About Us

Today, SHPE makes a big impact. We’re the largest association in the nation for Hispanics in STEM. We meet each of our student and professional members where they are—offering effective training, mentorship, and programming for our vibrant community.

SHPE’s growth isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As we continue to expand our membership, programs, and partnerships, we’re guided by a clear mission, a bright vision, and the core values demonstrated by our founders.

Mission

SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize their fullest potential and impacts the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development.

Vision

SHPE’s vision is a world where Hispanics are highly valued and influential as the leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Values

We take responsibility for our collective strength and passion by developing communities, building a diverse and inclusive membership, and challenging each other to be our best.

We act on a foundation of service. We commit to deliver the highest levels of quality, integrity, and ethical behavior. We act with empathy, patience, and understanding.

We value formal education and professional development. We are dedicated to continuous improvement and renewal. We learn from successes, setbacks, and each other.

We embrace our diverse cultures and communities, which enable us to adapt, thrive, and persist with optimism.

SHPE History

Founded in 1974 by a group of Los Angeles professional engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Inc.(SHPE) is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to form a network of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community and advance the success of Hispanics in the engineering industry.  

Today, SHPE includes over 13,000 members, of student and professional chapters. As shown in the map, the professional chapter is found in Alexandria, VA.

SHPE-USPTO is the first US Government professional chapter of SHPE. Founded on June 23, 2009, SHPE-USPTO is committed to providing professional, educational and cultural support within the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) community and promoting professional development activities that support the advancement of its general membership.

SHPE-USPTO Chapter Objectives and Goals

Increase exposure to career opportunities for the Hispanic community at the USPTO

– Professional development and recruiting events focused on Hispanics in general Engineering disciplines.
– Workshops at local institutions.
– Onsite tours for prospective Hispanic employees.

Develop programs to foster advancement of Hispanics within the USPTO

– Mentorship opportunities between general SHPE members and individuals in management positions within the USPTO.
– Encouraging the membership to participate in career advancement programs

Provide social outlets for USPTO employees

– Quarterly “happy hour” events.
– Social retreats and/or events that honor various aspects of Hispanic heritage.

Expose the general membership to the diversity within the Hispanic community

– Incorporating elements of various Hispanic groups into our Chapter.
– Honoring special occasions/holidays that are particular to various groups.
– Promoting a dialogue among the different cultures represented within the body of our Chapter.

SHPE-USPTO Bylaws

Please review the Bylaws of the USPTO Professional Chapter here.

Code of Ethics

Members of SHPE shall uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of SHPE by: being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity our organization and our community; striving to increase the development of Hispanics in engineering, math, science, and other technical professions; and using their knowledge and skills for the advancement of Hispanics to achieve educational excellence, economic opportunity and social equity.

To achieve these goals, members shall:

  1.   Act in a professional manner maintaining integrity and truthfulness and avoiding conflicts of interest.
  2.   Respect and protect the privacy, rights and dignity of others and maintain confidentiality when required.
  3.   Issue statements or present information only in an objective and truthful manner.
  4.   Treat fairly all colleagues and co-members, recognizing their unique contributions and capabilities.
  5.   Present a professional image in dress as well as behavior at all SHPE functions or while wearing the SHPE name and/or logo.
  6.   Call attention to unprofessional, unethical or inappropriate behavior and notify the appropriate leadership or authority if such behavior continues or threatens the safety or welfare of others.
  7.   Accept responsibility for their actions and recognize the contributions of others; seek critical review of their work and offer objective criticism of the work of others.
  8.   Continue their professional development throughout their careers, and provide opportunities for the professional development of those that follow them.
  9.   Be fiscally responsible with SHPE funds by spending within approved budgets and following financial guidelines set by the SHPE Inc. National Board of Directors, Local Region, Local Chapter, etc., as appropriate.
  10.   Abide by the National Bylaws, policies, procedures and guidelines as established by SHPE Inc.