YOU Belong In STEM Initiative: April 2024 Conference

On April 12, SHPE took part in the “YOU Belong in STEM” initiative’s second conference at the White House, hosted by the Department of Education. This significant event drew key figures including U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, as well as other members of the Biden-Harris Administration dedicated to improving STEM education for both students and educators.

U.S. Department of Education YOU Belong in STEM Video Montage

The conference was a chance for advocates and leaders from across the nation to come together and highlight the strides made towards the initiative, which aims to conclude in 2025. In the opening remarks, various participants who had made significant contributions to the initiative were honored. SHPE was proudly recognized for its achievements, and we had the privilege to speak to both the in-person audience and those tuning in via livestream. We shared our success in exceeding our goal of engaging 7,500 Hispanic youths, reaching a total of 16,888 individuals through SHPE Virtual STEM Labs. Furthermore, we announced our commitment to providing $3.6 million through our ScholarSHPE program by 2025, having already awarded $3.3 million in the first year.

While SHPE will not be launching new projects in 2024, we are committed to achieving our current goal of engaging 2,000 Hispanic parents through our Equipando Padres program by 2025. By strengthening parent involvement, SHPE strives to better equip parents to support their children’s pursuit of STEM careers. Our ultimate goal is to be a valuable resource for those supporting Hispanic students, and we look forward to sharing our successes and insights at the conclusion of the initiative in 2025.

To stay updated on our progress: #YOUBelongIn STEM Progress Report | March 2024

SHPE Members on Capitol Hill to Advocate for Hispanics in STEM

On April 17, 2024, SHPE made history by hosting its first Hill Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, bringing nearly 70 of its members to advocate for Hispanics in STEM. Conversations with then members of Congress, and 65 additional meetings with Congressional, Committee, and Leadership office staff focused on bridging the existing workforce gap by leveraging Hispanic talent to meet the demands of STEM industries, emerging technologies, and national security interests. By fostering pathways for student achievement from K-12 and enhancing accessibility to professional development initiatives, SHPE is committed to working with Congress on propelling more Hispanics forward in STEM fields with their help. 

As the nation’s largest association representing Hispanics in STEM, SHPE is motivated by the fast growth of the Hispanic community in the country and how they’re uniquely positioned to close the current workforce gap in STEM, as well as, the 10.9 million additional job openings expected by 2031.  

During SHPE’s Hill Day, participants asked Congress to work with SHPE on expediting parity between engineering & tech degrees awarded and the proportion of Hispanics in the workforce much earlier than the estimated projection of 2060, recognizing how community-based organizations like SHPE could optimize their impact in the Hispanic community with the direct support of federal investments. 

When speaking with Congressional offices, constituents discussed the critical role of SHPE in the STEM ecosystem. With its finger on the pulse of the fastest growing demographic in the country, and 50 years of fostered relationships in the STEM industry, SHPE works directly with the private and public sectors to address job market needs with a diverse talent pool comprised of Hispanic individuals with non-traditional and traditional backgrounds. These partnerships allow SHPE to build a bridge between Hispanics and STEM, effectively creating a superhighway of wrap-around services that attract and retain students from an early age all throughout their professional careers in STEM fields. 

By sharing their personal stories, constituents were a testament of success. Their impressive experiences and professional trajectories served as evidence to both Republican and Democratic offices that SHPE is seriously doing a remarkable job in adding highly qualified individuals to the U.S. workforce, approximately 3,000 annually. As a non-profit organization, SHPE remains committed to expanding its reach to various demographics, including first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, those from low-income backgrounds, residents of remote areas, community college attendees, aspiring and veteran servicemen. This concerted effort aims to bolster a robust domestic pipeline of Hispanic talent thus strengthening our domestic workforce. 

Expanding on the experiences shared by constituents, SHPE suggested that federal investments targeting improvements in STEM education and workforce development should prioritize community-based 501(c)(3) organizations as key recipients of competitive grant funding. Both Congressional Representatives and staff supported this proposal, recognizing SHPE’s potential to effectively utilize federal investments in extending its outreach and influence within the Hispanic community. SHPE emphasizes that enhancing the involvement of Hispanics in STEM fields is vital for advancing our domestic economy, enhancing global competitiveness, and meeting workforce demands, provided that appropriate resources are allocated to support these efforts. 

