Hi, my name is Laura Gutierrez and I am a fourth year studying environmental engineering and doing research on aerosols at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

As President I aim to support my fellow board members and ensure the success of SHPE in empowering aspiring engineers.

I joined SHPE because I wanted to find a familia away from home. As President for SHPE at UC San Diego, I hope to help facilitate Latinx students through their journeys in STEM so that they can help build a diverse workforce.

Hello everyone,

My name is Jennifer, but you can call me Jen. I’m a third year, first-gen mechanical engineering student. I am from Santa Maria, CA, a small town in the central coast. I am super proud of my roots and am determined to be a great engineer in future who can give back to my community.

My own interests entail music, fashion, and aerospace. I love to breakdown music and particularly enjoy music history. I also am part of a space project team on campus, SEDS, where I get to work on a static fire rocket engine test stand and am also working on a rocket lander!

This year I am the Vice President-Internal, where I get to do a little of everything! You’ll likely see me on our Facebook page making announcements. I am also the TESC Representative for SHPE. Last, I get to assist our President in any tasks needed, and deal with a lot of behind the scenes logistics like record keeping and planning.

I am so excited to be on board this year, as I have been a part of the SHPE Familia since my freshman year. As a Latina in engineering, SHPE has provided me with an inclusive and welcoming space. Here, I am constantly supported and affirmed about my aspirations. I began as a member of the outreach and freshmen committees and found myself coming back to every event. We have lots of opportunities for everyone, so get involved!

Hello everyone, my name is Angel Gonzalez, I’m a 4th year Structural Engineering student with a focus on Construction Management from Marshall College. I am first-generation student from the small border-town community of Calexico, California and Mexicali, Baja California. I love exploring new nature spots, painting, going to new dog beaches, surfing and playing soccer.

I am this year’s coordinator of our annual EMPOWER High School Conference that aims to motivate students from under-privileged backgrounds to pursue higher education. Those who attend the conference will have the opportunity to work in teams on hands-on activities and workshops, network with UCSD students and faculty, and learn about the many opportunities that a degree in STEM can lead them to do in the future.

This will be my 4th year involved with SHPE and I truly appreciate the UCSD SHPE Familia for all the memories and experiences we’ve had since my first day in college. Giving back to my community and especially EMPOWER means a lot to me because I participated in this event as a high school Senior and it motivated him to come to UCSD. So with your help, I will be doing my best to make this year’s conference truly special!

Hello! My name is Milena Salazar and I am a second year Structural Engineering Major. I joined SHPE last year because I was able to see the same passion I share about engineering and representation in the Hispanic community in this club. Outside of SHPE, I enjoy doing calligraphy, listening to music, and being part of various clubs across campus. I look forward to being on board for SHPE this year.

My position in SHPE is the SHPE Junior Representative. I will be leading the mentorSHPE program and the freshmen committee which is a support group for all freshmen. I will also be in charge of planning SHPE Jr. Chapter events such as Noche de Ingeniería.

SHPE to me means familia. I believe that SHPE truly captivates an inclusive and diverse community that challenges me to be a better individual. SHPE gives me the platform and opportunities to grow in my own professional development and passions while helping others grow in theirs.

Hi! I am a fourth year mechanical engineering major with a minor in business from warren college. I am really passionate about humanitarian and healthcare engineering. I am a first generation student from Pico Rivera, CA, a small city in Los Angeles County. My interests include hiking, soccer, watching every rom com on netflix, and visiting new places with friends.

I am this year's youth outreach chair. My responsibilities include coordinating logan elementary and memorial high school outreach events as well as looking for other schools to collaborate with. Last year I was general outreach chair. I am really passionate about spreading awareness of higher education and the available resources to help students get there within marginalized and under-resourced communities. Exposing this next generation of students to the different disciplines within STEM and letting them know that they are capable of so much is very important as not every student has a support system they can rely on.

To me, SHPE means having a community, a support system, and a familia away from home. I have created life-long friendships and memories through SHPE that I will be forever grateful for.