A Reflection on SHPE's Regional Conferences

This spring, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) hosted a number of Regional Leadership Development Conferences across the United States as part of their 50th-anniversary celebration. Under the theme "Leading Hispanics in STEM," these conferences bridge the gap between national expertise and local learning opportunities for members nationwide. Many prominent corporations joined Granite to actively engage to support and contribute to the advancement of Hispanic professionals in STEM. Granite participated in three events across the US in Indianapolis, IN; San Antonio, TX; and Costa Mesa, CA.

One of the hallmarks of these conferences is their ability to bring together professionals, students, and educators from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on the intersection of business and engineering within the broader STEM landscape. By emphasizing the crucial relationship between these two domains, the conferences inspire and empower attendees to become leaders in their respective fields.

Granite leveraged its expertise and resources to enrich the experience for participants. In Costa Mesa, California, Jorge Quezada, Chief Diversity Officer, delivered the opening keynote address and participated in panel discussions alongside representatives from Unisys and Honeywell on Breaking Barriers: Nurturing Diversity & Inclusion in STEM Careers. Meanwhile, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Rafael Chavez and Jesus Sandoval led discussions with two very motivated mentees. They discussed career development and advice as they continue with their academic careers.

In addition to active participation in speaking engagements and mentorship programs, Granite also participated in the company showcase. Through the event, we provided attendees with valuable insights into our organization's culture, values, and career opportunities. By engaging directly with students and potential employees, we aimed to not only educate them about our company but also inspire them to envision a future where they can thrive and excel.

Beyond the professional engagements, these conferences also served as a platform for networking and relationship-building with local leaders and educational institutions to continue to grow our talent pipeline.

Since 2020, Granite has been a corporate supporter of SHPE at the national level, recognizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive workforce. As we continue to expand our partnerships into local regions, we remain committed to leveraging our resources and expertise to empower students in their pursuit of excellence in construction industry and related fields.