The delegation of SHPE members included –

Abel Antonio Barrios
Alberto Alonso Sandoval
Alejandra Taulet
Ana Sofia Camacho
Andrea Carolina Godoy Perez
Andrea Gabriela Rivera
Andrew Isaac Yanez
Andrew Steven Garcia
Anthony Jara
Anthony Martinez Rosales
Bismarck Chiang
Brianna Marlene Soriano
Brissa Yazmin Quiroz Enriquez
Carlos Branco Gutierrez Gil
Catherine Grace Trevino
Cecilia Wingze Ochoa
Christian Presley Newkirk
Daniel Luna Quezada
Darian Uriarte
Denise Garcia Mesa
Diana Elisa Gomez
Diana Vanesa Centeno Maurad
Eduarmar R Flores Sanchez
Edward Miranda
Elany Saavedra
Emily Chavez
Erik Modesto Reyes
Fernanda Maria Ballesteros Paniagua
Hannah Margaret Sierra
Jacobo Miranda
James Narey
Jasmin Emely Lopez
Jeraldin Guerrero
Jessica Marie Flores
Jessica Torres Torres
Jessica Velez
Jocelyn Jacqueline Garcia
John Thomas Paredes
John Wallace
Jose Sergio Garcia, Jr.
Josefina Carmen Alvarez
Julissa Saenz
Karen Lizette Santos Garcia
Karen Yesenia Hernandez
Kelvin Alexander Guzman Baez
Lesly Stefany Rojas Caloca
Margarita Colmenares
Mariana Lopez
Martha Elizabeth Ventura
Melanie Weber
Melissa Villegas Drake
Michael Saony Hidalgo
Natalie Davila Rendon
Nayleth Guadalupe Ramirez Duarte
Nicolas Valencia Diaz
Odalys Lopez
Oscar O Marquina Romero
Stephanie Moreno Rivera
Xitlali Guadalupe Montoya-Hernandez
Zachary Alexander Torres

SHPE Names Suzanna Valdez Wolfe as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

(City of Industry, CA) — SHPE has named Suzanna Valdez Wolfe as their next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Her resume includes over 30 years of experience in the public, non-profit and private sectors, including several roles during the Clinton-Gore administration, and having been appointed as an advisor on more than a dozen NGO boards, she is an expert in leadership and team development, strategic planning, fundraising and philanthropy, coalition building, and process integration.

The vetting process took roughly a year, and to guide this important decision, SHPE’s Board of Directors brought in Wipfli, a top-tier consulting firm, to develop, implement, and manage the CEO selection process from start to finish. As the selection process narrowed the nationwide pool of highly capable applicants, it became clear Suzanna was the right person for SHPE.

“She understands our mission, our legacy, and the direction SHPE is moving in,” says Board Chair Will Davis. “She demonstrated her innate ability to bring people together while fostering a commitment to a common goal. She is exceedingly humble even though she has many noteworthy accomplishments she could tout. And she is, at the end of the day, a strategic thinker and a collaborative problem solver driven by data – traits any engineer or scientist can respect!”

Suzanna succeeds Lifetime member and former Board Chair, Miguel Alemañy, who stepped up as SHPE’s interim CEO in March 2023. “It has been a privilege to serve at the helm of SHPE this past year,” Miguel reflects. “And I couldn’t be more excited for Suzanna to take the reins as the SHPE CEO. She is a nationally respected community-builder who truly values the members and stakeholders that make SHPE’s Familia the envy of organizations everywhere. She brings a wealth of sector knowledge and her vision aligns perfectly with where we want to go.”

Based in Miami, Suzanna comes to SHPE most recently as a founding member of Partners For NonProfits, an advisory firm dedicated to advancing the mission of nonprofit organizations. Prior to that role Ms. Valdez Wolfe served as the first-ever Chief Impact Officer at Taproot Foundation. And before that, she spent nearly 12 years at the Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts raising over $40 million during her tenure. She also has extensive experience working in the public sector, including the White House.

Ultimately, however, Suzanna is a leader who knows what it means to be a Hispanic woman in a world that may not always understand or appreciate what that represents. About her new role, she says “SHPE embodies so much of what Hispanics have to offer the world, and I can’t wait to continue to share our remarkable potential. It is a privilege to take on this role as the SHPE CEO, and I recognize the trust you must have in me to usher SHPE into our next 50 years of success. I am deeply committed to our mission and look forward to closing the gap between Hispanics and STEM.”

