by Sarah Godfrey

The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers National Convention is a yearly conference where high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional SHPE members meet to compete, attend leadership seminars, discuss the upcoming year(s) of activities, and celebrate the achievements of the past year. This is the largest gathering of Hispanics in STEM, with over 10,000 attendees estimated for the 2022 convention, held November 2–6 in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a theme of “race towards the future.”

Nineteen undergraduates and one graduate student were in attendance with registration fees and transportation funded by the Student Organization Travel Fund. This was the largest group from the University of Tennessee to attend the national convention in the history of the organization. Each chapter member’s experience was enriched by attending inspiring workshops by some of most accomplished Hispanic engineers in the industry.

The students who attend this conference always return with enthusiasm about how they can better help their SHPE chapter at home and have a renewed vision about what it means to be a Hispanic in STEM.

Aerospace senior Iliane Domenech, returning for her second year at the national gathering, was invigorated by the conference and the organization’s support.

“Words cannot fully describe the magnitude of what SHPE has done for me,” she said. “I found my familia and by going to nationals I was able to find my confidence, my voice and so much more. Every convention gave me an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone, learn from others, and grow as a person. I will forever be grateful for my experiences and what it has given me!”

It is not only the upperclassmen who find Nationals to be an enriching experience. Freshman and first year SHPE member Yoltic Madrigal found his convention experience informative and valuable.

“It was a wonderful experience, seeing all the companies that were available,” said Madrigal. “I liked all of the workshops that I attended and enjoyed making connections with other Hispanic Professional Engineers!”

Planning for the November 1–5, 2023 National Convention in Salt Lake City, UT is already in the works.