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.

Juan Ponce

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

I provide technical support when a computer isn’t computing like it should.

What was your first job?

My first job was at a pizzeria making pizza calzones!

Demian Servin Hernandez

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

Marketing, education and design are my passion. I love telling stories that connect with people’s hearts and minds.

What was your first job?

My first job was at a photography studio where I was able to immerse myself working with Adobe Photoshop.

Melanie Wein

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

I plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the policies, activities, and staff of the HR department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the organization’s mission and talent strategy.

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

I’m a huge ‘Harry Potter’ fan, so I’d like to be a Weasley.  They just seem like so much fun!

Isabel Woods

What do you do for SHPE?

Provide financial support and assistance in all grants processes

What was your first job?

Amnesty program teacher for adults who were working on establishing citizenship in the U.S.

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Rebecca Pebley

What do you do for SHPE?

I work with an amazing team to create the best spring conferences for our chapters!

What was your first job?

I worked at Rushville Florist first as an admin and worked my way up to be a seasonal florist. Bow making is still one of my specialties.

Andrea D. Beattie, M.A.

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

​I manage the data and assessment projects for SHPE.

What is one interesting fact about you?

I am from Laredo, TX, a city that borders Mexico in southern Texas. Laredo has the largest land port to Mexico and is known for its month-long Washington’s Birthday Celebration.

Anna G. Patrick

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

My focus is to ensure that members experience a high level of excellence, service, and support throughout their journey at SHPE.

What was your first job?

As a teenager, I was a sales associate at Famous Footwear in the Houston area. I still rearrange the boxes when shopping at shoe stores. Yes, I know it is a bit weird!