In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE.

In this episode:

We have outgrown our "working board" model

• Explore the characteristics of effective nonprofit boards: strategic thinking, accountability, diversity of expertise, and healthy debate.

• Discuss the importance of focusing on long-term organizational success instead of operational details.

• Explain how board evaluations, leadership succession, and continuous learning improve governance.

• Share examples of how strong governance enables organizations to respond to growth and change.

• Connect these principles to SHPE's aspiration to become the leading organization serving Hispanics in STEM.

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE.

In this episode:

BOD is a law requirement for nonprofits; legal entity responsible before the government

• Explain the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a nonprofit board versus the role of staff.

• Clarify the difference between governance, strategy, and day-to-day operations.

• Introduce the composition of SHPE's National Board and the perspectives each director brings.

• Discuss how board members represent the interests of the entire organization rather than individual chapters or regions.

• Explain how members can engage with and provide input to the Board throughout the year.

Dr. Isaac Rodriguez is on the SHPE Board of Directors, has a PhD in biomedical engineering, and about ten years ago started a medical device company with his sister that's now raised over ten million dollars. In this episode we get into what it actually takes to go from a lab idea to an FDA-cleared product, how he raised over ten million dollars as a first-time founder, why not knowing the answers is part of the process, and how their product ended up saving someone's life. We also talk about what SHPE is building on the entrepreneurship side for members who want to explore that path.EntrepeneurSHPE LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/groups/15578021/

Visit us online: www.shpe.org

We are kicking off 2026 with a conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. In this episode, we sit down with Karen Horting, Executive Director and CEO of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Karen shares her personal journey from working in the corporate paint industry to leading a global non-profit organization. She opens up about the reality of career paths and offers advice on how to navigate the ups, downs, and lateral moves that shape our professional lives.

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Episode Description

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we sit down with Giordano "Gio" Benitez Torres, the North America Quality Coordinator at Lenovo. Gio takes us from his roots in Panama to his current role as a "computer detective," where he solves high-stakes engineering issues for users around the globe.

We discuss how a lack of access to new hardware led him to mod his gaming console, sparking a lifelong passion for tech and learning English along the way. Gio also opens up about the resilience required to navigate setbacks and the persistence that eventually landed him his dream job.

Plus, we dive into Lenovo’s culture, from foldable screens to sponsoring F1 and the World Cup. Gio also shares crucial advice for members heading to Convention.

In this special episode, SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe sits down with Congresswoman Luz Rivas, an MIT-trained electrical engineer, non-profit founder, and the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background for an in-depth conversation about her remarkable journey. They discuss her path from the San Fernando Valley to the halls of Congress, exploring how her technical expertise informs every aspect of her work as a public servant. Join us for an insightful look at leadership, service, and how a career in STEM can be a foundation for creating community impact.

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Yarala, a freshman electrical engineering student who shares his inspiring journey from Bogotá, Colombia, to the University of Florida. Juan opens up about the hurdles he faced due to his immigration status and the moment he feared his dream of higher education might be out of reach. He explains how finding his local SHPE chapter provided him with more than just resources, it gave him a Familia.

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, Genevieve Gandara, a mechanical engineering student at Caltech soon heading to Stanford, shares her inspiring journey in STEM. From robotics teams in her school years to navigating the rigorous academics at Caltech, Genevieve opens up about the importance of community, resilience, and advocacy. She discusses confronting bias, finding her passion in sustainable design, and her experiences with SHPE, including attending the national convention. Genevieve’s story highlights the power of determination and reminds us why representation in STEM is so crucial.

To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we meet Angelica Gonzales, a SHPE Scholar and mechanical engineering student at Ventura College. Angelica shares how she’s balancing her studies, leadership roles, and work while preparing to transfer to a four-year university. As a first-generation college student, she talks about what drives her, the support she’s found through SHPE, and how she stays focused on her long-term goals. Her story is a great example of resilience, determination, and what it looks like to keep showing up, even when the path isn’t easy.

To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we sit down with Abby Bravo, a SHPE Scholar who shares her journey of learning to let go of perfection and finding her own path in STEM. From feeling the pressure to always be “the perfect student” to figuring out her place at the University of Houston, Abby opens up about her mentors, family, and the moments that made her realize it’s okay to be honest about the struggles. Her story is a reminder that it’s never just about the grades, it’s about growth, too.

To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.