts, and playing dreidel.

Yule, celebrated on the winter solstice, originated with Pagan and Norse communities as a festival honoring the rebirth of the sun and the turning of seasons. Traditions include bonfires, feasting, drinking, and storytelling, many of which influenced Christmas customs, such as the Yule log and mistletoe.

Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, is a cultural holiday honoring African-American and pan-African heritage. Rooted in the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles), it emphasizes unity, self-determination, and creativity. Celebrations include lighting a seven-arm candelabra, feasting, dancing, storytelling, and exchanging gifts.

Bodhi Day, observed on December 8th, marks Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, leading to the founding principles of Buddhism. Buddhists commemorate through meditation, decorating ficus trees with lights and ornaments, and enjoying tea and cake with loved ones to symbolize unity and enlightenment.

World’s Fastest Supercomputer Conducting ‘Virtual Manhattan Project’ to Test Nukes – Featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

A groundbreaking new supercomputer, El Capitan, has set the record as the world’s fastest, with 2.79 quadrillion calculations per second. Some worry about its potential to crack blockchain encryption, Professor Banafa cautions that the blockchain industry might be overlooking risks posed by future quantum computing. As quantum computing emerges, the urgency to prepare for its threats is growing.

Read the full article now

Student Profile – Umama Oishi

Currently a senior in electrical engineering at San José State University, Umama Oishi exemplifies ambition, perseverance, and a passion for problem-solving. Originally from Bangladesh, Umama embarked on her academic journey in the United States at 17 as an exchange student, and completed high school in Missouri before coming to SJSU.

Her passion for engineering was sparked early on by her love for math, and hands-on projects like designing bridges, building robots, and creating digital watches in high school. These challenges ignited her passion for tackling real-world problems through innovative solutions. Now, as the president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) chapter at SJSU, Umama found an engineering community that motivates her to push forward even when faced with challenges.

Throughout her academic career, Umama has gained significant industry experience, completing four internships with STMicroelectronics. Currently working as a Hardware Engineering Intern, she designs PCBs and technology for imaging sensors, including time-of-flight detectors and cameras. Her earlier roles included lab management, wafer characterization, and application engineering, offering her a comprehensive view of the engineering field. These roles have not only strengthened her technical skills but also powered her passion for hardware engineering and her commitment to continuous learning.

One of the main reasons why Umama decided to return to STMicroelectronics time and time again was because of their collaborative and mentorship-driven culture, which has played a key role in her professional growth. “I’ve been given real responsibilities and opportunities to work on high-impact projects, which makes me feel valued,” stated Umama.

“Persistence is key. Network as much as possible, join engineering organizations, and work on technical projects that make you stand out,” she advises students seeking internships. Umama secured her first internship through a one-on-one conversation with a company representative at SJSU’s STEM Career Fair, showing the importance of proactive networking and utilization of school resources.

Reflecting on her journey, Umama wishes she had prioritized building technical skills and completing more projects earlier in her academic career. However, within the reflection, she also recognizes the progress made and the goals she will fulfill in the future. “Growth often happens just beyond our comfort zones,” she notes, encouraging others to push through uncertainties and embrace challenges as opportunities.

After graduation, Umama plans to work in the industry, making herself as visible as possible to all sides of the industry, before pursuing an MBA or a Ph.D. Ultimately, she aims to launch her own tech company, combining her engineering expertise with business insights to drive impactful change.

Engineering Professors and Teams Honored at Football Game

At the Saturday, November 16 football game (SJSU vs. Boise), professors Katy Kao and Hiu Yung Wong were recognized via a video on the big screen at the CEFCU stadium during the pre-game activities for their most recent accomplishment. Professor Kao was recognized for her expertise in molecular biology and chemical engineering, and for recent awards which included the 2024 Distinguished Educator award. Prof Wong was recognized for authoring a book on quantum computing and for research awards he received.  During the 2nd quarter of the game, the Spartan Racing and the Precision Flight teams were also in a fast-moving, action-packed video up on the big screen touting how these clubs were run, managed, and made up of engineering students who love racing and aviation. Congratulations to the professors and the teams!

Native American, Abigail Reigner

credit: NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna

Abigail Reigner stayed connected to her Comanche Nation roots through her parents’ dedication to preserving their Native American traditions. She pursued mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, where she joined the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). This opened doors to internships at NASA, ultimately leading to her current role as a systems engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. Reigner now contributes to projects like hybrid-electric propulsion for sustainable air travel, crediting the Native American community at NASA for fostering diversity and supporting Indigenous talent. Read the full story to explore how Reigner’s heritage and passion are shaping her journey in STEM innovation.

