50 Stories for 50 Years of SHPE
Each week we are releasing an episode featuring the “origin story” of a defining SHPE member. Many of them are familiar friends who have been with us since the beginning. Some of them are new names who have more recently found their home with SHPE. But all of them are a testament to the vibrancy and resilience that makes our Familia an enduring force in the world of STEM and beyond. We can’t wait for you to hear them!
Featuring
SHPE Leaders
SHPE Supporters
SHPE Members
SHPE Allies
Antonina Robles
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion PM
at HP
Antonina Robles
Antonina Robles, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager at HP in Boise, Idaho, has a remarkable journey from working in the fields of Idaho to becoming a prominent figure in STEM. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, Antonina's story is one of perseverance and passion.
Natalie Davila-Rendon
Systems Engineer &
SHPE Board Member
Natalie Davila-Rendon
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Natalie pursued Electrical Engineering at the Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico and furthered her education with a Masters in Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Johns Hopkins University, respectively. Today, as a Lifetime Member and a member of the National Board of Directors, Natalie continues to advocate for the SHPE Familia.
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Ana Aviles Vargas
First-Generation Immigrant
in STEM
Ana Avilés Vargas
Facing early obstacles—from navigating the U.S. education system to discovering her passion for neuroscience—Ana demonstrates the power of determination, mentorship, and community support. In this episode, Ana candidly shares how family encouragement, guidance from SHPE mentors, and her own unwavering persistence helped her earn admission into a PhD program.
Sofia Murillo Sanchez
Bridging Cultures and
Inspiring Through STEM
Sofia Murillo Sanchez
Sofia shares her experiences overcoming bullying, embracing her unique cultural background, and leveraging her passion for technology to create meaningful change. From founding a SHPE Junior chapter in high school to leading initiatives that support international students, Sofia's story highlights the importance of resilience, leadership, and community support in achieving academic and professional success.
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November
Maritza Martinez
Paving the Way
in STEM
Maritza Martinez
Maritza’s career is a testament to resilience, vision, and dedication. From her early beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in her field, Maritza has overcome challenges, broken barriers, and made a lasting impact within her community and beyond.
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a STEM professional, or simply in need of inspiration, Maritza’s journey offers valuable insights into the power of hard work and community support.
Leo Soto
From Community College to Aerospace Engineer
Leo Soto
Leo Soto, a mechanical engineer at Boeing and a dedicated member of SHPE. From starting his education at a community college to working on groundbreaking aerospace projects, Leo’s story is filled with determination and pivotal moments that shaped his career. He shares the challenges he faced as a student, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the role SHPE played in supporting his journey.
Serafin Fernandez
Engineering Educational Spaces for Community Empowerment
Serafin hernandez
From immigrating to the United States at the age of eight and growing up in East Chicago, Indiana, Serafín became the first in his family to graduate from college. His story is filled with determination, passion, and a deep commitment to uplifting Latino communities. Serafín shares how he combined his engineering expertise with his desire to serve by building state-of-the-art schools in predominantly Latino neighborhoods.
Jorge Moreno Acosta
Exploring SHPE
Opportunities
Jorge Moreno Acosta
As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, Jorge faced numerous challenges on his path to higher education. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, he discovered his love for math and chemistry early on, leading him to pursue chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. Despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic, Jorge found a sense of community and support through SHPE, quickly becoming an active member and eventually rising to leadership positions.
October
Adriana Mulero-Russe
Pioneering STEM
Research and
Leadership
Adriana Mulero-Russe
Adriana, a chemical engineer from Puerto Rico, is currently pursuing her PhD in bioengineering at Georgia Tech. In this episode, she shares her journey from her early inspirations to her cutting-edge research, while discussing the vital role SHPE has played in her growth as a leader. Adriana’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and dedication to breaking barriers in STEM, particularly within the Hispanic community.
Nora Rincon
Engineering a
Path to Success
Path to Success
Nora Rincon
In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of Nora Rincon, a mechanical engineer at General Motors and dedicated member of SHPE. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Nora’s story is one of determination, resilience, and the power of community. As a first-generation college graduate, she overcame numerous challenges on her path to a successful career in STEM.
Monica Morales
The Intersection of Art, Engineering, and Community
Monica Morales
In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we celebrate the incredible journey of Monica Morales, a water resources engineer at Jacobs who embodies resilience, determination, and the power of community. Raised in Reno, Nevada, Monica’s path led her to a successful career in engineering, with stops in various cities along the way. Her passion for STEM, commitment to outreach, and unique ability to merge art with engineering have made her a trailblazer in her field.
