On Wednesday, November 19, SHPE Board Strategic Committee Member Karen Santos participated as a panelist in the “Building the Latino Tech Workforce of the Future” session at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 2025 Tech Summit. The discussion convened STEM ecosystem leaders to explore how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are transforming the future of work and how communities can prepare for both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The topic was especially relevant for SHPE, as the Hispanic workforce has long been a long time cornerstone for industries being reshaped by technology. This pivotal moment calls for creating clear pathways into emerging sectors and leadership roles to ensure Hispanic professionals remain at the forefront of innovation.

To open the session, U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez delivered powerful remarks urging the audience to view technology as a bridge to greater opportunity, not a barrier to progress. She emphasized the need for affordable devices, high-quality digital training, and expanded broadband access to close the digital divide and drive growth across both rural and urban communities.

Throughout the panel, speakers examined how the rise of AI is redefining not only the nature of work, but also how individuals find meaning and purpose in it. They agreed that beyond salary and stability, meaningful work increasingly revolves around purpose, innovation, and long-term impact. While automation often dominates the conversation, panelists emphasized that AI can amplify human potential by elevating unique human strengths such as creativity, discernment, judgment, and problem-solving.

The conversation also underscored that building a strong and resilient talent pipeline requires more than just technical expertise. Panelists highlighted that soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and leadership are just as essential for long-term professional success. As Karen Santos shared, “SHPE leadership initiatives, such as NILA, help our members strengthen their ability to tune into their chapter’s needs, manage community outreach, and pursue cross-sector industry collaboration opportunities, all of which enhance their interpersonal skills and expand their professional networks.”

The unifying message of the panel was that the future of technology, and the workforce it shapes, will depend on deliberate investment in up-skilling, access to education, and opportunity. With the Hispanic workforce contributing an estimated $3.2 trillion to the U.S. economy, panelists underscored that developing strong talent pipelines is not only vital for community advancement but also for sustaining national economic competitiveness. By expanding pathways for professional growth and innovation, the U.S. can unlock higher productivity, generate quality jobs, and ensure that technology remains a powerful engine of prosperity for all communities and businesses across the country.

Reflecting on the discussion, SHPE Board Member Alejandra Leija shared, “Technological progress must include and empower everyone. That means investing in continuous learning and expanding access to technical education so professionals can thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. At SHPE, we remain committed to ensuring the Hispanic community leads, without any lags, in shaping the future of innovation.”

The day’s discussions offered more than insights. It inspired a shared vision for a future where today’s workforce is empowered to lead in tomorrow’s economy. SHPE extends its heartfelt gratitude to CHCI President and CEO Marco Davis and his team for their partnership and dedication to fostering collaboration between government and industry leaders. Together, we are shaping the policies, innovations, and opportunities that will define America’s technological and economic progress for generations to come.

On September 29, the SHPE Colorado Professional Chapter partnered with Compass Academy to host Noche de Ciencias, a “Night of Science”, bringing students and community partners together for an afternoon of hands-on, engaging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning.

SHPE Colorado volunteers led a range of interactive activities designed to spark creativity and curiosity, and they not only brought technical expertise but also served as inspiring role models, helping students see themselves in STEM professionals and showing that a future in these fields is both possible and within reach.

This partnership was made possible through the enthusiasm and leadership of Martin Zaborac, Instructional Coach at Compass Academy. With a background in mathematics, Martin embraced this initiative as an opportunity to expand access to STEM education and inspire students across the Denver community.

Special guests from the offices of U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, and U.S. Representative Diana DeGette attended to learn more about SHPE Colorado’s community-driven efforts to advance Hispanics in STEM. Their presence highlighted the value of programs like Noche de Ciencias, which, in partnership with schools like Compass Academy, foster informal STEM learning opportunities that empower students to explore, experiment, and envision themselves as future innovators. By combining the expertise of SHPE volunteers with Compass Academy’s commitment to delivering impactful STEM experiences, these programs strengthen Denver’s STEM talent pipeline and nurture students’ belief that they, too, can thrive as future leaders in science and technology.

