The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) annually hosts a national convention. It is always one of the biggest events, filled with students from all over the nation who come together with their SHPE chapters.
I have been attending the convention since my sophomore year, or ever since I first started at USC. All of the years I have gone they have always been out of state. For this year it was hosted in Anaheim, California which was only about an hour away from USC. As a senior, I was excited to attend the convention this year.
This year’s SHPE National Convention broke records with an incredible 15,000 attendees. Seeing such a massive turnout of fellow students, professionals, and companies dedicated to supporting Hispanic representation in engineering was inspiring. At the convention, I attended featured workshops, panels, the career fair, and networking events.
Being surrounded by thousands of like-minded individuals who share similar backgrounds and aspirations reminded me why I joined SHPE in the first place. The sense of community and the collective drive for excellence made me proud and motivated. The event wasn’t just about professional development, it was about building connections, fostering mentorship, and building community. Attending the convention as a senior also gave me a sense of reflection and gratitude. I remember my first SHPE convention, where I felt nervous and overwhelmed, but also excited by the possibilities. Over the years, these conventions have helped me grow my confidence, refine my career goals, and establish relationships that have guided me through my academic journey. My favorite thing from every convention is that I always form new connections and become closer to the SHPE familia.
The SHPE National Convention is more than just an event: it’s a celebration of our collective potential, a launchpad for our careers, and a reminder that as Hispanic engineers, we are stronger together. I can’t wait to see what future conventions hold and how SHPE will continue to empower the next generation of leaders in STEM. My piece of advice as someone about to graduate is that if you are even considering joining SHPE, you absolutely should! Outside of the wonderful opportunities I have gotten through the convention, I have met some of my closest friends through SHPE and have made lifelong connections.
