Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE): Leading Hispanics in STEM believes the most pressing problem facing the STEM industry is that the workforce has yet to reflect the diversity of our nation. We are bridging the gap between Hispanics and STEM.
We specialize in problem-solving. And almost 15 years ago, we were presented with a dilemma. While the sense of “familia” we had built among our members was growing stronger every year, our female representation was still lacking.
At the time, our National President Diana Gomez was visiting chapter meetings and events across the country to learn more about their needs. A theme began to emerge: women were seeking a space to share both the personal and professional challenges unique to Latinas.
Diana heard the call loud and clear, and in 2009 she worked with a small group of volunteers to establish the “Empowering Latina Luncheon” at SHPE’s annual National Convention. This event was exclusively for female attendees and emphasized camaraderie and connection. The highlight included a high-powered female speaker who shared personal stories of struggle and success.
This first year did not disappoint — the Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, whose sister was a SHPE member, gave an inspiring speech that left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
This inaugural event set the tone for what would become a hallmark of a larger movement — SHPEtinas. The term SHPEtinas was officially coined and branded in 2019, but over the course of the previous nine years, the luncheon evolved from a single event to a popular multi-day, multi-course track. Almost every meeting, workshop, and networking opportunity was filled to capacity with waitlists at the ready.
Today, the SHPEtinas program accelerates and affirms Latina representation at all levels of STEM corporate and academic leadership. It accomplishes this by recognizing the unique perspective Latinas bring to solving the world’s most pressing problems while creating new, influential role models for the next generation.
The future of SHPEtinas looks promising with new initiatives and expanded topics. Companies are returning year after year, bringing fresh ideas and engaging in new ways. Lifestyle sessions on topics like raising kids, budgeting, and wellness are being introduced, recognizing that female engineers are multifaceted individuals with important work in and outside of the office.
As SHPEtinas continues to grow, we are committed to remembering the core mission: empowering women, fostering connections, and providing support. The initiative’s success is not measured by its popularity, but by the strength of its community and the impact on its members’ lives.
By staying true to its roots, SHPEtinas will continue to inspire and uplift Latina women in STEM for years to come. This year’s National Convention will be held Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 in Anaheim, Calif.
SWE is proud to partner with SHPE as one of our joint member organizations. SWE members receive a 25% discount on professional, associate, graduate, and undergraduate memberships. Email membership@swe.org for your discount code.
