Recognizing Dr. Walt Braithwaite

He is known as the father of Computer Aided Design at Boeing, and as we close out Black History Month, the life of Dr. Walt Braithwaite (1945-), one of hard work and the belief in STEM education, is worth celebrating.

Born in 1945 in Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Braithwaite completed his engineering studies at the American Institute of Engineering and Technology, and then joined The Boeing Company in 1966, where he worked his way up from Tool Engineer to VP of Corporate Administration and finally President of Boeing Africa. 

“Those of us who come from places like Jamaica, where you had to work hard to make sure that things happened, saw all these opportunities; we just had to reach out and take them,” said Dr. Braithwaite upon receiving his 1995 Black Engineer of the Year award. “Coming to the United States, you see the opportunity and you say, ‘Wow! I didn’t have that at home so I’m going to take advantage of that here.’”

Dr. Braithwaite’s book, My Global Journey, is worth seeking out. It’s “the story of my life's journey with emphasis on education, experience, being prepared, and the benefits that can be realized. Also our responsibilities as good citizens.”

Center of Excellence Executive Director Jason Petrait is proud to call Dr. Braithwaite a family friend.