SHPE - Winter 2008 - (Page 17) MEET THE PRESIDENTS 2007-2008 Professional Chapter Leaders Focus on Student Development By Nina Berler and Leilani Rangel State of the Union A t the beginning of each year, the most recently elected Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers professional chapter presidents address how their members are contributing to their local communities and the nation as a whole. As the country grapples with implications of a severe shortage in technical talent, these leaders reaffirm a com- mitment to strengthening the pipeline that will transport the next generation of students from elementary school through college and into the technical work force. “Meet the Presidents” highlights the achievements of these role models and celebrates their efforts to accomplish SHPE’s mission to be The Source of Quality Hispanic Professional Engineers and Technical Talent. REGION I Sacramento, California Davina Gonzalez In May 2007, missing the feeling of familia she had with her college chapter, Davina Gonzalez reactivated SHPE-Sacramento. The chapter has since gained 20 active members and has held monthly meetings and events to get to know professionals and the students in the area. It will co-host the Region I Leadership Development Conference in April 2008 alongGonzelez is poised side Sacramento State University. Also in the to help the recently re-established works is a résumé event for student chapters in chapter prepare the area and a college informational workshop the next generation for a local school. of professional Gonzalez served as vice president of outleaders in Region I. reach and president of SHPE-Cal Poly SLO. In fact, the chapter achieved Student Chapter of the Year for Region I, giving it regional, national and university-wide recognition. “In more ways than I realize, SHPE has given me tools to be an effective leader, to gain confidence in myself as a person and a professional,” explained Gonzalez. “It taught me that standing out as a Latina in the engineering industry can be a good thing and that putting yourself in the spotlight is the best way to shine. I knew graduating from Cal Poly with three years in SHPE gave me numerous advantages over other graduates on the same level. This advantage continues to pay off today.” Davina Gonzalez is an assistant engineer with Stantec Consulting and holds a B.S. in environmental engineering. REGION I Puget Sound, Washington Elizabeth Galaviz In Elizabeth Galaviz, SHPE-PS has a true devotee of STEM education. In 2008, the chapter plans to start a SHPE Jr. chapter and hold programs such as Viva Technomania, the Milk Carton Derby and Engineers Week. “There’s so much potential in children, and that’s what keeps me motivated in my work with SHPE,” Galaviz said. “Our chapter is truly working STEM activities hard to meet these demands with creative and which tap the great potential in children interesting programming. With the energy and keep Galaviz talent our chapter has, and with the resources motivated. that SHPE National provides, we’re tirelessly working to ensure SHPE is The Source for Quality Hispanic Engineers and Technical Talent.” Additionally, Galaviz has focused on providing the professional chapter with visibility among corporations. She led a committee that put together a corporate sponsorship packet resulting in the financial investment of Accenture and State Farm Insurance and increased support from current sponsors. In fact, the chapter is still receiving requests from local engineering companies who want to invest in the chapter. “I’ve been able to meet such hard-working and extremely talented Hispanics who have become some of my closest friends and who truly inspire me to do the best that I can,” Galaviz added. “These are relationships I’ll have for life as part of the SHPE familia.” Elizabeth Galaviz is a consultant with Accenture. She joined SHPE in 2005. www.SHPE.org R Winter 2008 17 http://www.SHPE.org
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