SHPE Out Loud: Leading Hispanics in STEM

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Apr 2026

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About the show

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

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.

December 4, 20251 hr 16 min

Debugging the Dream: Going on a New Adventure and Finding Your Niche with Gio Benitez Torres

Here is the episode description without the embedded source tags:Episode DescriptionIn this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we sit down with Giordano "Gio" Benitez Torres, the North America Quality Coordinator at Lenovo. Gio takes us from his roots in Panama to his current role as a "computer detective," where he solves high-stakes engineering issues for users around the globe.We discuss how a lack of access to new hardware led him to mod his gaming console, sparking a lifelong passion for tech and learning English along the way. Gio also opens up about the resilience required to navigate setbacks and the persistence that eventually landed him his dream job.Plus, we dive into Lenovo’s culture, from foldable screens to sponsoring F1 and the World Cup. Gio also shares crucial advice for members heading to Convention.

October 8, 202536 min

Engineer in the House: Congresswoman Luz Rivas' Journey

In this special episode, SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe sits down with Congresswoman Luz Rivas, an MIT-trained electrical engineer, non-profit founder, and the only Latina in Congress with a STEM background for an in-depth conversation about her remarkable journey. They discuss her path from the San Fernando Valley to the halls of Congress, exploring how her technical expertise informs every aspect of her work as a public servant. Join us for an insightful look at leadership, service, and how a career in STEM can be a foundation for creating community impact.

August 25, 202537 min

Finding Your Familia: Juan Yarala on the Power of Community and Giving Back

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Yarala, a freshman electrical engineering student who shares his inspiring journey from Bogotá, Colombia, to the University of Florida. Juan opens up about the hurdles he faced due to his immigration status and the moment he feared his dream of higher education might be out of reach. He explains how finding his local SHPE chapter provided him with more than just resources, it gave him a Familia.

July 29, 202542 min

Breaking Barriers: Genevieve Gandara on Caltech, Stanford, and Advocating in STEM

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, Genevieve Gandara, a mechanical engineering student at Caltech soon heading to Stanford, shares her inspiring journey in STEM. From robotics teams in her school years to navigating the rigorous academics at Caltech, Genevieve opens up about the importance of community, resilience, and advocacy. She discusses confronting bias, finding her passion in sustainable design, and her experiences with SHPE, including attending the national convention. Genevieve’s story highlights the power of determination and reminds us why representation in STEM is so crucial.To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.

July 14, 202534 min

Redefining the Plan: Angelica Gonzales on Switching Majors and Staying Focused

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we meet Angelica Gonzales, a SHPE Scholar and mechanical engineering student at Ventura College. Angelica shares how she’s balancing her studies, leadership roles, and work while preparing to transfer to a four-year university. As a first-generation college student, she talks about what drives her, the support she’s found through SHPE, and how she stays focused on her long-term goals. Her story is a great example of resilience, determination, and what it looks like to keep showing up, even when the path isn’t easy.To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.

June 9, 202543 min

Learning to Let Go: Abby Bravo on Finding Her Own Path

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we sit down with Abby Bravo, a SHPE Scholar who shares her journey of learning to let go of perfection and finding her own path in STEM. From feeling the pressure to always be “the perfect student” to figuring out her place at the University of Houston, Abby opens up about her mentors, family, and the moments that made her realize it’s okay to be honest about the struggles. Her story is a reminder that it’s never just about the grades, it’s about growth, too.To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.

May 7, 202525 min

Changing Paths: Matteo Lopez on Aviation, Economics, and Embracing the Pivot

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we meet Matteo Lopez, a senior at Santa Clara University who shares his journey from a passion for aviation and mechanical engineering to discovering economics as his true calling. Matteo opens up about his experience growing up near San Francisco, adjusting to college life, and overcoming imposter syndrome. He reflects on the importance of being flexible and open-minded when your original plans shift, and how SHPE played a key role in supporting his education and personal growth.To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.

April 23, 202541 min

Finding Your Way: Sebastian Guevara on Imposter Syndrome, and College Life

In this episode of SHPE Out Loud, we hear from Sebastian Guevara, a SHPE Scholar studying at Carnegie Mellon University. Sebastian shares his experiences growing up in Houston, and navigating college life as a first-generation student. He opens up about facing imposter syndrome, the decision to switch majors, and the importance of learning to ask for help. His story is relatable, honest, and offers some great insight for anyone currently trying to figure things out at school.To learn more about SHPE and how you can get involved, visit shpe.org.