Suzanna reflects on her journey from El Paso, Texas, to leadership roles in Washington, D.C., and now at SHPE, where she champions familia, community, and belonging in STEM.

Together, they explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing Latinas in engineering, the critical role of mentorship and leadership development, and how SHPE and SWE are collaborating to strengthen the STEM pipeline.

The discussion also highlights the importance of advocacy—both locally and nationally—in ensuring Hispanic voices help shape the future of STEM.

Listen to the podcast here.

About Society of Women Engineers:

The Society of Women Engineers is a powerful, global force uniting 50,000 members of all genders spanning 85 countries. We are the world’s largest advocate and catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. To join and access all the exclusive benefits to elevate your professional journey, visit membership.swe.org.

The post SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe Joins SWE CEO Karen Horting to Discuss the State of Latinas in Engineering appeared first on SHPE.

Reboot Representation, a coalition dedicated to closing the gender and racial gap in tech. Born out of a report in 2018 highlighting the diminutive investments supporting BLNA women and girls in computing, the Reboot Representation Tech Coalition was launched to double the number of BLNA women earning computing degrees by 2025. According to the 2023 IPEDS data, they achieved their mission two years ahead of schedule!

Since 2021, Reboot has invested $1.2 million in SHPE programs, including 35 scholarships awarded this year alone to students pursuing computing degrees.

First, two SHPE members and Reboot Scholars were honored for making waves.

Ashley Torres, a recent graduate from Florida International University (FIU), walked the stage this April with a degree in Computer Engineering. Her journey is a testament to the power of opportunity and ambition. Currently balancing two internships, Ashley is furthering the mission of Kiva, a nonprofit expanding financial access worldwide. She is also gaining leadership experience as a program manager intern at Carrier, an opportunity she secured through SHPE’s professional pipeline.

Samantha Espinosa is a first-generation Peruvian-American and incoming senior at UNC Chapel Hill studying computer science. Her passion lies in cybersecurity and AI, but her heart remains connected to her roots at The Honors College at Miami Dade College’s Padrón Campus. Even after transferring, she continues to uplift fellow Hispanic students by mentoring them through scholarship applications, helping them secure over $28,000 in awards. Samantha’s vision for tech is inclusive: digital safety and access for everyone, regardless of age or income.

Two additional Reboot Scholars, who also are members of the SHPE Familia, celebrated their internship milestones as well. Javier Salgueiro interned with American Express and now works full-time as a software engineer there. Stephany Abanto landed a prestigious co-op with RTX in Melbourne, FL, where she is gaining valuable experience in electrical manufacturing.

The event welcomed Reboot leadership and staff, including CEO Dwana Franklin-Davis, Program Coordinator Omokanyisola Omo Odusanya, and Director of Talent Engagement Jannie Fernandez.

Together, we celebrated not just achievements, but a movement – a future where every young woman of color has a place in tech.

To learn more, visit rebootrepresentation.org.

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Ashleigh’s dedication to the SHPE mission will serve her well as she leads a multifaceted portfolio that includes member services and programs for undergraduate students and professionals, as well as regional leader initiatives. She is committed to empowering SHPE members to form meaningful, goal-aligned connections that support them throughout their education and professional journeys. 

About her new role, Ashleigh says “I am honored and excited to step into the role of Chief of Staff at SHPE. In my four years with SHPE, I’ve had the honor of seeing my work have a direct, positive impact on the lives of talented students and professionals in STEM. I’m grateful for this opportunity to grow my contributions and further empower our members to achieve their highest potential through tailored, data-driven strategies.” 

Using an asset-based and analytical approach, Ashleigh is dedicated to tailoring best practices to meet the unique aspirations and needs of SHPE stakeholders. Her experience in higher education means she knows first-hand the strengths and capabilities SHPE members bring, driving her to facilitate their success. And her insights into higher education and workforce development are also instrumental in shaping innovative programs and initiatives in collaboration with industry partners.  

Ashleigh earned her BS in Biological Engineering from Kansas State University, where she actively contributed to the Women in Engineering and Science program. She also holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research from Pennsylvania State University, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and two children. 

