About Us

Mission Statement

SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.

Vision Statement

SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

History

Founding

In 1974, Rodrigo Garcia, a civil engineer for the city of Los Angeles, founded the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). The organization was built to bring Hispanics to the forefront of America's innovation and development.

Along with a fellow engineering student Roberto Carrillo, Carlos Gonzalez founded the UCR Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHPE) back in 1998 as a way to build community and empower the Latinos studying the discipline. Twenty five years later, the chapter continues to grow and thrive.

Advisor

Carlos is the Associate Director, Programming and Special Initiatives for California MESA Program, and the Director of the MESA programs at the Bourns College of Engineering at UC Riverside. Carlos is a former engineer, public school educator and has been an instructor and adjunct faculty in university classrooms. His responsibilities include program management and administration, curriculum development, teacher preparation and training, and the creation and implementation of student engineering challenges.

As a MESA alumni (at both the Pre-College and University level), first generation college student and a proud Latino (from the land of eternal spring, Guatemala), he has a passion for empowering, inspiring and preparing young people and their educators for achievement and success.

Our Initiatives

SHPE National Conference
The SHPE National Conference is the largest, annual gathering of Hispanic STEM students and professional. This is an amazing opportunity for students to pursue their dream career. Every year, SHPE at UCR sends a select number of students to Nationals. This year the conference takes place on November 1-5.
Power Brunch
SHPE at UCR's Power Brunch is an annual event that gives students the opportunity to have their resumes reviewed, practice interviewing skills, ask questions, and network with industry professionals that are in a variety of engineering fields. This year Power Brunch aims to take place during the winter quarter.
Professional Development Fair
SHPE at UCR’s Professional Development Fair (PDF) provides engineering students the necessary resources and tools to enhance their professional development. Through resume and LinkedIn workshops, mock interviews, and networking opportunities, we aim to equip attendees with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their future careers. This year, PDF aims to take place during the spring quarter.

Noche de Ciencias (NDC)
Noche de Ciencias (NDC) events occurs annually, where SHPE at UCR visits a local high school and demonstrate the different career paths in STEM.
Dia de Ciencias (DDC)
Día de Ciencias (DDC) is an annual event for K-12 students and their parents. The event consist of hands-on STEM projocts, keynote speakers, and workshops. The goal of DDC is to increase the enrollment of underrepresented high school students into higher education.
School Visits
SHPE at UCR makes an effort to visit K-12 schools local to UCR and spread the different possibilites within engineering.

Solar Boat
Solar Boat is a technical project that SHPE at UCR has been working on since 2019. The solar boat team is developing a solar-powered boat to compete in the California Solar Regatta. Find more information here.
SHPE Tech Team
The SHPE Tech Team is a committee that focuses on technical projects pertaining to software engineering. The last project that the tech team worked on was this website! There will be a lot of opportunities to gain technical experience this year, so make sure to check out more information here.
Study Jams
SHPE at UCR reserves multiple study rooms at the Orbach Library every week. This is an amazing opportunity for students get to get some work done and socialize with their other students.

Socials
SHPE at UCR hosts multiple social events every quarter, such as intermural sports, game nights, ice skating, and many more. Come out to one of our socials and get to know the familia. Check out our calendar, so that you never miss an exciting event.
General Meetings
Our general meetings occur biweekly every quarter. We host industry talks, culture nights, and technical workshops. Food is always provided!
Fundraisers
Fundraisers, like valentine grams, blue tent fundraisers, restaurant fundraisers, are what make our amazing events possible. Helping organize or attend fundraisers is a great way to show support for SHPE at UCR.

MentorSHPE
Our MentorSHPE program allows students to empower each other. Whether students are a mentee or mentor, students will gain leadership experience. Check out more information on how to join the program here.
LeaderSHPE Live!
LeaderSHPE Live! is a conference where there are opportunities for participants to enhance their leadership skills and expand their network through various workshops and events.
Board Officer Positions
SHPE at UCR currently has 17 board officers. Board officers are behind the innovations of SHPE and they shape our community. All members are encouraged to apply when applications open in the winter quarter.