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| Calvin Stevens |
During the National Delegates Assembly of the organization earlier this year, Calvin Stevens, a former Inkster resident, was awarded the Distinguished Service Hall of Fame Award. He is one of only 43 members worldwide to have achieved the honor and is now referred to as “the honorable” in his title. Stevens, who has worked with the organization since joining in 1996, is the Region IV Council president, and has worked at the local, regional and national levels. He is a resident of South DeKalb, GA.
When he joined BIG, he was working with the U.S. General Services Administration but retired in 2009 as Supervisor Marketing Specialist.
While at Inkster High School, he served as senior class president and was a drum major and percussionist in the varsity band. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in economics from Davenport University. He has studied at numerous universities, including Georgia State University, George Washington University and Fort Valley State University. He completed the USDA Graduate School Executive Potential Program and Management Development Seminar; the highly acclaimed Senior Executive Fellows Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Stevens, a featured speaker, motivator and presenter, was the keynote speaker at the 50th commencement celebration at Inkster High School. He is also an author, publishing Four Steps in Developing Your A.C.E. (Attitude, Commitment and Enthusiasm). Stevens retired in 2007 as a first sergeant for the 94 Civil Engineer Squadron, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, GA.
The BIG Distinguished Service Hall of Fame Award is reserved for members who have made “exceptional contributions” at the national, regional, and local levels over a period of no less than 15 years. Nominees for the honor must be recommended by their chapter and regional councils and verified for eligibility by the National Board of Directors of BIG.
The organization was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1975 by Black female federal employees who wanted to be sure they received their fair share of career opportunities. Today, the now international organization focuses on training and career development while providing assistance to government employees who feel they have been discriminated against in the workplace, according to Stevens, who has retired from government service but still volunteers with the group. He added that despite the name the organization is not open only to Black government employees. “Anyone who embraces the spirit of our work is welcome to join us,” Stevens said.
“I'm a living testimony to its benefits,” said Stevens, noting that he has seen the organization make a difference in his career and in the lives and careers of other government employees. “I've seen smart, capable people who were able to live up to their potential because BIG helped them get the training and mentoring to move along the right career path.”
During his years with BIG, Stevens has received many recognitions, including the 2013 Region IV Council BIG President's Award, the 2006 BIG National Presidential Award, the 2005 Region IV Distinguished Service Award, and the Atlanta Metro Chapter 20th Anniversary Leadership Award. “But this is the major one,” he said of his recent honor. “I'm so excited. I'm not sure it's fully sunk in with me that I actually was chosen for this recognition.”
Stevens and his wife, Eleanor, are the parents of three adult children and grandparents of three.