SHPE’s Noche de Ciencias™ (NdC) program is a national initiative that engages and motivates Hispanic and non-Hispanic youth to pursue STEM degrees and careers. Organized by SHPE Professional and University Chapters nationwide, these events connect students with local role models and mentors who show what’s possible through a STEM education.

Together, we are creating pathways for the next generation of Hispanic leaders in STEM.

In this special podcast episode, SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe sits down with Congresswoman Luz Rivas, an MIT-trained electrical engineer, non-profit founder, and the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background for a powerful conversation about her inspiring journey.

From growing up in the San Fernando Valley to shaping policy in Washington, Congresswoman Rivas shares how her technical expertise informs her work as a legislator and advocate.

Together, they explore the intersection of leadership, service, and STEM, and how a career in science and engineering can be a catalyst for lasting community impact.

LISTEN HERE ON SPOTIFY

LISTEN HERE ON APPLE

On September 15, Congresswoman Luz Rivas introduced House Resolution 718, a bipartisan measure focused on improving Latino participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background and Co-Chair of the STEM Education Caucus, Rep. Rivas brings a unique perspective that resonates deeply with SHPE’s mission. Her leadership highlights why representation matters. Not just in the classroom or the workplace, but also in spaces where priorities are set and decisions about the future of innovation are made.

Building on this commitment to representation, SHPE had the privilege of contributing to this effort by adding notable data from the 2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report, which highlights key motivators driving Latino interest and persistence in STEM. The findings further underscore the community’s eagerness to contribute, innovate, and make a lasting impact on society.

Moreover, the Resolution emphasizes that when Latino students are empowered to explore their curiosity and creativity, the impact extends well beyond a single community. A stronger STEM workforce that reflects the full range of talent in our country fuels innovation, drives new solutions, and strengthens America’s competitiveness in the global economy. 

This vision is already becoming a reality. Latino students and professionals are contributing groundbreaking ideas and shaping the future of STEM today. With mentorship, visibility, and consistent investment, their impact will only expand. That’s why policy, education, and community partnerships must align to ensure every Latino student sees STEM not only as a possibility, but as a space where they belong and can lead.

At SHPE, we are deeply grateful for our partnerships with schools, universities, and companies that make it possible to continue driving change. Whether through STEM events, mentorship programs, or by opening doors to internships and scholarships, these collaborations expand opportunities for Latino students and professionals. This resolution underscores the value of such efforts, highlighting that Latino talent is not only vital to our community but essential to America’s progress.

Here’s what the resolution sets out to do:

• Promote economic empowerment by supporting more Latino men and women in STEM.
• Acknowledge the underrepresentation of Latinos in STEM and its cost to industries and the broader economy.
• Call for greater investment in Latino communities to develop a strong and diverse STEM workforce.
• Encourage federal support for programs that expand Latino access to STEM pathways, especially in engineering.
• Recognize the key role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other colleges in preparing Latino students for STEM careers.

Each of us has a role to play in STEM. What’s next?

• Advocate locally: Support STEM electives, after-school programs, or SHPE chapter partnerships that prepare students for college and beyond.
• Mentor or volunteer: Share your story, guide a student, or open a door that could change someone’s life.
• Amplify the message: Let others know why this resolution matters to you and encourage them to share their own journeys in STEM.

See Congresswoman Rivas press release HERE.

This past month, a group of SHPE representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet members of Congress and key staff, bringing an urgent message about how SHPE is proactively delivering solutions to address the nation’s workforce shortages. This visit came at a critical time, as policymakers weigh new investments and strategies to sustain U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation. 

With nearly 12 million new STEM jobs projected in the next 6 years, SHPE delegates emphasized the organization’s five-decade legacy of delivering measurable results through tailored programs in education, mentorship, and career readiness. Over the years, the organization has consistently closed opportunity gaps, advanced innovation, promoted entrepreneurship, and contributed meaningfully to the strength of the U.S. economy. As the STEM economy continues to grow, SHPE’s longstanding investments in accessibility and building a strong talent pipeline prove to be vital.  

