The SHPE Technical Achievement and Recognition (STAR) Awards recognize those in STEM who are changing lives through their community outreach, work, and research.
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 [email protected] to inquire).
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 [email protected].