View the entire SHPE staff >

SHPE Attends the World Economic Forum in Davos

Davos, Switzerland skyline

In January, SHPE attended the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This yearly convening welcomes over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

SHPE representatives, Interim CEO Miguel Alemañy and Chief External Relations Officer Monique Herrera were invited by the We Are All Human Foundation to join the Hispanic Delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The overarching goal was to prioritize the importance of unity and the representation of Latinos in global decision-making. This delegation aims to ensure that Hispanic voices are heard and that Hispanic leaders have a seat at the table when decisions impacting their communities are made.

While this was SHPE’s second time joining the global gathering, Miguel and Monique were not in unfamiliar territory. Many of the organization’s greatest supporters had both representation and influence there. SHPE partners like IBM, Microsoft, Bank of America, Accenture, Qualcomm, and JP Morgan Chase were major players in discussions that took place both on the stages and in more intimate one-on-one meetings throughout the week.

“The access we had to industry decision-makers was truly remarkable,“ says Monique. “It was incredibly valuable to be able to have a myriad of conversations with various corporate leaders in one place. What might usually take weeks or months to make happen due to cross-country travel and scheduling, we could accomplish in one evening while we were there.”

This year, the Forum’s theme was “Rebuilding Trust.” Mainly in response to the rise of AI and the effect on the global workforce, it was designed to be a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability. 

Speaker sessions and panels provided important insights into the future of the STEM employee. Key learnings included the role of the knowledge worker in conjunction with the tactical abilities of machines driven by AI. Exploration, curiosity, and passion are traits uniquely available to humans, and those are the qualities that should be encouraged and fostered in our workforce.

There was also a lot of emphasis on pre-skilling workers, or, in other words, training employees for the next generation of tech before current jobs become obsolete. This not only ensures a smooth transition for companies, but builds security and loyalty among the workforce.

Companies were reminded that their fortunes lay in the hands and on the shoulders of  middle management – meaning that the recruitment and retention of middle managers is paramount to their success.

And a commitment to DEI was reinforced consistently throughout the conference. Regardless of some growing skepticism of such programs, corporate leaders reasserted that DEI still comes down to dollars and cents. “It does not matter what you call it,” said one speaker, “you just have to do it.” It will cost companies more in the end not to do DEI. Forget about the legality of it all, the products will be richer, more innovative, more in demand. DEI is here to stay even if the name changes. 

“We walked away with three truths,” says Miguel. “STEM careers, including tens of thousands of cybersecurity jobs, are still on the rise and will be for the next 20, 30, 50 years. As the 5th largest economy in the world, Hispanics are both an economic powerhouse and workforce goldmine in the coming decades. And SHPE is uniquely positioned to answer the call of this supply and demand with our passionate, resilient, and eager members.”

“This experience was helpful on two levels,” Monique added. “It reinforced that SHPE’s current programs are providing necessary pre-skill training, leadership development, and problem solving for the next generation of STEM workers. It also helped us lay a groundwork for new programs that will address some of the challenges facing an evolving tech-centered world in the future. In all, it was an incredible experience, but it also felt like one that SHPE deserved and needed to be a part of.”

SHPE is beyond grateful for the partners that made this trip possible. Thank you to We Are All Human Foundation, HACE, Latinas in TECH, Martin Cabrera with Cabrera Capital, Dr. Robert Rodriguez, and HACR. SHPE looks forward to working together in the coming years  to elevate the influence and recognition of Hispanics.

SHPE Attends Women Mentoring Women, Conversations with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House 

On Wednesday, January 10, SHPE took part in a very special event with the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Jill Biden. The event’s conversation focused on “Women Mentoring Women,” bringing together advocates from foundations, companies, social justice, and tech organizations committed to uplifting women in their respective fields nationwide.  Representing SHPE with pride during this distinguished occasion was SHPE Government Relations and Public Affairs Director, Mariana Acuña Delgado. 

In partnership with the “Know Your Value” movement, a nationwide initiative devoted to supporting, inspiring, and empowering women to reach their fullest potential, the First Lady hosted a candid conversation on the impactful lessons that shaped her career. As a fervent advocate for education, health, and financial autonomy, the First Lady spoke about the crucial role of eliminating biases in order to enhance opportunities of upward economic mobility for women. When asked about what gives her hope about future generations, she turned, noting that all organizations present – SHPE included – serve as exemplar leaders of change for women in their communities.  

This conversation was particularly impactful for SHPE’s mission as it aims to increase the representation of Latinas in STEM. It further reinforced the valuable role of SHPEtinas in the workplace and their resilience into creating a stronger support ecosystem in society for all Hispanic women, no matter their age, personal or professional journeys. Mariana Acuña Delgado reflected on the conversation, saying, “Some of the biggest takeaways from the conversation were that career pathways or success aren’t linear. That’s why we must prioritize our well-being along the way and slow down to enjoy every second of our personal and professional growth. Most importantly, celebrate small wins without comparing the timeline of our own experiences to others.”  

