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Local Hispanic Engineers - technical careersLocal SHPE chapter finds opportunity in technical careers The Southeast Virginia professional chapter of the national Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) works to promote awareness of opportunities in technical careers. Local engineering professionals from Northrop Grumman, NASA, Old Dominion University and the U.S. Air Force established the organization, and the SHPE granted the branch its charter in 2004. The SHPE is a national nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that works for professional development and academic excellence. Hispanic students, professionals, corporate representatives and community leaders from around the United States gathered at the SHPE national conference Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 in Philadelphia, Penn. The Southeast Virginia professional chapter of the SHPE currently has 22 members who attend general meetings once each quarter. Board of Directors meetings are held monthly. Members conduct outreach programs and "stress the importance of technical careers and education in math and science," according to President Joey Meléndez. In visiting local schools and interacting with youth, "we touch not only Hispanics, but the community at large," he said. Membership is open to anyone who supports the goals of the SHPE. Meléndez urges the Hampton Roads Hispanic community to be proactive rather than sitting back and waiting for opportunities to appear. "There are opportunities out there," Meléndez said. "It is our responsibility to seek out and utilize them." Meléndez is from New York City and his parents are first generation Puerto Rican. He believes the Hispanic population brings " An increase of cultural awareness and the positive aspects of diversity," to Hampton Roads. SHPE Contact info: Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Southeast Virginia Professional Chapter |
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