On April 18, 50 SHPE members joined a handful of SHPE staff at a briefing on “Building the Next Generation of Hispanic Leaders in STEM” held by the Office of Public Engagement at the White House in Washington, D.C., and organized by SHPE’s Government Relations department.
The purpose of the briefing was to bring together Administration officials and SHPE representatives for a meaningful discussion of how academia, the private sector, and government can meet labor needs, lower barriers, and increase representation while constructing a sustainable education and domestic workforce pipeline of Hispanic students and professionals in STEM.
“SHPE members are part of the 8% that makes up all Hispanics in the STEM workforce nationwide. A recent report estimated that by 2031, the STEM employment projection will outpace non-STEM sectors by nearly 11%,” says interim CEO Miguel Alemañy. “SHPE is eager to meet that projection by preparing, coaching, and empowering our members through our proven and renowned programs. We are committed to opening more doors and holding them open so that many more generations of Hispanics in STEM can break through that glass ceiling. And we are honored that the Office of Public Engagement sees the value of diversity in STEM and has created this opportunity to collaborate with us.”
The delegation from SHPE included Hispanic students and young professionals pursuing a degree and career in various STEM disciplines who are best able to recommend the most impactful types of support to help them complete their degree and feel like they belong in an industry that traditionally lacks Hispanic representation. Also joining the discussion were members of SHPE’s Academic and Industry Partnership Councils who are best able to highlight the value of building a diverse workforce in both private and public sectors.
“Thank you to the entire SHPE Familia, staff, supporters, and partners for their dedication to SHPE that made this possible,” says Senior Associate of Government Relations at SHPE Mariana Acuña Delgado. “It’s only because of the achievements of SHPE members who have proven the value of diversity in STEM that I was able to make this event happen. And thank you to the Office of Public Engagement at the White House for their ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and for welcoming SHPE to D.C.”
