From his elementary school years through his time at the University of New Hampshire and beyond, Glenn Delgado ‘84 had to navigate spaces where he was a minority.
This ability helped him build resilience and focus on the big picture, propelling him to distinguished careers in the Navy and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Delgado, a hospital administration graduate from the UNH College of Health and Human Services, was inducted into the UNH Diversity Hall of Fame for his lifelong commitment to social justice and equity on Friday, September 27.
"I've received numerous awards throughout my life, and this ranks right up there. I was honored by the Congressional Black Caucus (editor’s note: he was named a Small Business Advocate Living Legend) and received a Presidential Rank Award from President Obama for my work throughout my 43-year career in the government. However, I will brag about this induction the most.”
Delgado’s Time at UNH
When Delgado arrived at UNH in 1981, he had already served more than five years in the Air Force, was an EMT, had a nursing license, and worked in procurement at Pease Air Force Base.
The lack of diversity on campus, coupled with his older age, sometimes made his experience isolating. Yet, moments of kindness helped him, including classmates babysitting his son and a professor allowing him to set up a playpen in class.
"Without people helping me and accommodating me, I wouldn’t have been able to get through it,” Delgado says.
Despite his qualifications, Delgado faced significant hurdles in landing a job in hospital administration.
“I went on at least seven, maybe eight interviews, and on paper, I looked great. But when I got in front of them, and they saw I had a better tan than they did, their faces dropped,” Delgado says. “I remember three of them wouldn’t even let me sit down. They just thanked me for coming and showed me the door.”
While waiting in the job placement office at UNH, a small magazine ad for the Navy's contracting intern program caught his eye.
“I'm a firm believer in fate. And it was fate that I sat down, grabbed that magazine, and opened that page,” Delgado says.
Finding A New Path
Delgado climbed the Navy ranks, managing contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars for significant defense projects, including the F-18 aircraft, helicopter engines, and other high-value equipment. His strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex procurement deals earned him increasing responsibilities.
Eventually, his success in the Navy led to an opportunity at NASA, where he would spend the next 17 years as the head of the agency’s Small Business Program, ensuring that underserved communities were able to have a fair chance to participate in the approximately $18 billion in contracts that NASA awards annually.
Creating Opportunities for Minorities
One of his significant initiatives was the HBCU Technology Infusion Road Tour, which brought NASA decision-makers to Historically Black Colleges and Universities to see their capabilities firsthand.
“We worked to open doors for those who weren’t given a chance. It wasn’t just about checking a box, but making real change,” Delgado says.
Delgado also extended his efforts to other underrepresented groups, including women-owned businesses and the LGBTQ+ community. Through partnerships with organizations like the National Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, he ensured that NASA’s contracting opportunities were accessible to diverse businesses.
Delgado credits his time at UNH for laying the groundwork for the rest of his life. From learning to read people to managing strategic plans, the skills he developed at the university were critical in shaping his approach to navigating his complex careers at both the Navy and NASA.
“You’ve got to think big picture and pick your battles to win the war,” Delgado advises. "And always be ready to make the best of the opportunities that come your way.”