During their visit to Congress, the delegation called on lawmakers to accelerate strategic partnerships with STEM-focused nonprofits like SHPE. By expanding access to informal STEM learning and supporting professional readiness at every career stage, SHPE continues to play a critical role in growing the STEM talent pool in the country. As a leading national organization delivering high-impact wraparound programs that serve students and professionals when needed most, SHPE has proactively addressed recurring and emerging workforce needs nationwide. 

SHPE delegates shared personal stories about how federal investments in STEM education and careers transformed their lives. As accomplished engineers, entrepreneurs, organization leaders, and respected innovators in their fields, they spoke from lived experience, underscoring both the transformational power of opportunity and the responsibility they feel to create it for others.  

I know that SHPE’s impact is real because I am a product of it. Growing up in a household where ‘engineering’ was never a commonly used word, I found in SHPE the support and mentorship that guided me through my STEM journey and led me to where I am today. That is why I remain committed to investing my time to support and advocate for the next generation of Hispanic STEMists. Advocacy in STEM is not just valuable, it is necessary. It ensures that students from all backgrounds can envision a future in these fields, access meaningful opportunities, and develop the confidence to lead. – William Gonzalez, Former 7 Region RVP 

“Being back on the Hill to advocate for SHPE’s community felt like a full-circle moment one that built on past momentum and deepened our commitment to progress. We highlighted SHPE’s role not only in expanding access, but in tackling pressing national challenges like closing the STEM workforce gap, driving skill-building efforts, and addressing the often-overlooked issue of ‘brain drain’. This experience was a powerful reminder that policy and representation go hand-in-hand when it comes to growing the STEM pipeline.” – Karen Santos, Former Board Secretary 

As a booming population segment and vital driver of economic growth, consumer spending, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Hispanic community will be central to national efforts intended to solve the nation’s STEM workforce shortfall. Expanding Hispanic participation across all STEM fields, from early education to advanced research and executive leadership, is essential to building a resilient and sustainable economy. 

For over 50 years, SHPE has made a measurable impact on the availability of quality STEM talent through its 1000,000+ strong all-time membership. SHPE remains committed in its mission to drive meaningful progress to close the skills gap and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Visits like these to Capitol Hill and to those at the local level remind our lawmakers of the growing need for STEM talent and SHPE’s unique position to help fill that need. 

Interested in learning how to deliver this message to your local lawmakers? We can make that happen! Please reach out to Mariana Acuna Delgado at [email protected] to discuss the opportunity. 

RESEARCHER Act: Addressing Financial Insecurity Among Graduate & Postdoctoral Researchers 

On May 7, Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Alex Padilla (D-CA), introduced the bipartisan RESEARCHER (Relieving Economic Strain to Enhance American Resilience & Competitiveness in Higher Education & Research) Act, designed to address critical financial barriers impacting graduate and postdoctoral researchers and significantly shaping the future of the U.S. scientific workforce. 

This legislation seeks to tackle non-academic barriers such as food and housing insecurity, child or family care costs, and student loan debt, to better understand how these stressors derail the chances of researchers from achieving promising careers while preventing the country’s ability of cultivating a resilient and competitive STEM workforce.    

At SHPE, we are familiar with the negative effects of such barriers experienced by our membership. On an annual basis, SHPE assesses membership needs allowing us to improve our programming and events. In our 2024 Needs Assessment, 60% of SHPE graduate students and postdoctoral members reported difficulty balancing academic and personal responsibilities, and 48% cited experiencing financial constraints. For many, these challenges are often juggled with caregiving duties, as 9.3% identify as parents or caregivers.  

Even more alarming, our 2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report identified that 41% of our graduate members reported facing food insecurity “often” or “sometimes,” and 28.1% experienced food or housing insecurity. While financial constraints can take many forms, it is evident that graduate students struggle to meet the most basic living needs as they pursue their academic goals. 

