Quiet Strong ― First African American Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diver

Cynthia Byrd Conner is the daughter of Sherman and Louise Byrd. Recently retired, she was employed by the Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, Southeast Regional Maintenance Center as a Management and Program Analyst in the Engineering Department. A 1983 graduate of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s apprenticeship program in Non Destructive Testing, she was certified in ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid dye penetrant testing. She has over 26 years of experience in ship maintenance and repair. Furthering her education, she graduated from Florida State College at Jacksonville, with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management. Cindy is a member of the Organization of Black Maritime Graduates, a 503c organization that educates, mentors, and provides scholarships for minorities from all over the world so that they can attend the State University of New York Maritime College. She is also a member of the Florida Writers Association and the Military Writers Society of America. Married to Alton M. Conner for over thirty-five years, they continue to joyfully strive to fulfill God’s will for their lives. God has blessed them with a daughter, son, son-in-law, and granddaughter. They all reside in the beautiful city of Jacksonville, Florida.