SHPE is deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been included in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Attending and listening to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden was a tremendous honor. Being in the company of extraordinary leaders and advocates for women from across the nation, while witnessing firsthand the passion driving Dr. Biden’s initiatives aimed at leveling the playing field for women, has provided our team with added strength to persist incentivizing positive change for generations of Latinas to come. 

Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC interviews Dr. Jill Biden for a “Know Your Value” segment as part of the “Women Mentoring” Women event.

SHPE Presents in Public Meeting Before President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics

On December 19, 2023, Dayna L. Martínez, Senior Director of Research & Impact, represented SHPE in a panel discussion before President Biden’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics. The Commission advises the President, through the Secretary of Education, on matters related to educational equity and economic opportunity for the Hispanic and Latino community.

During the panel “Accelerating Latino Student Learning and Success with Community and Data,” Dr. Martínez briefed the commissioners, members of the U.S. Department of Education, White House Hispanic Initiative, and community advocates on SHPE’s accomplishments. She identified areas of opportunity to further narrow the gap between the Hispanic community and STEM. By leveraging data findings in the 2023 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering & Tech Report and our “YOU Belong In STEM” Initiative Commitments, Dr. Martínez spoke about intentional approaches to ensure our STEM workforce attracts and retains more Hispanics, creating economic mobility opportunities in line with STEM employment projections.

SHPE’s recommendations to the commission result from our unique position to address upcoming workforce challenges. With our extensive network of industry and academic partners and real-time understanding of our community’s needs, SHPE is well-equipped to optimize investments aimed at broadening the participation of groups like ours. SHPE is honored to have been invited to speak during this public meeting and recognized as a strong stakeholder in raising the bar in STEM education and workforce development advocating for the Hispanic community.

Remembering Daniel Salazar

This past August, we lost a member of our Familia, Daniel Salazar. Daniel worked for SHPE as an Accounts Payable Specialist from 2015 – 2019, and his presence among our staff made a lasting impression. While he was serious about living a life of service and faith, his wit and quiet enthusiasm surrounded him with a lightness that was a privilege to work with.

Daniel Salazar was born a proud Angelino on June 17, 1984 at Los Angeles County General Hospital. Although his childhood was full of challenges, his approach was full of the same humor and zeal he became so well known for. As his wife, Vera Pinzon, put it, “He grew up in South Central Los Angeles during the crack epidemic of the 80’s and 90’s. He loved mentioning this because, although one would say that is a terrible thing, Daniel was proud of his upbringing and his family. His ability to later celebrate the fact that he overcame obstacles that not everyone would, is proof of his resilience and secretly optimistic nature.”

From 2002 – 2007 Daniel attended the University of Southern California (USC) and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Government. He would forever be a very proud fighting Trojan. 

In the years that followed, Daniel started working professionally as an accountant, which eventually led him to his role at SHPE. Here, he met many friends who would later become more like family. Whether it was celebrating Trojan football wins over rivals UCLA and Notre Dame with Josue Sandigo, Director of IT, or laughing during SHPE events with Ana Rodriguez, Daniel considered his colleagues more like cousins, aunts, and uncles than coworkers.

Some of his closest SHPE friends to shared their memories of Daniel in their own words:

“Collaborating together toward a mission of serving our members was a daily conversation. He would joke that every time I didn’t order off the dollar menu, I was taking away from a SHPE scholarship. Daniel was made for SHPE, as he knew his role was in service to others. It was never just accounting to him, rather always about our members. I will miss him terribly but always cherish our SHPE Familia bond.” –  Laura Rangel, Events (former)

“I loved seeing the pride he took in printing the checks for the contest winners, especially those who asked for a photo with him. Daniel loved going to mass after each conference, he shared  his faith and that is something I appreciated so much. I hope to continue maintaining his legacy. Tu amistad fue un regalo para todos los que te conocimos y me siento afortunada de haber tenido la oportunidad de conocerte. Amigo!” – Alma Meneses, Finance

“In loving memory of Daniel, a man of few words but a heart full of kindness. He was not only a friend but a chosen brother, whose witty nature brought people close to him like a magnet. One cherished memory is from his wedding day, where the rare smile on his face spoke volumes and it was evident that this day was the best day of his life. … I miss him everyday.” – Amanda Tovar, HR (former)