We also extend our gratitude to Ernesto “Ernie” Felix who served as the SHPE Chief of Staff during a time of significant change for the organization. Ernie’s 27 years of prior experience at Intel, as well as his time on SHPE’s Board of Directors and Industry Partnership Council, made him the right person at the right time to support the SHPE staff through that change. His reputation as an innovative problem solver, trusted advisor, and collaborator has served SHPE well, with new human resources processes set up, engagement programs built, and team building practices put in place. He also played an integral role in the 50th anniversary celebration planning and execution, lending his unique SHPE experience and historical context to the team. But this isn’t goodbye! We know Ernie will continue to stay involved as a SHPE Lifetime member, generously lending his talents to his community as he always has. 
 
“I’m very thankful to Ernie for his insight and steady support during my transition into the CEO role. His experience and knowledge made a meaningful difference,” says CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe. “I’m also excited to work alongside Ashleigh in this new chapter. Her leadership will help guide SHPE as we continue to grow and prepare for the next fifty years.” 

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As the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year, it also recognizes the three-decade strong partnership with SHPE that has resulted in successful programming and advocacy for women and girls in STEM fields.

In SWE Magazine’s Spring 2004 edition, then-President Alma Martinez Fallon wrote in her President’s Note about “Women Engineers Working Together for the Good of All,” calling for closer collaboration between the two organizations.

SWE formally partnered and offered joint memberships with SHPE for the first time beginning in July 2005. In SWE Magazine’s Fall 2005 edition, then-editor Anne Perusek shared that 63 SWE members had already opted to hold memberships in both organizations within that short time.

Since then, SWE and SHPE have worked together, united by the mission of promoting an inclusive environment, improving networking opportunities, and expanding professional development programs for women engineers.

In celebration of Women’s History Month and our continued partnership with SHPE, we at SWE are highlighting the work of Latinas in engineering. 

Anna Salguero

Past president and Fellow Anna Salguero was SWE’s first Latina president. From joining SWE in 1973 as a student member to her role as SWE’s 30^th president during the 1992-93 fiscal year, she fulfilled many other positions in the Society, including being charter president of the Southwest Texas Section as well as section representative and chairing and serving on various committees on the national level, including scholarships, career guidance, publicity, and more. 

·      Listen to her on SWE’s Diverse podcast, Episode 76: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Past SWE Presidents, where she shares her thoughts on whether SWE has become more inclusive over the years. 

Alma Martinez Fallon

Past president and Fellow Alma Martinez Fallon served as SWE president in 2004. She is a senior management consultant with decades of experience in engineering management, manufacturing, supply chain management, and corporate strategies. In 1997, Fallon was selected as one of SWE’s Distinguished New Engineer award recipients and was also the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers 2004 Junipero Serra Award recipient.

·      Learn more about Fallon’s journey through this oral history interview with SWE Archivist Troy Eller English from 2021.

·      Eller English also speaks about Fallon’s contributions to SWE’s advocacy efforts as she helped SWE partner with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to hire its first Washington representative on SWE’s Diverse podcast episode, Tales from the Archives – Getting from There to Here in Public Policy

·      Read Fallon’s In Focus column from SWE Magazine’s Spring 2024 issue, discussing the job market, challenges, and prospects for women in mechanical engineering.

Mabel Esteves Velasquez

Past vice president, Fellow, and Distinguished Service Award recipient Mabel Esteves Velasquez became the first female engineer at Hewlett-Packard Puerto Rico in 1981. She was also celebrated as a SWE Distinguished New Engineer in 1980. She worked with the Society at all levels, including founding three SWE sections. She passed away in 2008, but her legacy continues through SWE Sacramento Valley Section’s Mabel Esteves Memorial Scholarship.

·      Learn more about her in SWE Magazine’s Spring 2016 Women Engineers You Should Know issue.

