SUCCESS INNOVATION

In this episode we hear from Jay Flores about his decision to become an Entrepreneur leaving a safe career with Rockwell Automation as he began his journey with Invent the Change LLC.  We hear his experience on how "It’s Not Magic, It’s Science" outreach efforts are moving forward and ultimately his desire for impact and being intentional let to him writing Engineer Someday; which is really for anyone to be motivated and pursue STEM.  We hear his experience in the popular Exatlon Estados Unidos & American Ninja Warrior and why he ultimately decided to seek those opportunities.

#successinnovation #STEM #shpe #shpefamilia #dedication #persistence #preparation #leadership #change

In this episode of Cafecito Chats, we dive into real, candid conversations about NEGOTIATION, shaped by our own personal experiences. We explore the idea that a reluctance to negotiate might be cultural, but is it really? Some of our more seasoned voices reflect on their early careers, sharing how they didn’t negotiate their first job offers and now wish they had. Meanwhile, the younger generation brings a different perspective, sharing stories of successfully negotiating without fear, where speaking up didn’t cost them the opportunity but actually led to better offers. At the end of the day, the choice is yours; we are here to give you the insight and confidence to decide what is right for you.

#shpe #SHPEfamilia #determination #persistence #preparation #leadership #empower #successinnovation #salary #negotiate #networking

Honored to attend the "UCSD Research Expo 2026" for the 10th time, this year once again as a judge! 🎉

This event never fails to impress. It’s an incredible showcase of cutting-edge technology and innovations that will shape what the general public experiences in the years ahead. 🚀

I had the pleasure of connecting with Dean of Engineering Albert "Al" P. Pisano, Ph.D., as well as catching up with Sam Knight, a very active UC San Diego alumnus, and Jesse De La Trinidad from the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. Always great to see familiar faces who are driving impact in their fields.

What truly makes this experience special each year is the opportunity to engage with the students. Their passion, curiosity, and dedication to meaningful research is inspiring, and a reminder of how bright the future is. 💡

🌞One additional special opportunity for me is to meet up with my son, Samuel Herrera who attends UCSD as an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Student!!!🌞

Looking forward to many more years of learning, judging, and being inspired!

#successinnovation #leadership #research #UCSD #Engineering #shpe #shpefamilia #UCSDresearchexpo2026

In this episode, "College Path Despite the System!!??", we hear the powerful story of Dra. Cristina Aguirre, who now leads impactful efforts with Barrio Logan College Institute. From her early days working in the fields and overcoming real physical obstacles, to becoming a champion for educational access, her journey is one of resilience and purpose. She shares what continues to drive her passion for giving back, along with a memorable story from a foggy morning in the grape fields that shaped her perspective. Let's get started.

#blci #determination #persistence #preparation #leadership #empower #successinnovation #shpe #SHPEfamilia

In this episode, You Had the Interview… NOW WHAT!!??, we break down what to do after the interview to keep your momentum going and stand out. We share practical advice on how and when to follow up with recruiters, including the right cadence for sending emails without overdoing it. For those transitioning between roles, we emphasize the importance of professionalism, never belittling your current employer, as industries are more connected than you think. We also discuss why having a clear exit strategy during the interview can help you stay focused and intentional about your next move.

#shpe #SHPEfamilia #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination

In this episode, we dive into the idea of “Brag Without Bragging”, the art of showcasing your accomplishments in a way that highlights your impact without feeling self-promotional. We discuss why simply putting your head down and hoping your work speaks for itself is often not enough for career growth, and how effectively communicating your achievements, initiatives, and involvement can open doors to new opportunities. From workplace contributions to external leadership and community engagement, we explore how demonstrating your dedication, hunger, and alignment with the organizations you care about can help elevate your visibility and upward mobility.

#successinnovation #leadership #empower #elevate #persistence #preparation #determination #nsbe #sase

In this episode, we sit down with Inez Gonzalez Perezchica to discuss her book What the Iceberg Hides and the journey that led her to write it. Inez shares insights from her career in community leadership, including her 30-year connection with MANA de San Diego, where she served as CEO for five years and helped expand impactful programs by recognizing and leveraging the power of social capital. We explore the experiences that inspired her book, the deeper themes it reveals about identity and growth, and what she learned from engaging directly with readers at events like “Coffee with the Author,” where she discovered which messages resonate most strongly with audiences.

#socialcapital #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #empower #manasd #mentor #successinnovation

In this episode of SUCCESS INNOVATION, we explore the power of setting SMART goals and why taking the leap is essential to discovering both what we want to achieve and what we must accomplish. We discuss the importance of balancing personal goals—like spending quality time with family, upgrading for life’s needs, or planning meaningful vacations—with professional goals that align with the organizations we serve. As multifaceted individuals, we all carry different “buckets” of aspirations, making life/work balance a critical part of intentional goal setting. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on creating clarity, staying focused, and designing a path toward success.

#successinnovation #determination #persistence #preparation #leadership #empower

Welcome back to another Fantastic episode of SUCCESS INNOVATION.  In this episode we talk about the “2025 What a Year!!!”.  We share our insights about what went well, good, bad for the year.  We also share our expectations and outlook for 2026.  This year, although difficult at some levels also brought great things for each of us.  We share our perspective on how we could do better and what we should focus on for next year. Thank you for joining us this year at whatever level you were able to!!!

#successinnovation #leadership #empower #preparation #determination #shpe #shpefamilia

In this episode, we speak with Elsa Sevilla, journalist, producer, author, and proud Latina whose journey from Tijuana to the San Diego media spotlight is nothing short of remarkable. Elsa reflects on overcoming hardship, building a meaningful career in journalism, creating Historic Places for KPBS, and writing her new book Camera Ready. Her story is a powerful reminder that every step, no matter how difficult, prepares you for the next one.

#successinnovation #leadership #persistence #preparation #determination #firstgeneration #reporter #storyteller #journalist