SHPE - Fall 2007 - (Page 34) REGIONAL CONFERENCES T By Leilani Rangel W Regional hen the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers moved its national conference to the fall, it made provisions to reinforce lead- ership training at the regional level for student and professional members. Held in each of SHPE’s seven regions between the months of March and April, the Leadership Development Conferences (RLDCs) enhance the leadership skills of incoming and future officers toward the ultimate goal of improving chapter transition – essential for the survival of local chapters, the region and SHPE as a whole. In support of SHPE’s mission to be The Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent, RLDC is designed to provide a leadership and networking experience that increases the potential of Hispanics who are underrepresented in STEM disciplines. “We got a good start this year,” said SHPE National President Diana Gomez, who attended five of the seven RLDCs. “At the National Board of Directors' retreat last summer, we concentrated on the roles of the RLDCs, strengthening curriculum, standardizing offerings, solidifying core programs as well as determining what will be mandatory and where there is flexibility.” According to Yuliana Porras, past chairwoman of SHPE’s National Affairs Committee, the new guidelines (which will be fully implemented in 2008) will standardize RLDC by requiring the program to include key workshops, a regional meeting and time for board member transition. With SHPE National co-hosting student and professional chapters in matters of logistics, budget, registration and program delivery, some of the fundraising burden is removed from the chapters, minimizing the academic impact on student committee members. Invitations to RLDC are extended to outgoing officers and newly elected officers for student and professional chapters in each region. Over two or three days, members of the SHPE National Board of Directors and staff present several key workshops. For example, “SHPE 101 for Leaders” provides information on SHPE’s educational and outreach programs, conferences, reports, awards and other requirements/guidelines. “OneSHPE” discusses the Society’s online resources which leaders must access to successfully run their chapters. Ready, set, go! At RLDC III, leaders built and raced foam boats across KSU’s pool. During RLDC V, each chapter honored one of its members with a 12th Man Award, a Texas A &M tradition recognizing volunteer spirit. Regionally In “Life of a SHPE Leader,” current SHPE officers describe their roles and responsibilities and explain the qualifications and election process for each position. An optional workshop on time management offers tips on maintaining balance between school/work, family and SHPE. Each region is free to include additional workshops and events as long as it meets RLDC requirements and purpose. The program also requires a regional meeting, presented by the RSR and RVP, that addresses regional issues, successes and member concerns. Another session allows outgoing officers SHPE R Fall 2007 34
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