about us

National and St. Louis Chapter

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers history

1974

National non-profit organization founded.

The objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community.

Through the years it has become a leading technical organization whose primary function is to enhance and achieve the potential of Hispanics in engineering, math and science.

We are brought together by heritage, social responsibility, and the desire to improve the equality of all people through the use of science and technology.

We value excellence in education, professional pursuits and leadership. We obtain excellence through integrity, empowerment, achievement, diversity and continuous improvement.

St. Louis Gateway Chapter founded.

It was founded by Annette Desarden-Carrero in September 2004, where the first meeting was held at St. Louis University. During the first meeting, 12 of the 13 attendants became members and were elected the first Executive Board of Directors (EBOD). Within 2 months, the highly motivated members completed the establishment phase and their bylaws for SHPE.

The chapter was recognized as the Professional Chapter by the National Board of Directors on December 3rd, 2004. The first Professional Development workshop took place at the UPS facility in Earth City, Missouri. Since then, the chapter has been working providing workshops and events with the support of well-known companies like Boeing, Ameren, and SSM Health.

2004

Mission and Strategy

SHPE’s mission, vision, and values are deeply ingrained as a framework that guides all of our actions; they serve as our cultural cornerstones and purpose.

Vision

SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as leading innovators, scientists, mathematics, and engineers.

Our Values

Familia

We take responsibility for our collective strength and passion by developing communities, building a diverse and inclusive membership, and challenging each other to be our best.

Service

We act on a foundation of service. We commit to deliver the highest levels of quality, integrity, and ethical behavior. We act with empathy, patience, and understanding.

Education

We value formal education and professional development. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and renewal. We learn from successes, setbacks, and each other.

Resilience

We embrace our diverse cultures and communities, which enable us to adapt, thrive, and persist with optimism.