SHPE Out Loud: Leading Hispanics in STEM

Hosted by SHPE National

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Aug 2026

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SHPE Out Loud is a leadership podcast that guides young professional Hispanics working in STEM by creating a community that provides support and a sense of belonging. There is a disparity between the Hispanic population and representation in STEM. On the podcast we will interview thought leaders in STEM as well as SHPE members to share their stories. We will have authentic conversations that support and inspire Hispanics working in STEM. SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) is the nation’s largest association dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in the STEM (Science, tech

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60 recent

August 20, 202611 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 8: Why Staff at the Regional Level Benefits Volunteers

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: As the organization scales its impact, regional leaders will have support for executing critical initiatives. • Clarify the distinct roles of volunteers and staff in delivering SHPE's mission. • Discuss how staff can reduce administrative burdens that often contribute to volunteer burnout. • Explain how regional staff provide continuity despite annual volunteer leadership transitions. • Share examples of services staff can provide, including operational support, event coordination, chapter assistance, and compliance. • Demonstrate how professional support enables volunteers to spend more time mentoring members and developing leaders.

August 20, 202619 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 7: Elections vs. Nominations: Which Creates Better Boards?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: Main Point: High performing boards must balance skills and expertise, not just membership representation. • Compare election-based and competency-based nomination models used across the nonprofit sector. • Explain how nominations emphasize identifying the skills, experiences, and diversity needed on the Board. • Discuss the importance of balancing representation with organizational competencies. • Address common misconceptions about nominations and transparency. • Explain how nominations can strengthen succession planning and long-term governance.

August 18, 202615 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 6: Why Does SHPE Need Required Committees?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: Main Point: We need a minimum set of required committees to ensure leadership progression and volunteer engagement. • Explain why certain governance responsibilities must always receive focused attention. • Describe the purpose of committees such as Audit, Finance, Governance, and Nominations in nonprofit best practices. • Discuss how required committees improve accountability, oversight, and organizational resilience. • Explain how committee continuity reduces institutional risk during leadership transitions. • Show how required committees help SHPE remain strategic, compliant, and member-focused.

August 14, 202627 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 5: How Do Great Nonprofits Scale?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: How Do Great Nonprofits Scale? If we want to impact 50+ million Hispanics, we need systems and accountability • Examine how successful nonprofits evolve from founder-led organizations to mature governance structures. • Discuss the balance between passionate volunteers and professional staff as organizations grow. • Explain why systems, governance, and standardized processes become increasingly important with scale.. • Connect these lessons to SHPE's vision for future growth and long-term sustainability.

August 12, 202614 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 4: Why Does Regional Support Matter?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: Regional volunteer leadership needs execution support • Discuss the important role regions play in supporting chapters and members locally. • Explain the increasing complexity of managing membership growth, events, compliance, and volunteer development. • Describe how consistent regional support improves the member experience across all regions. • Share examples of challenges that volunteers face when adequate support is unavailable. • Explain how stronger regional infrastructure allows volunteers to focus on leadership and community building.

August 11, 202613 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 3: Why Do Committees Matter?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: • Explain how committees allow the Board to accomplish more than it could during board meetings alone. • Describe how committees bring specialized expertise to governance and decision-making. • Highlight committees as an accessible leadership pathway for volunteers who want to contribute nationally. • Discuss how committee work improves transparency, continuity, and accountability. • Explain why committee recommendations strengthen Board decisions.

August 6, 202614 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 2: What Makes a High-Performing Board?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: We have outgrown our "working board" model • Explore the characteristics of effective nonprofit boards: strategic thinking, accountability, diversity of expertise, and healthy debate. • Discuss the importance of focusing on long-term organizational success instead of operational details. • Explain how board evaluations, leadership succession, and continuous learning improve governance. • Share examples of how strong governance enables organizations to respond to growth and change. • Connect these principles to SHPE's aspiration to become the leading organization serving Hispanics in STEM.

August 4, 202615 min

Special Board Podcast Series - Episode 1: Why Do We Have a Board of Directors, and Who Are They?

In this special SHPE Board Podcast Series board members Diana Gomez, Francesca Escoto, and Alejandra Leija will explain everything about how SHPE works as an organization! A broad range of topics will be covered, so don't miss out! Ever wondered how nonprofits worked? Ever wanted to start your own? Don't miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at SHPE. In this episode: BOD is a law requirement for nonprofits; legal entity responsible before the government • Explain the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a nonprofit board versus the role of staff. • Clarify the difference between governance, strategy, and day-to-day operations. • Introduce the composition of SHPE's National Board and the perspectives each director brings. • Discuss how board members represent the interests of the entire organization rather than individual chapters or regions. • Explain how members can engage with and provide input to the Board throughout the year.

April 8, 202655 min

Dr. Isaac Rodriguez | The Job You Want Might Not Exist Yet

Dr. Isaac Rodriguez is on the SHPE Board of Directors, has a PhD in biomedical engineering, and about ten years ago started a medical device company with his sister that's now raised over ten million dollars. In this episode we get into what it actually takes to go from a lab idea to an FDA-cleared product, how he raised over ten million dollars as a first-time founder, why not knowing the answers is part of the process, and how their product ended up saving someone's life. We also talk about what SHPE is building on the entrepreneurship side for members who want to explore that path.EntrepeneurSHPE LinkedIn Group: www.linkedin.com/groups/15578021/ Visit us online: www.shpe.org

February 10, 2026Episode 149 min

Karen Horting on Leading with Purpose and Adaptability

We are kicking off 2026 with a conversation on leadership, resilience, and the power of community. In this episode, we sit down with Karen Horting , Executive Director and CEO of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Karen shares her personal journey from working in the corporate paint industry to leading a global non-profit organization. She opens up about the reality of career paths and offers advice on how to navigate the ups, downs, and lateral moves that shape our professional lives.