Eileen Vélez-Vega

An active member in SWE, Eileen Vélez-Vega has had a prestigious career in Puerto Rico. She was named Puerto Rico’s Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works in December 2020 and was the first woman to hold the position. She was named a SWE Distinguished New Engineer in 2013 and an Emerging Leader in 2018, and served on the SWE board of directors, a position she stepped down from as she took on her new role.

·      She penned this Day in the Life post for our All Together blog about her experiences as a civil engineer with Kimley-Horn Puerto Rico, LLC.

·      Listen to her on our Diverse podcast, Episode 97: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage with Latina Leader, where she discusses her career path in STEM, the significance of being a Latina leader within SWE and her company, and the obstacles she has faced as a minority in engineering. 

·      She was featured again on the Diverse podcast this year, Episode 294: The Power of Perseverance With Secretary of Puerto Rico DTOP Eileen Vélez-Vega, where she reflects on her inspiring STEM journey and the unique pivots along the way — from being the first engineer in her family, to interning at NASA and Walt Disney World, to building a successful engineering career and ultimately leading a state government agency.

Claudia Galvan

Claudia Galvan received the SWE Advocating Women in Engineering Award in 2023 and was the chair of the Latinos Affinity Group for several years. She served as the president of the SWE Santa Clara Valley Section, the largest in Region A. She has mentored emerging leaders at the U.S. Department of State’s TechWomen initiative, working with women from the Middle East, Africa, and East Asia, and has received several awards, including the SWE Star.

·      Learn more about her journey in SWE Magazine’s Spring 2023 Women Engineers You Should Know issue.

·      See her Q&A on SWE’s All Together blog, titled Hispanic Heritage Month: Latina SWEsters, Part 3

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The findings of the “2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report” were the focus of an interactive panel on February 18 on LinkedIn featuring Dr. Dayna L. Martínez, Director of Research & Innovation at SHPE, and Ana Valdez, President and CEO of Latino Donor Collaborative.

The “2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report” documents significant progress in Latino representation in engineering education, with undergraduate engineering enrollment increasing by 39% from 2012 to 2022. Engineering degrees awarded to Hispanics rose by 57% during the same period.”

With Hispanics comprising over 25% of America’s youth (population under 18 years of age) and nearly 16% of undergraduate engineering students, the talent pipeline is critical to filling the projected need for 11.8 million STEM professionals by 2030,” SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe said. “Empowering Hispanics with resources and opportunities isn’t just an investment in our future—it’s essential to meeting America’s growing technological demands and contributing to a growing, thriving U.S. economy.”

“Latino involvement in engineering and technology is essential for sustaining global competitiveness and driving progress in the U.S. This report offers the most compelling evidence to date that by supporting and inspiring young people to pursue STEM education, we can effectively eliminate concerns about a shortage of qualified talent,” Ana Valdez, CEO and President of LDC, said.

Key findings from the report include:

• 22% of Hispanics aged 25-34 now hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, compared to 16% of those aged 50 and older
• Master’s degrees in engineering awarded to Latinos increased by 37%, while doctoral engineering enrollment grew by 50% from 2012-2022
• Latinos are projected to account for 78% of all net new workers by 2030
• Hispanic participation in AI technical roles increased by 59% between 2018 and 2022
• SHPE members have a graduation rate of 88%, significantly higher than the national engineering rate of approximately 50%

Latino youth demonstrate strong adaptability and engagement with emerging technologies compared to other groups. Among young Hispanics, 54% use artificial intelligence (AI) for information gathering, while 39% use it for creative applications such as image generation and 27% for music production. This active use of AI signals not only engagement with the technology but also early skill development, laying the foundation for Latinos to transition from users to developers of AI-driven solutions.

Moreover, 64% of respondents are motivated by the opportunity to solve real-world problems through engineering and technology, aligning with the values of community and service emphasized in Hispanic culture. For many, financial incentives and earning potential (52%) add to the appeal, as does the promise of continued career growth and diverse opportunities (50%) in these dynamic fields. Personal experiences (47%) also play a role, with exposure to technology or role models often sparking an enduring interest in STEM.