Building off on our 2023-2024 Needs Assessment, our data also tracked the high aspirations of our undergraduate members for advanced education. We found that more than half (54%) of our student members want to earn a master’s or doctoral degree, and over 41% of our graduate members intend to pursue a doctorate. However, despite this strong desire and indication to pursue advanced degrees, only 3.6% of doctoral degrees in engineering, out of the 4.9% master’s degree awarded, were awarded to those that identify as Hispanic.   

Notably, this gap between ambition and attainment suggests that many highly capable and motivated students face persistent barriers, limiting their potential to earn advanced degrees. As STEM employment occupations are projected to reach 11.8 million in 2033,  the urgency to fill these roles is clear and we must continue investigating the barriers that many individuals experience in this critical segment of the workforce to ensure they reach their fullest potential and that our nation retains them in high-growth and high-impact STEM sectors.  

The RESEARCHER Act is a vital first step toward improving the landscape of financial stressors for up-and-coming researchers and innovators. As a nation, we cannot afford to lose critical STEM talent to preventable challenges such as housing and food insecurity or unaffordable childcare. 

At SHPE, we are committed to supporting our members in their pursuit of academic and professional excellence. Supporting the next generation of researchers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential to fostering and retaining the future of American innovation. 

To read out Letter of Support click HERE 

To read the RESEARCHER Act one-pager click HERE 

Consider donating to our ALL-IN Relief Fund: Launched in 2020 to support our member needs during the national pandemic. As we have transitioned through post-pandemic, we know that many of our members still have needs for day-to-day living that are not covered through other funding opportunities. Through the generous support of donors, we are able to continue offering aid to our members. To learn more, click ALL-IN SHPE Relief Fund.

In celebration of Public Service Recognition Week, SHPE hosted a special discussion about the vital role of public servants and the unique impact that STEM professionals can make when they choose careers in government. 

We were honored to host Mary Ann Gomez Orta from the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), Jeyben Castro from the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives, Jasmine Pang from the U.S. Senate Employment Office, and Jessica Pedroza from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).  

The panelists spoke about the growing need for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals in shaping policy, advancing innovation, and protecting our communities through public service, while emphasizing key programming like mentorship, access to professional networks, and strong support systems available through their organizations to professionals seeking to transition into meaningful careers in public service.  

Public servants play a powerful role in the daily lives of millions. Whether they are ensuring public safety, leading environmental research, building infrastructure, or helping craft legislation, their work is essential to the health, progress, and wellbeing of our society. At SHPE, we believe that public service is not just a job, it’s a calling. And when our members answer that call, they bring their skills, passion, and cultural heritage to work for the greater good. 

As the leading organization for Hispanics in STEM, SHPE is deeply committed to increasing Hispanic representation across all sectors, including government. By fostering conversations of opportunity, we can ensure that the public sector benefits from the talent, perspective, and innovation that Hispanic STEM professionals bring to the table.  

Thank you to all SHPE members who have served or are currently serving in public roles at the federal, state, local, county, and tribal levels. Your dedication, leadership, and service inspire us all! 

Check out SHPE Members Celebrate Public Sector Work video! 

Leading STEM education and professional associations came together for a special fireside chat with Congresswoman Luz Rivas to explore opportunities in the 119th Congress to engage, retain, and advance women and girls in STEM. 

With over 300 attendees, the event featured an insightful discussion with leaders from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Panelists engaged in a candid conversation with Congresswoman Rivas about the power of advocacy, storytelling, and community-driven initiatives in shaping STEM legislation and driving economic growth. 

As the first Latina in Congress with a STEM background, Representative Rivas drew from her experience as a former state legislator, founder of the STEM-focused nonprofit DIY Girls, and private sector professional. She emphasized the critical role of storytelling in bridging educational gaps, fostering allyship, and incentivizing progress. She also underscored that advocacy at all levels of government (federal, state, county, municipal, and special district) has been a driving force in creating meaningful change. 