Ana Sofia Camacho
A Legacy of
Women in STEM
Ana Camacho
In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we sit down with the Camacho family—an inspiring group of women making their mark in engineering. Maria Camacho and her daughters, Ana Sofia, Eugenia, and Elisa, share their personal journeys as Hispanic women navigating the world of STEM. From overcoming challenges to achieving professional success, the Camachos’ story highlights the power of family, resilience, and the support of SHPE.
September
James Narey
A Legacy of Leadership
in Aerospace
James Narey
James has not only made significant strides in his professional career but also dedicated himself to mentoring and fostering the next generation of STEM leaders. In this insightful interview, James will share his journey, from his humble beginnings in a blue-collar family to his impactful role at Lockheed Martin, and his continuous efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM fields. So, sit back and get ready to be inspired by James Narey's remarkable story of dedication, perseverance, and leadership.
Rogelio Mendoza
Building Stronger
SHPE Chapters
Rogelio Mendoza
In the 35th episode of our "50 Stories for 50 Years" series, we sit down with Rogelio Mendoza, a dedicated member of SHPE's National Board of Directors. With over five years of experience, Rogelio shares invaluable insights and practical strategies for SHPE chapter leaders—whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your chapter's impact.
In this episode, host Demian Servín Hernández explores Rogelio’s tips on recruiting, fundraising, and creating a strong sense of community within SHPE chapters.
Albert Alfaro
Shaping Aerospace
Albert Alfaro
In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we sit down with Albert Alfaro, an engineer with an inspiring journey from watching Apollo missions as a child in San Antonio, Texas, to serving in the U.S. Air Force and building a successful career in aerospace engineering. Albert shares the challenges he faced growing up as a Latino in the Space Age, how he carved his path into STEM, and his deep commitment to giving back through K-12 outreach programs with SHPE.
Joelle Romeu
A Trailblazer in
Aerospace Engineering
Joelle Romeu
In this special episode of SHPE Out Loud, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Joelle Romeu, a distinguished aerospace engineer from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now based in Southern California and working at Boeing, Joelle has broken barriers and achieved incredible milestones throughout her career.
Her story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community. If you're looking for inspiration in STEM, Joelle’s journey will leave you motivated and empowered.
August
Ernie Felix
Chief of Staff at SHPE
Ernie Felix
Ernie has been part of SHPE for over two decades, bringing a wealth of experience and insight from his extensive career in the tech and financial sectors. Despite not being an engineer, Ernie has made significant contributions to the STEM industry, particularly through his expertise in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Lazaro & Samuel
A Legacy of STEM
and Familia
Lazaro & Samuel
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Lazaro, a seasoned mechanical engineer at Northrop Grumman and a first-generation immigrant, alongside his 17-year-old son, Samuel. Samuel is already making waves as the president of the SHPE Junior Chapter at his high school, with aspirations in mechanical engineering, particularly in robotics and Disney animatronics.
Manny Hernandez
Senior Manager
at Raytheon Company
Manny Hernandez
In the 32nd episode of our "50 Stories for 50 Years" series, we are honored to feature Manny Hernandez, a senior manager at Raytheon Company and a pillar of SHPE community. Since joining SHPE in 1988, Manny has been a driving force in the organization, serving on the board for over 22 years and playing a crucial role in its growth and success.
Michelle Davis Vargas
Associate Director of Quality and Vice President of Student Affairs for the SHPE San Diego Professional Chapter
Michelle Davis Vargas
In this inspiring 33rd episode of our “50 Stories for 50 Years” series, we sit down with Michelle Davis Vargas, Associate Director of Quality and Vice President of Student Affairs for the SHPE San Diego Professional Chapter. Michelle’s remarkable journey from her childhood in Nicaragua to becoming a respected leader in STEM is a testament to her determination, resilience, and the power of community.
July
Leonard Abeyta
Principal at Abeyta Group Consulting Services
Leonard Abeyta
Leonard Abeyta shares his journey from a small town in New Mexico to becoming a key player in the STEM community. With an electrical engineering degree and an MBA, Leonard has successfully merged his technical expertise with strategic business acumen. His early exposure to Los Alamos National Laboratory ignited his passion for STEM, leading him to join SHPE during his undergraduate years at the University of New Mexico in the late 1980s.
Claudia Goggin
Chief Executive Officer
at Engi-Mat Co
Claudia Goggin
Claudia, a Chemical Engineer with a Masters from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Kentucky, shares her remarkable journey from Argentina to the US. Discover how her educational path took her from studying in France to becoming a pioneering figure in the STEM community. Claudia's career includes a significant tenure at Lexmark International, where she first encountered SHPE as a recruiter at the 2007 National Convention.