However, challenges remain: The report identifies several areas requiring attention, including financial insecurity (affecting 66% of Latino students), housing instability, and the need to increase institutional support and mentorship opportunities.  The report concludes with specific recommendations for stakeholders, including expanded mentorship programs, increased STEM funding, and partnerships on internships, career fairs, and public-private initiatives to promote careers in STEM. 

About SHPE: 

SHPE: Leading Hispanics in STEM is a nonprofit organization serving and advancing Hispanics in STEM. With more than 20,000 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/.

About Latino Donor Collaborative:

The Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC) is an independently funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and think tank. The LDC has consistently provided economic and business data through meticulous research and fact-based insights. Its reports have become essential tools for U.S. resource allocators, highlighting the growing opportunities presented by the myriad contributions of U.S. Latinos across the social spectrum. Learn more at https://www.latinodonorcollaborative.org/.

The post Hispanics Critical to Meeting U.S. Projected Demand for 11.8 Million STEM Professionals by 2030, According to the new SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering & Tech Report appeared first on SHPE.

The Convention will feature over 350 exhibitors, 700 interview booths, and a growing list of attending sponsors including Visionary Sponsor Chevron, Apple, Bank of America, 3M, Abbott, Amazon, Boston Scientific, Dow, Dupont, HII, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, and many more.

According to the Pew Research Center, 81% of U.S. Hispanics believe having role models in STEM can encourage young Hispanics to pursue careers in these fields. Encouraging this shift is important because only 8% of STEM jobs are filled by Hispanic professionals, and only 2% hold jobs in tech. SHPE believes the STEM industry’s most pressing problem is that the workforce has yet to reflect the diversity of our nation. We are bridging the gap between Hispanics and STEM.

In addition to connecting members with many of the top recruiters and leaders in STEM, the Convention is one of the most powerful tools to prepare Hispanic students and professionals to be top talent and leaders in their field.

“The importance of STEM fields cannot be overstated, with projections indicating a staggering 10.9 million job openings by 2031, representing a substantial 10.8% growth trajectory,” says Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO of SHPE. “SHPE is honored in its 50th year to continue to support students and professionals from the Hispanic community who will work to position the US as the top STEM innovator in the world.”

The four-day gathering will offer attendees professional and leadership development opportunities through sessions and workshops, speaker presentations, networking, competitions, and award ceremonies. Additionally, there will be a two-day Career Fair & Graduate School Expo where thousands of jobs will be offered by companies like Cummins, Google, Apple, Northrop Grumman, Bank of America, 3M, Lockheed Martin,  and over 350 other leading companies in STEM.

The Convention will also include the presentation of the prestigious STAR (SHPE Technical Achievement And Recognition) Awards, spotlighting key individuals, corporations, government agencies, and academic institutions that have contributed significantly to support Hispanics in STEM. 

About SHPE:

SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) is a nonprofit organization serving and advancing Hispanics in STEM. With more than 20,000 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/.

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA:

SHPE, LA ORGANIZACIÓN MÁS GRANDE DEL PAÍS DE HISPANOS DESTACADOS EN STEM, CELEBRA 50 AÑOS AL ORGANIZAR SU CONVENCIÓN NACIONAL Y FERIA DE CARRERAS EN ANAHEIM, CALIF. DEL 30 DE OCTUBRE AL 3 DE NOVIEMBRE

La reunión más grande de talento hispano en STEM del país, la Convención Nacional de SHPE 2024, atraerá a miles de estudiantes, líderes de la industria y académicos.

MIAMI, FL (16 de septiembre de 2024) — En celebración de su 50.º aniversario, SHPE Líderes Hispanos en STEM, una organización nacional que representa a más de 20,000 profesionales y estudiantes universitarios hispanos en STEM, organizará la 48.ª Convención Nacional de SHPE en Anaheim, California. Celebrada en el Centro de Convenciones de Anaheim del 30 de octubre al 3 de noviembre de 2024, la Convención es la mayor reunión de talento hispano en STEM del país, con una asistencia esperada de 15,000 estudiantes, profesionales, líderes de la industria y académicos. 

