Benny Tang

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I’m the manager for Professional Member Services. My job is to add value to the lives of the professional members that are in SHPE!

What was your first job?

My first job was tutoring mathematics at UCF! I tutored college algebra, trigonometry, and precalculus!

Ruben Mercado

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I help connect students and companies for exciting and fulfilling internship opportunities.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I moved around a lot due to my father’s work growing up and went to 4 different high schools.

Meredith Gonzalez

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

Manage the Registration and Housing of SHPE events.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I was the one who proposed to my husband!

Claire B. Hayhow

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I perform duties such as travel arranging, meetings, expense reports, etc.  Essentially anything the CEO needs.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I am a new grandmother. My daughter gave birth to a beautiful little girl in February and I enjoy watching her as much as I can.

Anna Devatour

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I am one of the event coordinators. Making sure the committee members are prepared for NC. Also assisting all managers in the department.

Which fictional family would you want to be a part of and why?

I would like to be a part of the Incredibles, even though they are a family of four together they can take on any mission.

Shannon Whittle

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I support HR functions for SHPE and ensure our employees have what they need to be successful beginning with onboarding and beyond.

What was your first job?

I worked at an ice cream shop at 17 and have been slightly burned out on ice cream ever since!

Avis Fillingham, CMP

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

As part of the Events Team, I help bring exceptional experiences to our members attending any of our events.

What was your first job?

My first job outside of working on the family farm was as a fry cook at a local drive-in restaurant.

Yajaira De La Paz

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I am a community builder & STEM advocate of pre-college and collegiate programs facilitating spaces of belonging with our members and parents. Currently, designing a first-year college experience program for Equipando Padres- empowering & equipping parents with tools in engineering education

What was your first job?

My first job was working as a hostess for Acapulco Playa Restaurant. Endless chips and salsa with an ocean breeze were a plus! 

Melissa Gonzales

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

Responsible for creating and strengthening relationships between SHPE members and Partner organizations that will last a lifetime.

What was your first job?

Worked for a Youth Enrichment Program at 14, where they promote healthy youth development, and we would go to the pool all summer long!

Raquel Elorriaga

What do you do for SHPE in 25 words or fewer?

I provide support to our sponsors pertaining to our National Convention and Spring Conferences.

What is one interesting fact about you?

In my downtime I sing, play guitar, write, record, and perform music professionally. I have even had the opportunity to be a backup vocalist for gigs in venues as big as The Forum in Los Angeles.