SUCCESS INNOVATION

Reflection: “It’s about las GANAS to excel in your path!!!”

In this 1:1 conversation with Suzanna Valez Wolfe, I have the opportunity to get her insight about where SHPE is headed in the near future. How Artificial Intelligence is being tackled and the impact it has in this organization and the industry.

We talk about her personal experience during her first convention (50th SHPE Anniversary) in Anaheim, CA.  She was overwhelmed with the energy and ectasis each and every attendee to the SHPE convention brought.

Moving forward we all need to continue doing our part to make sure that we all “Lift others as we Rise”.  Having the opportunity to help one another is not a small feat.

She continues at the helm and eager to support all members in the effort to leave things a little better than she found them.

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #successinnovation #shpeconvention #shpenc2026

Reflection: “It’s Not Just about the food, music, language: it’s to still be connected to your roots!!!”

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month 2026. This episode talks about what it means to celebrate HHM during this interesting times for us.

Most of us who supported/volunteered in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs/BRGs) this is a challenging period. We need to rebrand and pivot on how we support and why we support.

The work still has to get done, efforts to our community still need to be created and executed.  We need to be smart on how we can advocate and make a difference.

Ultimately YOU are responsible for what and how you achieve the objectives you set out to achieve.

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #successinnovation #elevatorpitch

Reflection: “Never stop trying; keep moving forward!!!”

In this 1:1 with Grecia we explore her transition from College of the Desert into UCSD.  She talks about the hard situation of the quarter system, facing the insecurities during her first experience in the quarter system. Ultimately SHPE was able to help her find a path to graduation.

She talks about her experience and dedication to advocating for Research and pursuing Graduate school. She later realizes that sometimes pushing your desires onto others is NOT always the right path; you have to listen and adapt.

Getting recognized through Student Role model from SHPE 2026 (STAR Award) is such an emotional moment. Her perspective will definitely be shaped and molded by this new recognition for her.

Getting a job straight out of graduating is not always easy. Her experience finding the job with Global Foundries is such a unique story but that’s something you will need to hear from her own voice.  Always be ready to NETWORK!!!

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #successinnovation #elevatorpitch

Reflection: “If you had 30 Seconds to be remembered, what would you say!!!”

During our Cafecito Chats conversation, we explore what it really means to craft and deliver the “Elevator Pitch”. We share our perspective on who to craft the points you want to deliver. How long should the prepared “Elevator Pitch” should be. Who you should deliver it to.

We explore and provide our insights on when and why you should deliver certain information during your “Elevator Pitch”.

Make sure you take the provided insights and adapt them to your particular situation.

If you need to speak or reach out to any of us, don’t hesitate; we are here to help you!!!

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #successinnovation #elevatorpitch

In this 1:1 session with Brenda Sillas we hear her background and how she was able to manage a few of the obstacles.

She is a life-long learner and as such always advocates to keep moving forward and seeking opportunities. We begin talking about Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) & Business Resource Groups (BRGs).  There she has been able to build and strengthen her insights about Mentorship, sponsorship and hear from Enterprise leaders at Kaiser Permanente.

Having visibility in your job is key and to achieve this, one should volunteer to do stretch assignments in your job.  You have to understand timing; having an awareness to what is really going on within your organization. Building relationships is important to connect the dots.

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #KP #successinnovation #ERG #BRG #kaiserpermanente

Reflection: “Practical tips & Logistic information from Experienced SHPE Convention Participants!!!”

In this Cafecito Chat episode we have a panel of SHPE members from across the various REGIONS (within the United States). They share experiences, perspectives, and true situations about SHPE convention.

Going to a convention is NOT an easy task; preparation and planning are key. How much you plan and how you prepare will determine how successful your time at any event will be.

Clothing and comfort are instrumental for this SHPE National Convention setting. Hear from our panelists what it takes to be successful.

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #etiquette #SHPE2026

Reflection: “How you act Is how People Perceive YOU!!!”

In this Cafecito Chat episode we have the great opportunity to hear from MINA MARTINEZ, owner and CEO of Prestige Protocol.  She is joined by Lynelle Sanchez, her Associate.

They both present very pertinent and timely advice that can be used for any academic, professional or research conference. These skills are essential and necessary to create and leave a lasting impression on those individuals you meet.

Hear their advice here but do join one of the main sessions conducted by Prestige Protocol by visiting their site:   https://www.etiquetteseminars.com/

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #etiquette #prestigeprotocol

Reflection: “Stress is PART of life...But How you deal with it Matters!!!”

In this Cafecito Chat episode we talk about STRESS. We delve into what are some of the things that cause it but more importantly HOW we each deal wit hit.

Going out for a walk, going to the gym…having some alone time to decompress is important for each of us. This helps us find balance and continue moving in the direction we need to.  Sometimes we can’t control things around us but we need to understand WHAT we are able to control that helps us keep our balance.  This helps us deal with the STRESS of everyday life.

We don’t solely focus on STRESS from school or the job. Listen to this fantastic episode and learn from our distinguished guests!!!!

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #STRESS #balance

This is a 1:1 conversation with Sofia Pantoja, recent Aerospace graduate from University of Southern California (USC).  Our conversation dives into her path and discovery about how she found engineering being her true path. It all began with watching STAR TREK: Next Generation and getting immersed in some of that fantasy that ultimately led her to STEM.

We touch on some of her favorite moments with her favorite club at USC, Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) team. She spent many hours having fun and learning as she made things work. 

Ultimately, she landed a full-time position and is currently an employee at SpaceX. It’s NOT luck, her dedication and persistence have led her to being prepared and take opportunities as they come. 

Great conversation with Sofia Pantoja.

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #RPL #USC #SPACEX

Reflection: “One piece of Financial Advice... What would it BE?”

In this episode we explore RETIREMENT. It takes a change in mindset if you don’t have discipline to save money for your later years.  You need to educate yourself in jargon about retirement. Being open and honest about what you want to achieve; talk to a financial advisor sooner rather than later.

You should consider and evaluate your options: Certificate of Deposits (CDs), 401K matches from your employer, High Yield Saving Account, etc.

Use what makes sense for you.

Make sure that you understand your financial situation and come up with a budget to keep moving your RETIREMENT Plan forward.

Consider that RETIREMENT is NOT just about finances but also HEALTH and Mental Health.

#professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #RETIREMENT #HEALTH