Throughout its nearly 100-year history, Black employees have made contributions to RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation) and Pratt & Whitney.

RTX is proud of its legacy of dependable engines that have helped Black pioneers in aviation take to the skies. For instance, the Tuskegee Airmen flew the P-47 Thunderbolt and the R-2800 Double Wasp engine.

Duran Gunter’s professional accomplishments are equally commendable, as he has significantly contributed to projects of national importance, including the next-generation Air Force One aircraft.

Gunter specializes in metrology non-destructive testing and materials control. As a quality and process engineering director at RTX Pratt & Whitney, his work has significantly impacted the company and the broader community.

At the 38th annual BEYA STEM Conference hosted in Baltimore during Black History Month, Gunter received the Dave Barclay Affirmative Action Award, and in his acceptance speech, he shared how deeply honored he was to receive it.

“My commitment to diversity is deeply rooted in my upbringing in South Carolina, a community that supported me and inspired me to pay it forward,” Gunter said. “As a leader, I have championed minority representation and fostered inclusion, recognizing its pivotal role in driving innovation. My advice to all of you is to embrace diversity as a goal and a source of strength. Inclusion isn’t a mere check in the box; it’s a powerful catalyst for innovation and progression. Let’s continue to advance diversity in STEM and propel ourselves forward. As the saying goes, ‘If I can help somebody along the way, my living won’t be in vain.'”

Gunter is the social action chair for the Mu Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and program chair for the Charleston branch of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Professional Chapter.

He has led the annual Walk for Education event, which underscores his commitment to promoting opportunities for underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

He also decided to undergo extensive training to become a reserve deputy in South Carolina with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department to build bridges between law enforcement and the community.