SHPE - Spring 2009 - (Page 14)

C O V E R S T O RY ❚ By Leilani Rangel Women Who Are Changing Our World I T n celebration of Women’s History Month, SHPE magazine recognizes three Latinas whose backgrounds in engineering and science have enabled them to make significant changes in the nonprofit, corporate and academic arenas. Now, they serve as presidents in their own right and have touched the lives of many. Diana Gomez, President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, has served an unprecedented three two-year terms in office. Her tenure has been marked by her signature leadership style featuring two-way communication with Society members and sponsors, and it has resulted in monumental changes that have taken SHPE from good to great. Recently named President and Managing Director of General Motors de Mexico, Grace Lieblein is GM’s highest-ranked Latina executive and the first engineer to hold the position. Her selection is confirmation of the role technology will play in transforming the company and the automotive industry as a whole. Dr. Elsa Murano is the first woman and first Hispanic American to be President of Texas A&M University. As she implements innovative strategies to advance the university’s development, she may help set new standards in education, making the United States a stronger global competitor. Diana Gomez, SHPEPE The People’s President he very first time Diana Gomez publicly addressed the Society’s newest crop of NILA graduates, she did something rather extraordinary for the president of a 6,000-member organization: she gave them her cell phone number. Whether they had a question, a concern, a complaint or an idea, they were encouraged to give her a call. If this was any indication of what lay ahead, SHPE was about to experience a different type of leader. Six years later, her phone regularly chimes with unfamiliar numbers. Gomez still makes time to answer, because listening to the members and the sponsors has been essential to her success in taking the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers from good to great. Each year, the National Institute for Leadership Advancement (NILA) inspires Gomez with a sense of renewal and offers a chance to explore endless possibilities. “Think of all the impossible, crazy ideas that have ever crossed your mind, things that you would do if you were president of SHPE,” she challenges newly elected leaders. “Work to make them a reality. Only when something doesn’t work can you say that it really was impossible.” Although her unprecedented third term as president nears its end, Gomez had fixed in mind what she wanted to achieve from the very beginning; and, she approached it with the same tenacity and open-mindedness that she has always inspired in others. “I envisioned SHPE evolving into a multidimensional organization, one that could Presidential Milestones 1st Term 2003-2004 2004-2005 ● Streamlines ● Initiates lifetime and membership automates at NTCC 2004 election process. During three consecutive two-year terms, Diana Gomez has led 2nd Term 2005-2006 ● Three-year partnership with IBM established. ● Executive Advisory Council (EAC) launched to strategize with NBOD and invigorate professional base. ● SHPE teams up with HCF and MAES to increase Hispanic representation in federal government. ● NBOD adopts a new mission. ● Gomez participates in SHPE’s first Executive LeaderSHPE Institute. ● Creates AHETEMS foundation. SHPE is the Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent SHPE ❘ Spring 2009 14

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Spring 2009

SHPE - Spring 2009 Contents President’s Letter A Letter from the CEO Calendar Browser Diana Gomez, SHPE: The People's President Grace Lieblein, GM: A Driving Force in Mexico Dr. Elsa Murano, Texas A&M: Education with Impact Regions Connect and Explore Common Base 'Learn by Doing' A Grad Degree, for Free? Programs & Services Think, Pair, Share: Partnering to Increase STEM Awareness Inner Circle Employer Profiles STAR Awards: Call for Nominations Regional Roundup

SHPE - Spring 2009

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