Founded in 1996, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is the oldest Hispanic organization on campus. Today, the organization continues to advocate for Hispanic students at NC State and beyond, specifically in STEM-related fields. 

As an underrepresented demographic across all STEM fields, the organization aims to advocate for Hispanic students’ involvement in STEM. The club emphasizes networking and professional development while still building community among members by hosting social events.

Erik Modesto-Reyes, a fourth-year studying electrical and computer engineering, said the society provides an open space for everyone, including allies. 

“We’re trying to make sure that … we have an open space for everyone, whether they’re in STEM, whether they’re Hispanic or even allies as well,” Modesto-Reyes said. 

Modesto-Reyes said there is a familial bond between members of the organization, and members come together to uplift each other throughout their college journeys. 

“We call it familia,” Modesto-Reyes said. “[We] advocate for each other even on the smallest things, like passing an exam, that’s still something we celebrate.”

Joshua Chavez-Arellano, a third-year studying mechanical engineering, said the club prioritizes professional events like resume reviews and mock interviews, but also hosts social gatherings. 

SHPE’s mentorship program pairs upperclassmen and graduate students with underclassmen to help them navigate their first steps at NC State.

John Gonzalez-Vazquez, a third-year studying civil engineering, said the program helps build community across age groups, as well as helping those newcomers adjust to collegiate life. 

Cristian Narvaez, a fourth-year studying electrical engineering, attests to this.

“I’ve been part of SHPE since I was a freshman,” Narvaez said. “I’ve grown up to get into the [executive board] by knowing and getting to network with a lot of the individuals inside it. … As I’ve grown up, I realized that SHPE actually does change lives, and it’s changed my life for the better.”

The organization welcomes Hispanic students from all colleges and allies of any race or major.

Victor Hernandez Gatica, a third-year studying civil engineering, said social events help the Hispanic community on campus thrive.

“We have a lot of social events where [everyone] can connect and basically be part of the familia,” Hernandez Gatica said.

Ellen Benitez, a fourth-year studying civil engineering, said recent growth has helped the society attract more companies to work with the organization. 

“Now that we’re a bigger organization, we’re making a bigger presence at NC State, and we’ve had a lot of companies reach out to us and want to do events,” Benitez said.

The organization gained 60 new members in the last year. Jossy Ramirez, a third-year studying computer engineering, said the society aims to maintain growth through community outreach and engagement with underclassmen and graduate students. 

Ramirez said the society has begun reaching out to middle and high school students with STEM-related opportunities. 

“[We show] them that they can start early on and think that STEM is an opportunity for them,” Ramirez said.

Students interested in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers can learn more about the organization through their homepage on the GetInvolved website.