Leaders from AISES, SWE, NSBE, and SHPE highlighted the importance of a diverse STEM workforce, not only as a catalyst for innovation but also as a key driver of economic prosperity. STEM industries contribute 69% of the U.S. GDP and generate $2.3 trillion in annual federal tax revenue, underscoring their critical role in national growth and global competitiveness. However, sustaining and expanding this impact requires a robust and inclusive STEM talent pipeline. With the industry projected to need 11.8 million new workers by 2030, leveraging the collective strength of our memberships is essential to cultivating a skilled, diverse, and future-ready workforce. Expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in STEM is not just a matter of equity, it is an economic imperative. 

To close the fireside chat, members from each organization participated in a forward-thinking debrief session, reflecting on key takeaways and discussing how they resonated with their own STEM journeys. This proactive dialogue provided a space to highlight key learnings, share insights, and identify opportunities for growth as we move forward in the new Congress. 

We are incredibly grateful to our engaged audience and our guest of honor, Congresswoman Rivas, for their participation in this critically needed conversation. Special thanks to our esteemed hosts—Karen Horting (SWE CEO), Sarah Echohawk (AISES CEO), Dr. Tiffini Andorful (NSBE Chief Programs & Membership Officer), Suzanna Valdez-Wolf (SHPE CEO), Jenny Tsao (SWE), Taylor Scott (NSBE), Sunny Myers (AISES), Melanie Weber (SHPE), and Mariana Acuña (SHPE) for their leadership, dedication, and collaboration in making this event a tremendous success. And a special shout of gratitude to Giovanna Salazar (SHPE) for her behind-the-scenes support of the event.

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SPECIAL MESSAGES ABOUT WOMEN & GIRLS IN STEM

We also received video messages from three legislators across the country in honor of International Day of Women & Girls in STEM. Thank you to Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-8), and Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) for taking the time to share their thoughts with all of us on this important day.

On April 12, SHPE took part in the “YOU Belong in STEM” initiative’s second conference at the White House, hosted by the Department of Education. This significant event drew key figures including U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten, as well as other members of the Biden-Harris Administration dedicated to improving STEM education for both students and educators.

The conference was a chance for advocates and leaders from across the nation to come together and highlight the strides made towards the initiative, which aims to conclude in 2025. In the opening remarks, various participants who had made significant contributions to the initiative were honored. SHPE was proudly recognized for its achievements, and we had the privilege to speak to both the in-person audience and those tuning in via livestream. We shared our success in exceeding our goal of engaging 7,500 Hispanic youths, reaching a total of 16,888 individuals through SHPE Virtual STEM Labs. Furthermore, we announced our commitment to providing $3.6 million through our ScholarSHPE program by 2025, having already awarded $3.3 million in the first year.

While SHPE will not be launching new projects in 2024, we are committed to achieving our current goal of engaging 2,000 Hispanic parents through our Equipando Padres program by 2025. By strengthening parent involvement, SHPE strives to better equip parents to support their children’s pursuit of STEM careers. Our ultimate goal is to be a valuable resource for those supporting Hispanic students, and we look forward to sharing our successes and insights at the conclusion of the initiative in 2025.

To stay updated on our progress: #YOUBelongIn STEM Progress Report | March 2024

On April 17, 2024, SHPE made history by hosting its first Hill Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, bringing nearly 70 of its members to advocate for Hispanics in STEM. Conversations with then members of Congress, and 65 additional meetings with Congressional, Committee, and Leadership office staff focused on bridging the existing workforce gap by leveraging Hispanic talent to meet the demands of STEM industries, emerging technologies, and national security interests. By fostering pathways for student achievement from K-12 and enhancing accessibility to professional development initiatives, SHPE is committed to working with Congress on propelling more Hispanics forward in STEM fields with their help. 

As the nation’s largest association representing Hispanics in STEM, SHPE is motivated by the fast growth of the Hispanic community in the country and how they’re uniquely positioned to close the current workforce gap in STEM, as well as, the 10.9 million additional job openings expected by 2031.  