La Convención contará con más de 350 expositores, 700 cabinas de entrevistas y una lista creciente de patrocinadores que incluye a Chevron como Patrocinador Visionario, Apple, Bank of America, 3M, Abbott, Amazon, Boston Scientific, Dow, Dupont, HII, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, y muchos más. (Registro anticipado disponible hasta el 15 de septiembre: Convención Nacional de SHPE 2024). 

Según el Centro de Investigación Pew, el 81% de los hispanos en EE. UU. cree que tener modelos a seguir en STEM puede motivar a los jóvenes hispanos a seguir carreras en estos campos. Promover este cambio es importante ya que solo el 8% de los trabajos en STEM son ocupados por profesionales hispanos, y solo el 2% ocupa trabajos en tecnología. SHPE cree que el problema más apremiante de la industria STEM es que la fuerza laboral aún no refleja la diversidad de nuestra nación. Estamos cerrando la brecha entre los hispanos y STEM. 

Además de conectar a los miembros con muchos de los principales reclutadores y líderes en STEM, la Convención es una de las herramientas más poderosas para preparar a los estudiantes y profesionales hispanos a ser el mejor talento y líderes en su campo. 

“La importancia de los campos de STEM no se puede subestimar, con proyecciones que indican un impresionante 10.9 millones de vacantes para 2031, lo que representa un crecimiento sustancial del 10.8%”, dice Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO de SHPE. “SHPE tiene el honor, en su 50.º año, de seguir apoyando a los estudiantes y profesionales de la comunidad hispana que trabajarán para posicionar a EE. UU. como el principal innovador en STEM en el mundo.” 

La reunión de cuatro días ofrecerá a los asistentes oportunidades de desarrollo profesional y de liderazgo a través de sesiones y talleres, presentaciones de oradores, redes de contacto, competencias y ceremonias de premiación. Además, habrá una Feria de Carreras y Expo de Escuelas de Posgrado de dos días donde se ofrecerán miles de empleos por parte de empresas como Cummins, Google, Apple, Northrop Grumman, Bank of America, 3M, Lockheed Martin, y más de 350 otras empresas líderes en STEM. 

La Convención también incluirá la presentación de los prestigiosos Premios STAR (Logros Técnicos y Reconocimiento de SHPE), que destacan a individuos clave, corporaciones, agencias gubernamentales e instituciones académicas que han contribuido significativamente a apoyar a los hispanos en STEM. 

Acerca de SHPE: 

SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) es una organización sin fines de lucro que sirve y promueve a los hispanos en STEM. Con más de 20,000 miembros entre estudiantes y profesionales, la misión de SHPE es cambiar vidas empoderando a la comunidad hispana para que alcance su máximo potencial y tenga un impacto en el mundo a través de la concienciación, acceso, apoyo y desarrollo en STEM. Para más información, visite https://www.shpe.org/.

The post SHPE, Nation’s Largest Organization of Top Hispanics in STEM, Celebrates 50 Years As It Hosts National Convention & Career Fair in Anaheim, Calif. Oct 30-Nov 3 appeared first on SHPE.

The STAR Award honorees will be recognized during the SHPE National Convention being held in Anaheim, California on October 30 – November 3. REGISTER NOW to attend the convention and join us in celebrating the best in STEM along with our 50th anniversary!

We are grateful to those that took the time to submit a nomination—your dedication to recognizing excellence in STEM is truly inspirational. A heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees whose remarkable contributions to STEM not only showcase their individual brilliance but also exemplify the values of equity and excellence. Selected by a diverse review committee that followed individual award guidelines, these honorees embody the spirit of SHPE’s mission and vision.

