Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 in Los Angeles, California. The group was established by a cohort of Hispanic engineers who recognized the need for a national organization to serve as role models in the Latino community and address the underrepresentation of Hispanics in STEM fields.

History

SHPE was conceived in 1973 by Rodrigo "Rod" Garcia, a civil engineer, who along with his peers, sought to diversify the engineering profession. Their initial meetings took place in Garcia's garage, ultimately leading to the formation of SHPE in 1974. Since its inception, SHPE has grown significantly, now serving over 13,000 members across nearly 300 chapters in the United States and beyond.

Mission and Vision

SHPE's mission is to empower the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. The organization envisions a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Programs and Events

SHPE offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting Hispanic students and professionals in STEM. These include:

• SHPE Academics: Supports academic pursuits and career advancement.
• SHPE Professionals: Offers leadership strategies for positive workplace impact.
• SHPE Technology & Innovation: Highlights advancements in STEM.
• SHPE K-12: Engages young students with STEM through programs like Noche de Ciencias.
• MentorSHPE: Fosters lasting relationships among members.
• ScholarSHPE: Provides financial support for Hispanic and Latino students in STEM.
• SHPEology: Focuses on Hispanic and Latino inclusion in STEM.

SHPE hosts several annual events, including the National Convention, the National Institute for Leadership Advancement (NILA), and Regional Leadership Development Conferences (RLDC). These events provide leadership training, networking opportunities, and career development resources.

Impact and Partnerships

SHPE is a founding member of the 50K Coalition, a collective effort to increase diverse engineering graduates. The organization also collaborates with other STEM advocacy groups to promote STEM education nationwide. SHPE's network extends beyond the U.S., making it an international force in supporting Hispanic professionals in STEM fields.