During SHPE’s Hill Day, participants asked Congress to work with SHPE on expediting parity between engineering & tech degrees awarded and the proportion of Hispanics in the workforce much earlier than the estimated projection of 2060, recognizing how community-based organizations like SHPE could optimize their impact in the Hispanic community with the direct support of federal investments. 

When speaking with Congressional offices, constituents discussed the critical role of SHPE in the STEM ecosystem. With its finger on the pulse of the fastest growing demographic in the country, and 50 years of fostered relationships in the STEM industry, SHPE works directly with the private and public sectors to address job market needs with a diverse talent pool comprised of Hispanic individuals with non-traditional and traditional backgrounds. These partnerships allow SHPE to build a bridge between Hispanics and STEM, effectively creating a superhighway of wrap-around services that attract and retain students from an early age all throughout their professional careers in STEM fields. 

By sharing their personal stories, constituents were a testament of success. Their impressive experiences and professional trajectories served as evidence to both Republican and Democratic offices that SHPE is seriously doing a remarkable job in adding highly qualified individuals to the U.S. workforce, approximately 3,000 annually. As a non-profit organization, SHPE remains committed to expanding its reach to various demographics, including first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities, those from low-income backgrounds, residents of remote areas, community college attendees, aspiring and veteran servicemen. This concerted effort aims to bolster a robust domestic pipeline of Hispanic talent thus strengthening our domestic workforce. 

Expanding on the experiences shared by constituents, SHPE suggested that federal investments targeting improvements in STEM education and workforce development should prioritize community-based 501(c)(3) organizations as key recipients of competitive grant funding. Both Congressional Representatives and staff supported this proposal, recognizing SHPE’s potential to effectively utilize federal investments in extending its outreach and influence within the Hispanic community. SHPE emphasizes that enhancing the involvement of Hispanics in STEM fields is vital for advancing our domestic economy, enhancing global competitiveness, and meeting workforce demands, provided that appropriate resources are allocated to support these efforts. 

The delegation of SHPE members included –

Abel Antonio Barrios
Alberto Alonso Sandoval
Alejandra Taulet
Ana Sofia Camacho
Andrea Carolina Godoy Perez
Andrea Gabriela Rivera
Andrew Isaac Yanez
Andrew Steven Garcia
Anthony Jara
Anthony Martinez Rosales
Bismarck Chiang
Brianna Marlene Soriano
Brissa Yazmin Quiroz Enriquez
Carlos Branco Gutierrez Gil
Catherine Grace Trevino
Cecilia Wingze Ochoa
Christian Presley Newkirk
Daniel Luna Quezada
Darian Uriarte
Denise Garcia Mesa
Diana Elisa Gomez
Diana Vanesa Centeno Maurad
Eduarmar R Flores Sanchez
Edward Miranda
Elany Saavedra
Emily Chavez
Erik Modesto Reyes
Fernanda Maria Ballesteros Paniagua
Hannah Margaret Sierra
Jacobo Miranda
James Narey
Jasmin Emely Lopez
Jeraldin Guerrero
Jessica Marie Flores
Jessica Torres Torres
Jessica Velez
Jocelyn Jacqueline Garcia
John Thomas Paredes
John Wallace
Jose Sergio Garcia, Jr.
Josefina Carmen Alvarez
Julissa Saenz
Karen Lizette Santos Garcia
Karen Yesenia Hernandez
Kelvin Alexander Guzman Baez
Lesly Stefany Rojas Caloca
Margarita Colmenares
Mariana Lopez
Martha Elizabeth Ventura
Melanie Weber
Melissa Villegas Drake
Michael Saony Hidalgo
Natalie Davila Rendon
Nayleth Guadalupe Ramirez Duarte
Nicolas Valencia Diaz
Odalys Lopez
Oscar O Marquina Romero
Stephanie Moreno Rivera
Xitlali Guadalupe Montoya-Hernandez
Zachary Alexander Torres