SHPE - Winter 2008 - (Page 32) CONFERENCE 2007 PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOSKOW STUDIO A New Era Begins BY LEILANI RANGEL T here was no better place for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers to make history than the birthplace of many and varied firsts in education and freedom. With more than 2,600 atten- dees, this year’s conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marked the largest gathering of Hispanic technical talent in the country and in the Society’s 33-year existence as well as a host of SHPE firsts. The decision to move the conference into the November timeframe followed a chain of organizational restructuring that ushered in “A New Era of Service,” appropriately the conference theme. The primary goal of a fall conference was not only to serve corporate partners with top-notch talent during the height of the recruiting season, but also to give members an edge in the increasingly competitive global job market. “We accomplished what we set out to do,” explained Diana Gomez, SHPE National president. “This conference exceeded our expectations and created tremendous momentum. Now, we’re more ready than ever to serve our members with greater career and employment opportunities.” Consistent with the conference location, a patriotic theme was carefully woven into events. During the opening ceremony, SHPE found itself aboard a ship: the U.S.S. Iwo Jima. “The defense of our country takes smart engineers and scientists who can adapt technology,” said Captain Robert Irelan in his opening remarks. (Photo Admiral Kirkland Donald, SHPE President Diana Gomez, conference chairwoman Monique Jackson and Capt. Irelan.) Inspirational speakers reminded students that being a part of SHPE could add to their personal legacy. “Get up every morning and ask yourself what you will leave behind,” said Anthony Lopez, of Johnson & Johnson, the opening session sponsor. “You get to choose the single most important element in your success, and that is your attitude. You have control of your legacy.” (Photo J&J’s Cari Arroyo, Anthony Lopez and Nichelle Evans.) Four individuals whose legacy is bound up with their volunteer spirit were honored with President Awards by Gomez. (Photo President Award recipients Michael Zamarron, Luis Mendoza, Alejandra Hernandez and Monique Jackson.) Further µ testifying to SHPE’s ability to prepare leaders was Lenin Marte, an engineer employed by Toyota for three years, who served as keynote speaker for the President’s Breakfast. The former SHPE student and current professional member noted, “SHPE is an ideal place for successful professional engineers to make an impression on young engineers.” Willie Dees, president of manufacturing with Merck & Co., Inc. (luncheon cospon- The 2007 SHPE Conference committee. 32
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