As we begin the new year, it is a time of reflecting on the year that has passed and to look forward to what we want to create for 2010. As I look back at 2009, I am proud of the many accomplishments we have achieved.  Congratulations are in order to those who have contributed to ensuring that SHPE continues to move forward. Thanks to you, our dedicated SHPE members – students and professionals – sponsors, committee chairs, volunteers, staff and board, the 2009 SHPE Conference in Washington, D.C. was the best and biggest in SHPE’s history. In fact, it was a success before we even got started, with record-breaking registration numbers! Almost 6,000 of the nation’s top minds in STEM gathered together for the largest technical conference for Hispanics in the nation.

Our national conference is not that the only area in which we grew this year. In 2009, SHPE opened a new office in our nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C.  Our office in Washington, D.C.  allows us to work closely with federal agencies for funding SHPE programs, develop partnerships with various federal agencies, and influence Hispanic education policy at the national level.  And we’re hitting the ground running, as we’ve recently hired Deborah Martinez as the new Director of Programs for AHETEMS. Her extensive track record leading national associations and organizations will help guide SHPE/AHETEMS to develop invaluable programs for pre-college and college students nationally.

We also continue to grow both our membership numbers and the services. The vision our leaders had 35 years ago has today grown to 240 student chapters spread across the nation. These student members continue to make an impact with the great work they do on their campus and in their communities. Our commitment to grow the educational attainment of our students was evident in our first ever Graduate Leadership Institute for SHPE graduate students at NILA. But it doesn’t stop there. I am personally committed to highlighting the tremendous talent SHPE and our nation has in our PhDs and began highlighting our PhDs in various forums and programs.  SHPE will continue to further highlight our PhDs, those stars among us who have put in the time and effort to reach the highest level of academia.

2009 included many successes because of the dedication of our members, board, corporate sponsors and partners.  We have tremendous momentum moving into 2010 and can not stop now.  I am excited about the immense potential to create lasting positive impact as we increase membership numbers, and more importantly, increase membership benefits. We are adding value to your SHPE membership at every level.

SHPE is the source for quality Hispanic engineers and technical talent. We are committed to enhancing America’s position in math, science, engineering and technology with a strong and talented Hispanic workforce.  Our mission is difficult, but important. I am excited for what we can accomplish together in 2010 for our members and our nation.

Happy New Year!

Manny Hernández
SHPE National President