Blacks Pilots of America, Inc. - Washington Chapter - A 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization
THE FUTURE THRUST AWARDS
11th The Future Thrust Awards
November 22, 2025
5:30 pm
Renton Technical College
3000 NE 4th St.
Renton, WA 98056
Every year, we revel in the success of the Red-Tailed Hawks Youth Program and celebrate Future Thrust Award Honorees for their efforts to Thrust young people into their Futures.
The Future Thrust Awards are designed to honor individuals for outstanding service to others. The focus is on those that offer a hand-up to the generations that follow them. Future Thrust Awards recognize people that demonstrate an affinity for youth programs, education and career development.
The Future Thrust Award honorees are celebrated annually and presented by the Red-Tailed Hawks Flying Club, which is charted by Black Pilots of America, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. This fundraising social event supports the RTH Youth Program and the BPA “Les Morris” Summer Flight Academy.
HONOREES
Dr. Brent Jones, Seattle Schools, for propelling Education
Dr. Brent Jones has dedicated his career to making sure all students thrive by transforming organizational culture and redesigning PreK-12 systems and supports.
With extensive public sector expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, change management, and human resources, Dr. Jones has demonstrated experience creating the right conditions and systems for advancing educational justice.
As the Seattle Public Schools chief equity, partnerships, and engagement officer he developed the district’s strategy for Eliminating Opportunity Gaps and roadmap for realizing racial equity for students and families. He has served in executive roles with King County, Kent School District, Seattle Colleges, and Green River College.
As superintendent, Dr. Jones’ vision was to ensure every student experiences:
- high quality instructional time and intellectually ambitious curriculum;
- ample opportunities to develop their self-identity;
- highly favorable and welcoming conditions;
- exceeding standards and completion of college prep and rigorous courses.
- Dr. Jones has deep community roots and is a proud product of Seattle Public Schools and the University of Washington. He has earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He enjoys spending time with family, working out, making creative projects, and doing random acts of kindness.
Tresha Lacaux, The Boeing Company, for propelling Careers
Tresha Lacaux
Vice President and 777X Chief Project Engineer
The Boeing Company
Tresha Lacaux is a highly accomplished aerospace engineer and is recognized for her leadership and dedication to advancing innovation and diversity within the STEM fields. She currently serves as the Vice President and 777X Chief Project Engineer at The Boeing Company. In this role, she holds the responsibility for the safety, product integrity, and technical excellence of the innovative 777X jetliner, the world's largest and most efficient twin-engine aircraft. Her contributions are shaping the future of aviation, setting new standards for efficiency, passenger experience, and environmental responsibility.
Beyond her technical expertise, Tresha is a dedicated advocate for creating pathways for underrepresented groups in STEM. She actively contributes to organizations like the Washington Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program, where she helps develop programs to bridge the STEM education gap. Tresha is a member of several engineering advisory boards at Seattle University, where she helps shape curriculum, provide industry perspectives, and create opportunities for underrepresented youth. Tresha also actively mentors young professionals and shares her experiences as a speaker at industry events.
Tresha’s achievements have earned her accolades such as the Women of Color Professional Achievement in Industry Award, and recipient of the BEYA Professional Achievement Award, highlighting her significant contributions to the aerospace industry and her role as an influential leader. She serves as an inspiring role model, embodying the values of innovation, excellence, and inclusivity and motivating others to pursue their passions in STEM.
Tresha holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Seattle University and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, demonstrating her commitment to education and professional development.
November 22, 2025
11th Future Thrust Awards
November 22, 2025
5:30 pm
Renton Technical College
3000 NE 4th St.
Renton, WA 98056