The Rise of Digital Twins: Transforming the Physical World Through Virtual Replicas featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical objects or systems, are revolutionizing industries by enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization across manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, and more. Originating with NASA’s Apollo missions, this technology has evolved through advancements in the Internet of Things, AI, and cloud computing, offering benefits like cost reduction, enhanced decision-making, and sustainability. However, challenges such as data security, integration complexity, and ethical concerns remain. As digital twins integrate with AI and the metaverse, their transformative potential grows. Read the full article to explore the opportunities and challenges of digital twins.

Student Profile – Keely Brown

Keely Brown, a mechanical engineering junior here at San José State University, was inspired by her brother’s success in the field and her father as a civil engineer, which motivated her to carve her own path in solving real-world problems. “I’ve always been fascinated by the challenge of turning ideas into practical solutions, where I could tackle real-world problems, and make tangible impacts.” she shares.

Originally from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Keely grew up near Denver, where her love for soccer and engineering began. She started playing at the age of 5 and now she is a dedicated student-athlete on the women’s soccer team. “Soccer has always been my outlet,” Keely reflects, “It challenges me to stay disciplined and focused while giving me a break from academics.”

Balancing being a student and athlete isn’t easy, but Keely has embraced it as an unforgettable experience in her college time. “Time management is key,” she says. Planning out her days carefully, breaking down tasks, and setting short-term goals to keep up with her studies and training. The discipline she has learned on the field translates into her academic life, helping her stay focused amid the challenging workload of engineering courses.

Despite the constant balancing act, having a student-athlete life is something Keely truly treasures. “What I love most is the balance and sense of purpose it gives me,” she shares. “The camaraderie among teammates fosters a community, motivating me to work hard and stay committed. Plus, getting a support system and life-long friendships is what makes the journey so rewarding.”

Keely has also been grateful for the support she receives from SJSU’s athletic program. Academic advisors, understanding coaches, and a tight-knit community of teammates help her manage the pressures and stay on track with her coursework. “The athletic program really prioritizes our well-being,” she notes, “helping me thrive both on and off the field.”

Keely’s advice to young athletes just starting out? “Embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – every experience is an opportunity to grow. Focus on setting realistic goals, improvement takes time, but above all, enjoy the experience and build friendships along the way.”

After SJSU, Keely is eager to apply her engineering skills to sustainable projects after graduation, especially in water resource management. “I want to contribute to projects that enhance sustainability in resource management and ensure clean, accessible resources for communities,” she says. Working toward a leadership role where she can mentor others, guide the next generation, and drive meaningful change in the engineering field is also something she wishes for her future.

Navigating academic pressures, personal responsibilities, and social dynamics can become overwhelming for college students, but Keely Brown’s passion, hard work, and achieving goals through community support is a beacon of hope on how to overcome those hurdles.

Scholar and Donor Celebration 2024

Once every academic year, scholarship recipients have an opportunity to meet the individual and corporate donors that make student financial support possible. On Tuesday, November 12 at a lunch event, students were able to meet those responsible for their scholarships face to face. Many of the donors are College of Engineering (CoE) alumni who have reached a certain level of success.  Others, including generous corporate donors, want to see students reach their full potential.

After a meet and greet, the event was kicked off by Associate Dean, Nicole Okamoto, who outlined what attendees could expect during the lunch. Dean Sheryl Erhman followed this by thanking the individual and corporate donors.  There were a total of 100 scholarship recipients this semester. Dean Erhman went into detail about the activities that happen year-round in the College of Engineering, including speaking engagements, events, and various clubs that students can participate in.

A short video was played for the attendees that focused on the meaningful impact of scholarships and what they enable students to do. The video also included recipients thanking the donors for their generosity and how the scholarships remove the financial burden from them so they can focus on their studies.

CoE students Charlie Warner, mechanical engineering, and Ferch Sánchez López, software engineering, both gave compelling speeches that included what they were able to accomplish because of scholarships. They also encouraged students to seek out scholarships that will help them obtain their degrees and make them successful in industry.

Associate Dean Okamoto closed the speaking portion of the event. Lunch followed, where students who were seated with their donors could have a more in-depth conversation. For those looking for future scholarship opportunities, remember that the answer is always no until you ask.

Native American, Aaron Yazzie

This November, as we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are honored to highlight Aaron Yazzie—a trailblazer whose journey exemplifies the blend of innovation, culture, and community that embodies the spirit of engineering. A member of the Navajo Nation, Yazzie has made significant contributions to planetary exploration as a Mechanical Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Aaron Yazzie was born in Tuba City and raised in Holbrook, Arizona, near the Navajo Nation. Later in life, he attended Stanford University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. There he was the president of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) of the Stanford chapter. After graduating, he became a lifetime member.

