Seana McNeal is a senior general engineer attached to the aerospace systems directorate of the U.S. Air Force Materiel Command. She has managed projects that allow the Air Force to capitalize on the rapid development of power electronics.

She adapts available technology to fit the demanding requirements of military aircraft. She has also translated technical information to Congress and defended the aerospace systems directorate's $500 million portfolio.

She recently became a deputy program manager for the Air Force department's first University Affiliated Research Center, which will feature historically Black college and university (HBCU) led tactical autonomy research.

"I am a product of the Wright STEPP program, which introduced Dayton, Ohio, students to what engineers do and what careers are possible," McNeal said during her acceptance speech at the Women of Color STEM Conference this fall. "I was blessed to have the opportunity to intern with the Air Force Research Laboratory, which led to permanent employment. This pattern of discovering possibilities and showing up for opportunities repeated throughout my career. I emphasize this when I speak to students and professionals alike. Ask questions, find out how you can be of service, and when given a chance, take it, and run with it. I'm grateful to God and especially those who have provided mentorship, advocacy, and especially access along the way."

McNeal was one of four Air Force civilians and uniformed non-commissioned officers recognized for outstanding professional achievement and demonstrating exemplary community service at the 2022 Women of Color STEM Conference.

The Wright Science, Technology and Engineering Preparatory (STEP) program was a collaboration between Dayton Public Schools, Wright State University, and Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The program was initiated in 1988 to develop science education for the youth in city public schools, mostly comprised of first-generation college and economically challenged students. The goal was to introduce students to various engineering disciplines along with written and oral communication training.