Eduardo Flores
Engineering Memes and Entrepreneurial Dreams
Eduardo Flores
Eduardo, known as the "Engineering Memes guy," is an entrepreneur extraordinaire, promoting his industrial automation company, podcast, and various other businesses through his engaging content. Hailing from Orange County, California, and a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Chico State, Eduardo's journey into STEM began in his childhood yard in Mexico, sparking his lifelong interest in automation.
Karen Santos
Cloud Perform
Specialist at IBM
Karen Santos
Karen shares how her parents equipped her with street smarts and business acumen, paving the way for her to pursue a career in engineering. After an intense college application process, Karen attended Ohio State University, where she majored in Industrial Systems Engineering with a minor in Humanities Engineering. It was at Ohio State that Karen discovered SHPE and began volunteering for various programs, including Noches de Ciencias.
June
Antonina Robles
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion PM
at HP
Antonina Robles
Antonina Robles, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager at HP in Boise, Idaho, has a remarkable journey from working in the fields of Idaho to becoming a prominent figure in STEM. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Boise State University, Antonina's story is one of perseverance and passion.
Natalie Davila-Rendon
Systems Engineer &
SHPE Board Member
Natalie Davila-Rendon
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Natalie pursued Electrical Engineering at the Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico and furthered her education with a Masters in Electrical Engineering and Systems Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Johns Hopkins University, respectively. Today, as a Lifetime Member and a member of the National Board of Directors, Natalie continues to advocate for the SHPE Familia.
Myriam Lopez
Senior Manager, Partnerships and
Employer Services
at SHPE
Myriam Lopez
A first-generation college graduate, Myriam found her way into engineering somewhat by chance. At UC San Diego, SHPE became her lifeline, providing the network and mentorship she needed to succeed. Her commitment to giving back led her to a vital role within SHPE's National organization, where she continues to make a significant impact.
Beatriz Garcia
Co-Founder of Your
Truth At Work
Beatriz Garcia
Beatriz's connection with SHPE runs deep, starting from her days as a student member to her roles as Manager and Director within the organization. Despite not having a STEM degree, Beatriz's dedication to SHPE's mission and her leadership have left an indelible mark on the Hispanic community.
May
Oscar Marquina
Strategy and Operations | Diversity Equity and Inclusion | Angel Investing
Oscar Marquina
Oscar's path to success took a unique turn as he discovered SHPE after graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Utah State University. Born in Venezuela and migrating to the US at 13, Oscar faced the challenges of being a DACA student and navigating the STEM. However, his encounter with SHPE transformed his life, opening doors to opportunities previously thought unattainable.
Luis Conde
Senior Systems Engineer
at ITZ
Luis Conde
Luis offers valuable advice for young engineers, drawing unexpected inspiration from none other than Mike Tyson. From his academic achievements to his current role at ITZ, Luis's story inspires us to open our minds to unconventional wisdom and embrace opportunities for growth.
Fernanda Sulantay Vargas
Graduate Student Researcher at Yale University | NSF GRFP fellow | GEM fellow
Fernanda Sulantay Vargas
Originally from El Salvador, Fernanda faced the challenges of being a mother during her college career. As a chemical engineer at Yale University, she has become a prominent figure in making STEM and college more accessible. Fernanda is a sought-after speaker and STEM content creator, dedicating her efforts to empowering diverse talent in STEM.
Sonia Lucia Camacho
Digital Accessibility
Engineer at Nike
Sonia Lucia Camacho
Sonia is a Digital Accessibility Engineer at Nike and holds both undergraduate and master's degrees in Computer Science from Oregon State. Throughout her academic career Sonia began documenting her passion and struggles as a Latina woman in STEM. Through social media, Sonia has been able to inspire and encourage the next generation of under represented students.
April
Elio Morillo
Spacecraft Systems Leader | Keynote Speaker | Author
Elio Morillo
Delving into Elio's personal story, we learn about his migration from Ecuador at a young age, facing economic and domestic challenges, to eventually finding a new home and opportunities in the United States. Elio's narrative is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of community support, particularly highlighted through his involvement with SHIP and his impactful work with NASA's Mars 2020 mission and the Perseverance rover.
Yuliana Porras-Mendoza
ONE Water
Practice Leader
at Garver
Yuliana Porras-Mendoza
Yuliana, shares her inspiring path from growing up on the border of Juarez and El Paso to becoming a seasoned chemical engineer. Despite facing challenges, Yuliana discovered her passion for STEM and the power of math as a bridge between two worlds. Her determination led her to the Colorado School of Mines, where she encountered SHPE and dedicated herself to empowering women and students of color in the field.
