The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) was founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1974 by a group of engineers employed by the city of Los Angeles. Their objective was to form a national organization of professional engineers to serve as role models in the Hispanic community. Region 2 is home to many firsts in SHPE: the first professional chapter (Los Angeles), first student chapter
(California State University, Los Angeles), first high school Jr. chapter (Rancho H.S. in Las Vegas, NV), and first middle school Jr. chapter (Lowell Middle School in Phoenix, AZ). In addition, the first SHPE national conferences were held in Los Angeles and Phoenix through the early 1990s. SHPE quickly expanded to other colleges and universities in the Southern California area in the late 1970s, followed by Arizona State University and University of Arizona in the early 1980s and The University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the early 1990s. We have a rich tradition of leaders, including our founding National President and many other National Presidents that reside in our Region. Our members possess invaluable leadership experience that spans decades, which presents a great resource for our organization but more importantly our communities to tap into on our path to achieve SHPE’s mission and vision.