During his time at Stanford, he interned at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Glenn Research Center, eventually leading him to JPL. There, he embarked on designing instruments that would explore other worlds. One of Yazzie’s most notable contributions at NASA has been his work on missions to Mars. As part of the team that developed the mechanical systems for the Mars Science Laboratory and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, Yazzie played a pivotal role in creating the rover’s drill systems, which are essential for collecting soil and rock samples.

Yazzie has honored his heritage in all aspects of his life. In 2021, NASA collaborated with the Navajo Nation to name features on Mars using the Navajo language. The Perseverance rover’s team designated landmarks with names like “Máaz” (Mars), “Yéigo” (diligence), and “Séítah” (amongst the sand), showcasing the resilience of the native language on a global scale.

Yazzie regularly speaks to Native American students, encouraging them to pursue their interests in science and engineering. He wants everyone to know that there is a place for them in these fields and that diverse perspectives are essential to solving the complex challenges of the future.

In celebrating Aaron Yazzie, we celebrate the importance of representation, resilience, and the powerful combination of culture and science. His work at NASA is a shining example of how engineers can use their skills not only to advance technology but also to honor and uplift their communities.

Revolutionizing Energy: Advanced Battery Technology and Storage Solutions featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

The shift to sustainable energy is accelerating, driven by breakthroughs in battery and energy storage technologies that promise to revolutionize both electric vehicles and power grids. Solid-state batteries are set to transform EVs with higher energy density, faster charging, and enhanced safety, while innovative grid-scale solutions like flow batteries, thermal energy storage, and AI-optimized systems will stabilize renewable energy sources. Read more on how these cutting-edge advancements are reshaping the future of clean energy.

Student Profile – Shivam Hasurkar

Shivam Ravindra Hasurkar is a master’s student in software engineering, specializing in enterprise technologies. Growing up in Kolhapur, India, Shivam has journeyed far, both geographically and academically, as he immerses himself in the culture of Silicon Valley and the opportunities it provides.

Growing up surrounded by computers and smartphones, Shivam’s curiosity for software was sparked at a young age. This interest guided him toward a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, three internships, and a position at Persistent Systems in Pune. There, he focused on legacy C++ for 5G and voice protocol projects, even earning a Bravo Award for his efforts.

In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Shivam’s interests extend beyond his studies. He won the LAHacks hackathon in the AI track, serving as Vice President of the Indian Student Organization at SJSU, and hosts a podcast called Unboxing Stories, which has listeners in over 14 countries.

This past summer, Shivam interned at @Adobe on the Premiere Pro team, tasked with the “Import as Proxy” feature. Working with Adobe’s complex 25-year-old C++ codebase was a challenge, but Shivam completed the project knowing it would be used by thousands of Premiere Pro users. Adobe’s collaborative and inclusive culture left a profound impact on him, and seeing employees who have worked there for decades spoke volumes about the company’s positive work environment. “It was incredible to see how Adobe places such a high value on collaboration and respect for diverse perspectives,” he says. Currently, Shivam is working part-time at FetchAI, developing AI agents.

Shivam landed the internship with Adobe by connecting with an SJSU alumni on LinkedIn, who referred him for the role, giving him a leg up in the pool of candidates. Shivam’s advice to other students is, “Don’t give up. Rejections are a part of the process, but consistency and strategic applications make a huge difference.”

Reflecting on his journey, he urges students to explore different career paths to discover what resonates most, sharing that his opportunities have often come from simply reaching out and taking a chance. “If you don’t ask, the answer is always ‘no,’” he says.

With a wealth of experience from multiple internships and two full-time jobs, Shivam wants to work on products that blend customer needs with technical innovation. “I want to use my programming skills to solve real-world problems in a way that’s user-centric,” he shares. With a long-term vision to design solutions that make a meaningful impact. As he continues to grow, he is an example for those who dream big and work hard, can turn those dreams into reality.

National Native American Heritage Month

National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans while also acknowledging the complex legacy of land issues that Indigenous people have faced. This month provides an opportunity to recognize Indigenous resilience, creativity, and leadership throughout history and today. It serves as a time to learn about the cultural heritage and histories of Native American tribes, their traditions, and the impactful roles they have played in shaping the nation.

National Semiconductor Technology Center coming to Bay Area featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

California has been chosen to host the National Semiconductor Technology Center, bringing a major boost to America’s semiconductor capabilities right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Supported by the CHIPS and Science Act, this new facility in Sunnyvale will connect top-tier tech talent, research, industry partnerships, and more importantly present opportunities to SJSU engineering students.

Read the full story now!

Fun Fact on Nov 7

1893: women got the right to vote in Colorado, U.S, this is the second state to grant women this right
1916: Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to the United States Congress
1989: Douglas Wilder became the first elected Black governor in the United States.
1989: David Dinkins became the first elected Black mayor of New York City.