“Daniel was such a great coworker and friend during our SHPE years and as I spent time with him and his wonderful wife, Vera. I am so grateful I got the chance to know him and go on adventures in the various convention cities we attended together or to a magic show on the Queen Mary ship. To this day when I get ready for a trip I always say out loud and hear his voice in my head “Pack Snacks Nicole!” That was his joking way of telling me not to spend money on expenses. I always think of him when I see a basilica or beautiful Catholic church as I know he enjoyed going to them wherever we were. He will be greatly missed and no words can express my feelings without being sad.” – Nicole Knoderer, Events

Daniel personified the essence of SHPE’s mission. It was so evident he loved both his work and the people he worked with and for. And the feeling was certainly mutual. He will be remembered with deep fondness and forever missed.

SHPE Commends Reps. Cardenas and Salazar for Reintroducing Hispanics in STEM House Resolution

Today, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar and Congressman Tony Cardenas reintroduced their Hispanics in STEM House Resolution calling for an increased presence of Latinos in STEM fields and increased support at the federal level for initiatives aimed at accomplishing this goal. 

Among its provisions, the resolution states that the House— 

(1) supports the goal of increasing Latino individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a way to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, not only in their community, but in the overall U.S. economy; 

(2) acknowledges that, while Latino individuals have been a foundation for the United States economy, they are underrepresented in STEM fields to the detriment of these industries and the broader U.S. economy; and 

(3) encourages increased Federal support for initiatives aimed at boosting the number of Latino students who pursue STEM education and career paths, particularly engineering. 

“The re-introduction of the Hispanics in STEM House Resolution is a renewed commitment that underscores the vital role of the Hispanic community in shaping and cultivating a strong and skilled domestic workforce. As the fastest growing demographic in the nation, Hispanics are crucial to driving innovation and meeting the demands of key industries in the economy. SHPE is grateful for Representatives Cardenas and Salazar for taking steps to get Congress on board with our agenda” said Miguel Alemañy, SHPE CEO. 

“Investing in education and workforce development is critical and having more Latinos pursuing STEM degrees will help grow our economy when it is desperately needed,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Latinos, who are currently underrepresented in STEM fields, can and should help fill our country’s need for more highly skilled and technical workers. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of Latinos in STEM.” 

“STEM education changed my life,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “I had teachers tell me that I wouldn’t be able to cut it at University of California Santa Barbara and that I should train to be a mechanic rather than aiming for a degree in engineering. I overcame that negativity and ignorance, and I am proud to have seen other San Fernando Valley trailblazers like Senator Alex Padilla and Assemblywoman Luz Rivas use their STEM educations and knowledge to lead. This is why Congresswoman Salazar and I are fighting to empower more Latinos to pursue STEM careers. Enhancing opportunities for Latinos in STEM roles will strengthen our country and build the next generation of astronauts, inventors, leaders, and more.”

The Resolution builds upon the unanimous passage of a similar Hispanics in STEM House Resolution by the U.S. Senate in May 2022 that was introduced by Senators John Cornyn and Alex Padilla. 

It also notes that the Hispanic population reached 62.5 million, constituting 19% of the total U.S. population and that projections suggest this number will reach 111.2 million, representing 28% of the U.S, by 2060.  While the overall number of STEM graduates has increased in recent years, Latino workers remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce, making up 18% of total employees across all occupations, but only 8% of all STEM workers. 

Download a printable version of this press release.

Announcing the SHPE 2023 STAR Award Honorees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The prestigious SHPE Technical Achievement and Recognition (STAR) Awards recognize those in STEM who are changing lives through their community outreach, work, and research. The honorees were selected by a diverse review committee based on individual guidelines for each award, as well as those they felt represented the very best in STEM and the embodiment of SHPE’s mission and vision.

Company of the Year
Bank of America
(pictured above)

Academic Institution of the Year
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Hispanic Employee Resource Group of the Year
Chevron Corporation

Rodrigo Garcia Founder’s Award
Julio Grapa
P&G

Jaime Oaxaca Award
Antonina Robles
HP Inc.

Dr. Ellen Ochoa Award
Brenda Isaza
The Boeing Company

Rubén Hinojosa STEM Champion Award
Antonio Tijerino
Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Rubén Hinojosa STEM Champion Award
Ray Mellado (1948-2022)
Great Minds in STEM

Climate Sustainability Award
Dr. Miguel O. Román
Leidos

Community Service Award
Saul Montano
RTX

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
Angela M. Rucks
Bank of America

Educator Achievement Award – Higher Education
Juan D. Ocampo
St. Mary’s University

Entrepreneur Award
Dr. Isaac Rodriguez
SweetBio, Inc.

