The SHPE Mission and Vision

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

Stony Brook Chapter History

In the fall semester of 1987, Carlos Menjivar of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the oldest known Latino fraternity, realized there was a need for more Latino representation in engineering at Stony Brook University. Together, he and Luis A. Gomez envisioned an organization that would unite, support, and empower Latinos in the engineering field. With the support of the Engineering department, their first meeting in 1995 was a huge success and the Stony Brook University professional chapter of the Society of Hispanic Engineers (SHE) was born. By unanimous vote, their first Executive Board was elected:

• President Luis A. Gomez
• Vice President Orlando Montan
• Treasurer Annette Pamis
• Secretary Malbin Mendoza
• Public Relations Managers Lily Liy and Jorge Resto

The organization would go on to host field trips and professional guest speakers so students would have the opportunity to network and build relationships with individuals in their prospective industries. Collectively, they worked on increasing the number of Hispanic engineering students on campus, providing guidance and aid so that these students could flourish and complete their education.