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.