Executive Achievement Award – Corporate
Dr. Sandra Hernández
Chevron Corporation

Executive Achievement Award – Government
Ivan Pereira
Naval Surface Warfare Center

Innovator Award
Marc Velasco
IBM

Managerial Excellence Award – Corporate
Alonso Navarrete
Cummins Inc.

Managerial Excellence Award – Government
Briana Marie Pierce
United States Air Force

Role Model Award – Graduate
Carolina A. Colón
Georgia Institute of Technology

Role Model Award – Professional
Benjamin Gonzalez Vazquez
Bechtel Global Corporation

Role Model Award – Undergraduate
Leah Flores-Cabrera
Michigan State University

STAR of Today Award – Corporate
Krystal Puga
Northrop Grumman Corporation

STAR of Today Award – Government
Anthony Louis Garcia
Sandia National Laboratories

STAR of Tomorrow Award – Corporate
Ernesto E Covarrubias
The Boeing Company

STAR of Tomorrow Award – Government
Iker Liceaga-Indart
NASA

STEM Warrior Award
Paola Estrada
United States Air Force

Young Investigator Award
Joaquin Resasco
The University of Texas at Austin

The STAR Award honorees will be recognized during the SHPE National Convention being held in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 1-5. They will be presented during two different ceremonies: the Excellence in STEM Luncheon on Thursday from 12:00-1:30pm and the STAR Awards Ceremony on Friday from 7:00-9:00pm.

SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM, a national organization representing Hispanic professionals and students in STEM, will host its 47th National Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah at the Salt Palace Convention Center, November 1 through 5, 2023.  The largest gathering of Hispanic STEM talent in the nation, the event is expected to be attended by 10,000 students, professionals, academia, and industry leaders.

About SHPE:

SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) is a nonprofit organization serving and advancing Hispanics in STEM. With more than 14,000 student and professional members, SHPE’s mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. For more information please visit https://www.shpe.org/.

2023 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report

2023 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report cover image

We are honored to share the inaugural 2023 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report produced in collaboration with the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC).

The collaboration between the LDC and SHPE embodies a spirit of unity and shared purpose essential to overcoming challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by the ever-evolving landscape of engineering and tech. Together, we have embarked on a journey to explore the experiences, achievements, and aspirations of Latinos in these fields.

This report delves deep into the experiences of Latino students and professionals, highlighting their contributions and challenges and discussing the untapped potential within this dynamic and rapidly growing community. It provides invaluable insights that inform our organizations and catalyze change across the broader engineering and tech ecosystem.

At SHPE, we have long recognized the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and fostering excellence in the STEM fields. We understand that the future of engineering and tech depends on our ability to harness the vast talents and perspectives the Hispanic community offers. This report is a testament to our commitment to that vision.

As we navigate the path ahead, let us remember that diversity is not merely a buzzword. It is also a critical business tool to accelerate growth and creativity; it impacts the bottom-line and is a wise business decision. The richness of the Hispanic community’s experiences, culture, and perspective is a source of innovation waiting to be tapped. By fostering inclusivity, we not only empower individuals to reach their fullest potential but also propel our industries and society to greater heights.

SHPE’s overarching goal is to expedite the achievement of parity in engineering degrees awarded to Hispanic students. While the current trajectory suggests that Hispanic engineering enrollment will reach parity with Hispanic workforce numbers by 2035, our aspiration is to attain equity in engineering degrees awarded well before the projected year of 2060.

Together we can contribute to the growing Latino commitment to higher education and achieving excellence by increasing the number of undergraduate and graduate degrees Latinos in engineering and tech earn.

Sincerely,

Miguel Alemañy, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Kimberly D. Douglas, Chief Research & Impact Officer
Dr. Dayna L. Martínez, Senior Director, Research & Impact

A Special Note of Thanks: The data in this report is based on the research gathered from SHPE past and current members through the annual SHPE Needs Assessment. It would not be possible without the generosity of those who took the time to complete the surveys. We are thankful for you and we hope that it’s as rewarding to you as it is to us to see the results of your efforts.

Download the Report

WATCH THE RELEASE | The 2023 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech report was presented live by SHPE and the Latino Donor Collaborative at the L’ATTITUDE Conference in Miami, Florida on Thursday, September 28. Watch the recording >