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.
Mission
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
SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
Executive Board
President
Christopher Quilla
Vice President
Antonio Gambra
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Treasurer
Julissa Vicente
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Secretary
Jared Ocasio
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Extended Executive Board
Social Media Chair
Ashley Gomez
Event Coordinator
Alexander Maus
Graphic Designer
Michael Ly
Graphic Designer
Michael Igbanugo
SHPE Jr
Shey Ochoa-Gilb
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Web Developer
Angel Velazquez
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Web Developer
Aidan Furey
Giampolo Rivera
SHPE provided a platform to develop and enhance soft skills via the various tasks required to run and operate a chapter. Encouraged group work that is essential in the real world; no matter the industry. Accountability is key to career development and personal growth, and SHPE provided that platform where it forces individuals to respect other peoples time.
Jeffrey Villalon
[SHPE] has given me this sense of leadership. You can’t be a leader without first attempting to be one. SHPE till this day introduces me to interesting people and ensures I do not lose touch with the hispanic community and those willing to learn. Every now and then I feel spiritually drained and then I go to a SHPE event and get re-inspired!
Christian Garcia
If it wasn’t for SHPE, I wouldn’t have had a career in engineering, lived in New Orleans or have the professional experiences I gained over the years. My only regret was not being more involved during my senior year and also a few years after moving back to NYC. However, I am glad to be back on campus and help out the SBU SHPE chapter!
Franklin Panora
[SHPE] definitely created a sense of community for me on campus both academically and socially. SHPE changed my prospective professional development and escalated the limits of goals as an engineer. SHPE also made me develop the desire to help those in need in my community (both professionally and socially).
SHPE National Conference
Our members attend the biggest Hispanic career fair of the year. Events hosted throughout the year train SHPE students for interviews & competitions held at the conference.
Pre-College Day
High school students from the community are invited to Stony Brook University by SHPE to learn about STEM careers.
Noche de Ciencias
We ignite curiosity and incentivize students and parents alike to consider attending college and pursuing STEM.
Noche de Ciencias is an interactive event held at local high schools where parents are informed of financial aid opportunities on a federal and state level while students take part in STEM-related activities and competitions.
Arduinos are a simple, cheap way to teach kids basic electronic concepts that are used in everyday machines and robots. Students are presented with pre-built Arduino projects and taught what went into making them work as well as have a chance to build their own.
Noche De Ciencias is held in both English and Spanish to effectively reach out to and communicate with immigrant families.
A panel presented by Stony Brook SHPE students takes high school students through their own experiences from applying to college to choosing a major, and what it takes to be successful in college.
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Sponsor Us
Become a sponsor by purchasing a sponsorship package!
Gold: ($500 – $1000+)
- Host an event around a topic of your choice
- Everything in the Silver package
Silver :Â ($250 – $499)
- Your logo on the back of Stony Brook SHPE sweaters
- Stony Brook SHPE merchandise
- Everything in the Bronze package
Bronze: ($50 – $249)
- Your logo on our website
- Alumni Newsletter Sponsor Recognition
Donations ARE tax deductible.
Unable to support us financially? No worries!
Stony Brook SHPE events require materials and resources.
- Catering: Catered food greatly reduces the cost of hosting an event and is always appreciated.
- Company Merchandise: T-shirts, phone wallets, bracelets, pens, hats. etc.
- Professionals: Professionals are always welcome to participate in events such as resume reviews and networking events.
Their are many other ways your company could help Stony Brook SHPE host the best experiences possible for students. You can help Stony Brook SHPE impact more communities and make a difference.