I spoke with Giuliana Fagre, the Michigan SHPE Chapter President, and she said her involvement with SHPE was driven by a search for community at U of M...
What does SHPE do?
SHPE stands the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, and they are a national organization primarily focused on creating an inclusive space for Hispanic STEM students to connect and learn. Giuliana described SHPE as an academic community focused on support and empowerment. SHPE is primarily concerned with giving a group, traditionally underrepresented in STEM, space to talk, learn, and support one another.
What demographic does SHPE look to serve?
SHPE is an organization for Hispanic Engineering students and expands nationally. Giuliana's chapter, or Michigan SHPE, is open to undergraduates at U of M. There are additional chapters at Michigan catering to high schoolers and graduate students.
Can you speak a little bit on SHPE's mission & values?
Giuliana cited SHPE's values as family, service and education. She additionally said their mission was to empower the hispanic community at Michigan and to create a network of academic and social support.
Giuliana, what inspired you to participate in this club?
"I transferred from community college, and most of the people I met at U of M were a part of SHPE -- they introduced me to this club. I was looking to get involved in campus extracurriculars and I really clicked with SHPE. I grew up in Mexico City and felt as though I could bring an international perspective to the Hispanic community here at Michigan. It felt really nice to be a part of a community, especially one where I enjoyed their mission, programs, and felt an ease of involvement"
What events/resources does SHPE have available?
SHPE has many events geared towards social, professional, and academic development. They have an additional focus on community outreach. Giuliana cited that Michigan's chapter of SHPE has a trip every year to a high school in Latin America. During this trip, SHPE members spend time sharing their experiences and answering questions the local high schoolers have about engineering. She additionally cited that Michigan is the only chapter in the nation that offers a trip to Latin America.
Another event Giuliana spoke fondly of was the SHPE national convention, the biggest gathering of Hispanic STEM students. This convention is open to SHPE members and offers time to network with recruiters, companies, and grad schools. It is a great event for students to find opportunities and hone their professional skills.
SHPE additionally offers a variety of competitions and research opportunities for its members. They host study events, peer to peer academic support, support through SHPE-Grad for grad school applications and social events to make involvement less intimidating.
What would you recommend for someone looking to get involved?
"Start coming to events and start talking to new people! Don't be afraid to reach out and find people in leadership positions you can connect with. It's all about getting out of your comfort zone!" SHPE doesn't have a requirement for involvement, You can be as involved or uninvolved as you want to be!
What has been your favorite experience with SHPE?
"Probably my first national convention in 2022 in North Carolina. I met most of my friends their and remember being very out of my comfort zone, I was traveling with people I didn't know but ultimately found a bond with the SHPE community. It was really special to come to that understanding that you're part of a whole - to really resonate with different people and realize you're not alone"
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