Academic Institution of the Year
Wichita State University

Company of the Year
Chevron

Hispanic ERG of the Year
HP Inc. Hispanic/Latino BRG

Rodrigo Garcia Founder’s Award
Adriana Ocampo Senior
The Boeing Company

Dr. Ellen Ochoa Award
Lauren Ferlita Breitenbach
Northrop Grumman

Jaime Oaxaca Award
James Narey
Bell Textron

Rubén Hinojosa STEM Champion Award
MESA

Climate Sustainability Award
Yisarai Valbuena Sanchez
Trane Technologies

Community Service Award
Odalys Lopez
Bechtel Corporation

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
Hector Garcia
Honeywell

Educator Achievement Award – Higher Education
Idalis Villanueva Alarcón
University of Florida

Educator Achievement Award – K-12
Sheila I. Santiago Torres
Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District

Entrepreneur Award
Robert Delgado
AIX Group

Executive Achievement Award – Corporate
Albert Pedroza
The Boeing Company

Executive Achievement Award – Government
Anselmo G. Collins
LA Department of Water and Power

Innovator Award
Nicholas M. Castillo
RTX

Managerial Excellence Award – Corporate
Ana Catalina Tharp
Delta Air Lines

Managerial Excellence Award – Government
Edgar Magallanes
United States Air Force

Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award
John J. Ramirez Avila
Mississippi State University

Role Model Award – Professional
Dante E. Barragan
Eaton

Role Model Award – Graduate
Samantha Mendez
The Ohio State University

Role Model Award – Undergraduate
Sofia Murillo Sanchez
Southern Methodist University

STAR of Today Award – Corporate
Gabriel Ruscalleda
Chevron

STAR of Today Award – Government
Jennifer Lopez Whitmer
Consolidated Nuclear Security Pantex

STAR of Tomorrow Award – Corporate
Dr. Yenny Cubides
Dow Inc.

STAR of Tomorrow Award – Government
Dr. Silvana Ovaitt
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

STEM Warrior Award
Angel Francisco Rodriguez
United States Navy

Young Investigator Award
Jorge I. Poveda
University of California, San Diego

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE! The STAR Awards will be presented during two different ceremonies: the Excellence in STEM Luncheon on Thursday, October 31 from 12:00-1:30pm and the STAR Awards Gala on Friday, November 1 from 7:00-9:00pm.

These are ticketed events with limited seating. Tickets for SHPE members will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the ticket booth in the attendee registration area in Anaheim. (NOTE: IPC and Exhibitors will have an option to purchase tickets separately. Please email partnerships@shpe.org to inquire).

REGISTER NOW!

THANK YOU! On behalf of the SHPE STAR Award Committee members and Committee Chair Diana Gomez, THANK YOU to our honorees and their families for their commitment to SHPE’s mission and vision.

If you have any questions about the STAR Awards, please visit the STAR Awards website page or contact starawards@shpe.org.

The post  Announcing the 2024 STAR Award Honorees appeared first on SHPE.

“El País” reports that education is one of the strongest values in Hispanic culture in the United States, with the number of students studying engineering growing at a significant rate. “The data on United States Latino workforce participation, education attainment, and bachelor’s degree completion rates are critical to addressing the engineering and technology workforce shortage in the U.S.,” according to the study, which SHPE conducted in partnership with the Latino Donor Collaborative.

Engineering degrees awarded to Hispanics have seen a significant  increase over the past decade, rising from 7.0% to 13.6% in 2010 – 2021 – a 94.3% growth. Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO of SHPE, emphasizes that the ongoing rise of Hispanic leadership in engineering and tech fields is crucial for the US’s competitiveness with China and other countries. She pointed out that this progress is directly linked to the sustained funding of the federal CHIPS and Science Act. SHPE’s support is pivotal as Congress evaluates CHIPS Act funding in the coming days.

“STEM fields are projected to have a staggering 10.9 million job openings by 2031, representing a substantial 10.8% growth trajectory. That growth will be fueled by $92 billion in federal money funded through CHIPS, with private companies announcing more than $200 billion in investments since the law passed,” said Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO of SHPE. “To ensure the success of the CHIPS Act in driving the United States to a leadership position in global innovation, it is imperative that Congress fully fund the CHIPS Act so the grand bipartisan vision of US chip independence can be fulfilled.”

More than $662 million in semiconductor investments are expected to impact areas with high Hispanic populations. Additionally, more than a third of projects will take place in Hispanic communities, offering a once in a generation opportunity to elevate more Hispanics into STEM fields.

En Español >

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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 >

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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.

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