Ismael Mendoza
Research Engineer at National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Ismael Mendoza
Graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ismael's career led him to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where he now serves as a subject matter expert and technical advisor for Latin American countries undergoing energy transitions or natural disasters. His dedication to SHPE's mission and his insights into the advantages of Hispanic representation in STEM make him a true asset to our organization.
Heidy Arriola
Regional Account Manager
at Veolia Water Technologies
& Solutions
Heidy Arriola
Heidy's story unfolds as she shares her transformative experience at UCLA, where she discovered SHPE and found a profound sense of belonging at her first Convention. Central to her narrative is the concept of mentorship, which she views as more than just a one-on-one relationship but as a community of supporters guiding personal and professional growth.
March
Jose Villanueva
Hybrid Data Management Technical Specialist at IBM
Jose Villanueva
Jose's journey into STEM is anything but ordinary. Born in Bolivia, with STEM in his DNA, he shares his unique path guided by influential mentors and fueled by a passion for Industrial Engineering. From the University of Central Florida to becoming a content creator, Jose's story is one of resilience and community-building. We delve into topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the creation of content that resonates globally with the Hispanic community.
Jay Flores
Global STEM Ambassador | Founder of Invent The Change
Jay Flores
With appearances on ESPN, PBS, and Telemundo, and his adventurous run on American Ninja Warrior, Jay Flores is synonymous with SHPE advocacy. Through his expertise, Jay shares invaluable advice for young engineers and scientists, drawing from his own experiences and challenges. From his regret over choosing mechanical engineering over chemical, to the pivotal leadership role he embraced in SHPE that shaped his career, Jay's insights resonate deeply with listeners.
Dr. Dayna Martinez
Senior Director, Research and Impact at SHPE.
Dr. Dayna Martinez
Dr. Martinez's expertise in data analysis drives SHPE's program development and national advocacy efforts. From spearheading innovative projects like Equipando Padres and Future Grads to overseeing the Faculty Development Symposium, she plays a pivotal role in shaping SHPE's impact. But her connection with SHPE goes beyond her current role; her journey with the organization predates her tenure as staff, offering unique insights into its evolution.
Adrian Cires
Computer Science Undergraduate
at the University of Maryland
Adrian Cires
Despite facing adversity, Adrian's accidental entry into STEM marked a pivotal moment where he discovered his self-agency and defied expectations. As the Vice-President of Corporate Affairs for his SHPE Chapter, Adrian shares practical insights into securing sponsorships and leading with purpose.
February
Wendy Haro
Software Quality Assurance Manager at WebPT
Wendy Haro
Tune in to discover Wendy's inspiring path from South Central to becoming a software engineer, the eye-opening experiences at her first SHPE Convention, and why she's the reason we all know and love the regional chants.
Diana Gomez
Director of District 6
at Caltrans
Diana Gomez
Diana's remarkable journey in SHPE has left an indelible mark on the organization and the STEM community. Join us as Diana shares her incredible story, from becoming a member in 1982 to navigating through significant leadership roles, awards, and even death threats. Her experiences have played a crucial role in shaping SHPE's trajectory over the last 50 years.
Miguel Ramos
Advisor & Co-founder
at Limble
Miguel Ramos
Discover how Miguel's early leadership roles within SHPE, from chapter VP to President, equipped him with the soft skills and confidence to pursue his remarkable career. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking motivation, Miguel's interview is a treasure trove of advice that will leave you inspired and informed.
Melanie Weber
Flight Operations Engineer at Blue Origin |
SHPE National Board of Directors
Melanie Weber
Melanie discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, her pivotal role in space flight projects, and the impact of SHPE on her professional success. She's not just changing the trajectory of space flight but is also a source of inspiration, giving back and encouraging others to overcome obstacles.
January
Julio Grapa
Director at Procter & Gamble | Innovation, Quality, Lab Services
Julio Grapa
In our first episode, we explore Julio Grapa's life, a notable SHPE member and Rodrigo Garcia Founder's Award recipient. We cover his childhood, over 30 years with SHPE, career, and brave fight against cancer. Expect an emotional journey.
Miguel Alemañy
Interim SHPE CEO
Miguel Alemañy
From his initial impressions as a professional member to the intricate history and transformation of SHPE as an organization, Miguel offers invaluable insights and candid reflections.
Emily Anne Vargas
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
Emily Anne Vargas
Listen to this spotlight of Emily Anne Vargas, a renowned Material Science Engineering Ph.D. candidate at USC and former Vice-Chair of SHPE's National Board of Directors.
Maya Morales Garcias
Chief Program Officer at
Beyond100K
Maya Morales Garcia
Maya, a dynamic force and STEM advocate, shares her unique perspective on ending the STEM teacher shortage in the United States. Learn about her commitment to connecting educators with the communities they serve and the transformative power of teaching.