I’m thrilled to partner with SWE to celebrate this important day. SWE played a pivotal role in my college experience at Fresno State while I pursued my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. It gave me a community of women and allies that made those moments—like being one of only two women in a class—feel less isolating. I knew others had walked this path before me, and many more would follow.
Today, I serve on the National Board of Directors for SHPE, another organization that has shaped my engineering journey since I joined in 2018. Within SHPE, SHPEtinas accelerates and affirms Latina representation in STEM leadership. Each year, this track grows as more Latinas pursue STEM degrees, creating a ripple effect that I’ve personally experienced.
I want to share a story about how I almost stepped away from SHPE—and how SHPEtinas helped me find my way back. Picture this: Spring 2021. You’ve just graduated in the middle of a pandemic with an engineering degree. After applying to hundreds of jobs, you have two offers: one in engineering and one on Capitol Hill. You choose DC for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s incredible, but a few months in, you know it’s not your long-term path.
At that point, I hadn’t engaged with SWE or SHPE since graduation. I was in that tricky transition from student to professional. Then, a mentor from SHPE reached out about the upcoming SHPE conference. On a whim, I booked a flight and went—alone, without an agenda. My mentor took me under her wing and introduced me to the SHPEtinas track. Those sessions reignited my passion for these communities and reminded me why having a village matters.
Through those connections, I learned about an opportunity at Eaton, where I now work as a Sales Engineer. Every step of my career has been influenced by SHPE—and SWE—because they provide mentorship and community. That’s why I ran for the board: to give back and keep the cycle going.
In the end, girlhood is what helped me and the advice I have for you in finding your way through STEM as a girl. Join mentorship programs. Ask someone you admire to mentor you. STEM isn’t easy—it can be frustrating—but it’s worth it. You don’t have to be perfect. You’ll stumble, but you’ll rise. And when you have a strong support system, those doubts quiet down, resilience builds, and getting back up becomes easier.
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SHPE is committed to celebrating milestones and achievements of women and girls in STEM across the country. Check out past initiatives:Â
Fireside Chat Celebrating Women and Girls in STEM
Special Message from Young Kim
Special Message from Kim Schrier
Special Message from Haley Stevens